ok, so there's flat and there's Costa Blanca flat,

where of course every ride starts from 0m altitude. But today's route did involve two cafe stops (no tea-cakes), the first one after only 1 hour and a bit of serious up-hill. The profile shows 1100m climbing - a bit low as we are saving ourselves for the final flourish tomorrow! Richard promises to knock at least 5 seconds off his Coll de Rates time and is taking an extra custard tart as fuel. Watch this space. Reminded to mention the temperature today - 27C (sorry). Highlight of the day ? Had to be a sudden change of pace when a certain member of the troupe got hit by a sudden rush of testosterone. Best we say no more of that...