Last day, last double.
The Defender started hard on the tired legs. I remember in 2019 Tour, it almost finished me, so the respect is significant. That final music stuck with me for a long time, always triggering emotions and became part of my cycling playlist ever since. But somehow after a first interval, it felt believable I can actually finish this in form.
The Attacker I found easier, playing to my strengths. So I’ve decided to make it a bit harder and interesting to watch by a live broadcast, my first ever. The ego writing checks and all that, I’ve thought to add some % to power targets throughout, the decision I AM, quite predictably, regretting the following day.
So just like that, my third Tour is finally finished, nuclear. I found it a little bit easier (after Nine Hammers stage that is) than the previous years, which was obviously by design and thanks very much GvA for being sensible. It also made me realise, that the racing last few months increased my numbers somewhat. Lack of break before the ToS meant I’ve skipped pre-tour FF, which in retrospect was an oversight I’ve tried to compensate by +5% here and +10% there. That worked well, but the real FF is on order in few days and only that will see how “nuclear” my version of nuclear really was. I suspect I’ve been walking the cautious line, which makes me worry about upcoming training 
So far I can report fragmented sleep, higher morning and resting HR, lower HRV, constant hunger and the fact todays 2hr easy walk was a little bit of a funny sight to behold, since my legs are having mind of their own. We all know the next 2 days will be even worse 
Strangely my HR/HRV, while still on more fatigued side, is improving throughout the week, since - you’ve guessed it - day 2 after Nine Hammers. Oh dear.
Well done everyone for participating and finishing this glorious Tour. You’ve done yourselves, all of us and DPF proud.
P.S.: My only personal regret is the fundraising. I don’t know what is your experience, but this year it was nearly impossible to find anyone willing to chip in even the smallest amounts. Wish I could do more.
And consider a Knighthood 
thanks to SUF HQ for organising such a great challenge, & to all in the peloton for the motivation. now off to the Tavern to replace some of that lost Holy Water 
