my bike. As it turned out, the new bike had a different saddle than the one I?m used to, which is why I got cramps. It was very unfortunate, but at least I wasn?t dropped due to lack of strength. When the cramps disappeared, I was able to take some long turns in the pursuing group in order to reduce the gap to the leaders, and I felt very strong. I have to accept the fact that I lost some valuable time today, but this only makes me even more motivated for tomorrow?s time trial.?

Tomorrow?s time trial, Stage 8, will be a 45-km affair from Lamporecchio to Firenze. The course will feature a six-km climb. Stage 8 will be the first test of strength for those who hope to win the 2005 Giro. Who will pass it? Savoldelli? Sergei Gontchar (Domina Vacanze)? Check in at http://www.roadcycling.com/ and find out!