J201 – 7/6/2006

The alarm clock rang at 3 AM.  Serge, who was sleeping  like a log, went right back to sleep.  Too bad for the semi final.  4H45, this time was the good one and Serge watched the last five minutes of the France – Portugal match and the victory of the “Blues.”  At 5H30 Serge was ready: Thomas left with him after having watched the entire match, whereas Tom and Maxime went back to bed.  This day started well, the sky was gray and the heat bearable.

Serge’s stride was alert, which was a pleasure to see.  His head turned from left to right and he enjoyed his surroundings, which is another sign of a runner in good form.  The boys are delighted with the results of the match and the outlook is positive for the final match on Sunday.  At the 48th kilometer, we entered the suburbs of Nanjing.  The arrival in this city of almost 6 million inhabitants was not easy.  We took a taxi to act as our guide during the last 10 kilometers.  Serge took advantage of a track normally reserved for walkers and cyclists, of which there are still many in this country.

At the end of this stage, we were lucky to find a hotel 200 meters away so Serge could go there on foot. At 14H00, he was in his room.  There is nothing better for the morale than a good afternoon of rest.  Stéphanie, gave serge his excellent daily massage.

Tomorrow Serge must run on a toll road and cross a bridge (total distance 15 kilometers), before entering Nanjing and heading toward Wuxi, still on route 312.  Departure is planned for 4H30.