The 4am start wasn’t the best way to start the day but I didn’t have much else to do but make my way through security and enjoy a 4:30 porridge from Pret A Manger. That time of day is funny in airports as there is a weird mix of really excited fully awake people and those like me who are functioning but not ready to socially engage.

The flight was uneventful and Pisa airport is small and efficiently run other than they moved the carousel our luggage was on without warning – flight was from Gatwick so I guess that makes sense in some way.

I arrived at the hotel around 10am and as my room was not ready I left the bags and went sightseeing along with many thousands of others.

By 2pm I was constructing my bike and meeting many of the other 12 riders in the group and well as our two guides. Bike seems all OK but will undoubtedly need some tweaking during the first days ride tomorrow.

The rest of today will be about hydration, repacking for riding and pizza………