Charlie Quarterman: Giro diary

The Corratec rider on rest-day lurgy and Grand Tour finisher’s pride

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REST DAY BITTEN BY THE BUG

On the first rest day, although I didn't dare say it, I was wondering why we needed them. I really got myself into the rhythm and wasn't really getting more tired. It was a rather different story this time! Yesterday, I finally got the symptoms of a stomach bug that's afflicted a few other guys in the peloton and it was horrible. Last night I hardly moved or talked, no more than necessary for massage and saying "si" for pasta. Luckily, I had today to recover before the big-mountain days and it seems to have done the trick! I also managed to sneak in a little bit of economics revision and help organise for my girlfriend Louise to come to Rome on Sunday.

STAGE 16

LONG AND GRINDING ROAD