Day 14: Fast progress, and then...

Realising we had only 55 coastal miles today we set off at top speed with an aim to finish by 12:30. We are quite fit now and working as a team and taking turns at the front we can cycle at 20mph for hours on end on the flat.

Then one of Jeroen's rear spokes broke. Peter's running repair kept us on the road until we found a bike shop. The guys there quickly sorted us out, refusing to take payment. We have found the Italians to be a lovely, warm hearted, open and friendly people.

And now a rest afternoon before our final full day on the Italian mainland tomorrow, and then a ride across Sicily to the finish.