In certain respects Day Six was pretty much one of recovery after the exertions of the previous day.

However it wasn't my idea of recovery having witnessed the morning training session.

Breakfast was at 8.15 and directly afterwards the medical staff of Neil Greig (Head of Medical), Daryl Martin (Physio) and Chris Domoney (Masseur) played host to those who required attention.

The medical staff it has to be said are available 24/7 and any injuries, tweaks, pains etc etc are expertly attended to immediately in our own medical centre,

At 10 o'clock the squad was split between those who had played the main part of the match the previous evening and those who came on as subs or indeed didn't feature at all.

Those who had played had a mountain bike session for two hours led by Uwe through the beautiful surrounding countryside whilst the remainder took to the training pitch.

There they were put through their paces by Chris Haslam who set them a punishing schedule both before and after the coaching staff had completed their own routines, on what was the hottest day so far on tour.

It was then time for lunch at 12.30 after which everybody had the choice of these four options… a trip into Erfurt which is the capital of our host district of Thuringia, an opportunity to enjoy the delights of a local water theme park, mountain biking or just staying local and relaxing.

So we all departed in different directions for the remainder of the day with everybody having licence to stay out until 10pm (should we so wish).

As a result, as I write this blog at the end of the day I have yet to hear of any "interesting" stories other than the fact that Richard Lee was one of those who decided upon mountain biking and came a cropper up on the Thuringian mountainside.

I`m not too sure those at the front of the pack who were no doubt all jockeying to be our very own Bradley Wiggins were aware of the mishap, but a youngster who was alongside Richard at the time certainly was as he too went flying.

But I am pleased to report that everybody is fine and well, although Richard is of course somewhat embarrassed!

I myself, in company with Alan Kernighan and Simon Royce, took a fifth option and visited Saalfeld a town not far from here which dates back to the 7th century.

In the evening the coaching, medical and media staff plus myself, enjoyed the delights of a classic riverside German restaurant with a BBQ and "entertainment" provided by an accordion player.

It was a brilliant end to an excellent day and a great opportunity for all to enjoy what this part of Germany has to offer.

Peter Gilham