We were quite lucky this morning because we were the only team with a hotel in Commercy so we didn't have to drive to the start.

I woke up feeling a bit drained and, just for a change, the knee was causing me a lot of pain.

I'm taking anti-inflammatory tablets for the swelling and lots of painkillers.

God I hope this gets better soon...

Not much to say about today's stage really - it was pretty much the same as the previous stages - I just hung on and tried not to quit.

It's hitting me quite hard psychologically because I keep getting dropped and have to ride alongside the team car.

That isn't at all good for morale.

I'm determined to keep going, but it's bloody difficult.

The first really mountainous stage is tomorrow so I'm just praying for a good day.