There sure is a lot of “hurry up and wait” going on today. Today is the day before the big day. The main item on today’s agenda is to pre-ride the course. Everything else is pretty much ready to go. Bikes are in good shape (Jonas will check them out for me today at the course.) I’m organized (as is normal). Just really sitting and waiting.

Again, the temptation is there to go out and stretch the legs and the eyeballs. But I’m not here for sightseeing. Don’t worry, I’m having a great time. After all. It is October. I’m in Italy. It is 25 celsius. The sky is blue. I get to race in the first World Cup of the season. How can I not be having a good time. This is a bike racer’s dream.

Truly living the life. Best to soak it all up. Each and every experience like this is a building block for the next race and challenge.

Many thanks to Christine Vardaros and her husband Jonas for the extreme generosity and friendliness. Christine and Jonas are staying at the same hotel as me. (Well, I’m staying here because Christine told me about it…) We hung out last night. Was nice to just chill out and chat with people. Christine and Jonas brought me many goodies from Belgium – waffles, specculous cookies, and the coveted All-Bran Choco. Thanks so much guys – I really appreciate everything.

Heading over to the course in a couple of hours to pre-ride and pick up the numbers. Then it will be back here to relax, eat, and get ready for tomorrow. Feeling good. Strong sensations and looking forward to racing. I’ll post up later with my thoughts on the race course.

All the best to everyone racing in Gloucester this weekend. I’ll be with you in spirit. Pedal hard. Have fun. Go Marc!