The longest stage race I have ever ridden starts today. So far, Portugal has impressed. Awesome hotel, good roads for training at least, weather isn’t great yet but that will get better, and a lot of fans. I have heard good things about the number of spectators at this tour, and judging by the crowd at today’s presentation, it looks to be true.

The teams were presented two by two with a dance thing between each session. Amazingly, all of this was aired live. All three hours of skinny guys waving at a TV camera and Portuguese dancing girls. No idea who would sit through such a drawn out epic, as we were pretty damn bored seeing it live. Maybe I underestimate the devotion of Portuguese cycling fans. Or perhaps the rather tasty dancing girls were not just for our entertainment.

The race looks tough. There are a number of strong teams and that doesn’t even take into account the portuguese unknowns, who apparently have secret compartments holding motorcycle-like engines hidden in their frames to aid them in their pursuit of victory. That remains to be seen. We are just aiming to get the arms in the air.

With a fine balance of two time trials, three hill-top finishes and a load of stages that look good for sprints, the race seems as well balanced as our team. But then cycling has the habit of being horribly unpredictable, making the racing as exciting for us as I hope it is for you guys!