Pat McCarty, Giro d'Italia stage 3 Cycling has ups and downs. Today, for me anyways, was a little bit of a downer. From start to end. Though it still hasn’t ended yet.

I crashed pretty hard with 70 km to go and had a long chase through the cars. It rained just enough to make things slick and some guys managed to fall off on a straight flat road. I wasn’t the last to get up at least. I saw a Lotto guy with a bad gash in his shin…he was the last one up. Glad that wasn’t me.

So I got back on and there was another crash with 20 km to go. I didn’t go down but ended up back in the cars again chasing some how. Didn’t catch on and rode in with a few other crashed/dropped guys.

After the finish we showered in what looked like old army barracks. I was surprised the water was warm. Then we waited in a parking lot for the bus to take us to the port for the boat ride (that’s where I am now writing this). Then after this boat ride, there is apparently another long bus ride. I suspect we won’t eat dinner until 10:30 - if we’re lucky! Then tomorrow is another long one.

Anyways, we’re all still in good spirits despite it all. Though it all seems a bit ridiculous for 2 days into a three-week stage race, it’s the same for everyone. Danny pointed out that two days ago we were on the winner’s podium. Now we’re kicking a Coke can around in a dirt parking lot. We had a good laugh because, in the end, it’s all about the experience. I’m still happy to be here and still having a good time with this team. I promise.

- Pat