Fumy Beppu: Riding in memory of Wouter

10th May, Stage 4

Today we rode for Wouter - it was our way of saying goodbye, however hard it was to part from him.

During this tribute stage, so many spectators were out at the roadside and warmly received us. I could sense they had been waiting for the arrival of Giro de Italia to their towns. Giro, even with its 100-year history, has not yet visited many places and for some cities, today was the first time to welcome Giro. When I think of that, I feel that we have to ride no matter what,  as long as there are fans out there, looking forward to watching us ride through their towns.

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The race will start again tomorrow. Concentration. That's what I need.

11th May, Stage 5

Just before entering the Strade Bianche, my front wheel punctured! So I had to be at the very bottom of the main group on the "white path". It came at the worst timing imaginable! I was at the front of the peloton until it happened!! Tiago (Machado) and Popo also had some troubles so lagged behind from the general classification contention.

A pretty hard stage. But that makes Giro exciting. Giro is REALLY exciting!

In any case, still a long way to go and I want to keep trying! My condition is good and if I keep on trying, there will be a day where it pays off.

12th May, Stage 6

Another TOUGH stage with a very high speed from the early kilometres. Popo was in the escape and that in itself was good - but Rabobank was setting the pace super-high, so only a small gap was allowed. Not an easy day for Popo :(

My role was to be near Tiago all day and support him. No trouble for us today (good) but the last climb was so hard that I was almost dropped!!

Tomorrow will be the first summit-finish. The total distance is only 110km so I have to be very much aware not to miss the time-cut.

(Original Text by Fumiyuki Beppu, translated by Maki Terao)