Hi guys,

It’s been way too long since I have been in touch with you, for which I can only apologise. Since talking last I have gotten over my virus which hampered my 2010 season and am back getting towards my best for my new RadioShack team. I write on the second rest day here in what’s been a crazy Giro d’Italia so far.

Yesterday I got myself involved in the 18 man breakaway, I had highlighted Stage 15 in particular as one which suited me, with 5 categorised climbs that suit my style. It was without doubt one of the hardest days I have ever had on a bike, early on in the day my RadioShack teammate “Poppo” or Yaroslav Popovych clipped off with 6 other riders and I got myself into a strong chasing group which included Garzelli, Di Luca and a few others big hitters and within no time at all we were across to the lead group on the road and got to work quickly.

Clouds loomed on the horizon and the gap went to almost 10 minutes at one point, it was nice to be back in the midst of the action again.