Photo: © Discovery Channel

Eyes on the road: The Steve Cummings Giro diary 2007

Well known for his role in Great Britain's fearsome team pursuit squad, 26 year-old Steve Cummings now has his sights firmly set on the road with Discovery Channel. And it doesn't get much bigger than the Giro d'Italia where Steve is making his Grand Tour debut.

Follow his progress on Cyclingnews as he helps Discovery's bid for Giro glory whilst also keeping one eye on the finish in Milan.

• Index to all entries

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Getting into the groove

Hi,

Well its great to have started the Giro at last. The atmosphere here is electric and the public are really excited and friendly, they appreciate you. The crowds are big here in Sardinia. Our manager Sean Yates told me the first few stages would be very nervous, difficult and hard. Well he wasn't wrong to say the least!

The TTT, as you might know, ended badly for us with Popo (Yaroslav Popovych - Ed.) crashing in the last kilometre. We had been in third place and would have been third at the finish but for that, not bad as we lost four riders. However the course was very technical, sticky, hard and, as you might of seen, dangerous.

It was great to have George Hincapie back in the team, despite his injuries early on in the season he was going great. Having him here is a great boost for us all, not only for his strength but his experience and personality. He gives us inspiration, I find it hard at times to realise I am in the same team as him! I have worked hard for the team this year but it's still a great buzz.

As I said earlier, Sean said it would be very nervous so I have tried to keep out of trouble and do my job, but with so many crashes it doesn't make things very easy. I am not too worried about losing little bits of time as long as I am feeling good, which I am, and the team are happy with me.

It's great to just be here, I am falling in love with Italy, I just love it. Tomorrow's the first rest day, but I wouldn't think we will get much rest, especially with a boat trip to the mainland.

I will tell you more when I arrive in Italy itself for a stage that has a very tough mountain finish. Despite its toughness I am looking forward to it, I have got to love the hills despite not being light. It's again a tricky course all day I have been told. I just hope the weather stays fine!

It would be nice if you all to tune in again, and if you have any questions just let me know.

Until the next time, enjoy the race.

All the best,

Steve.