Blown away on a day trip to the Eternal City

down and catch my breath before the call. Sitting waiting for that call was a horrendous experience. You almost don’t want to pick up.

On this occasion it went well. The team are happy. They told me they will scan me again in six months but for now just go ride your bike and enjoy life.

I don’t need to hear those words twice. I almost jumped back on the bike and went out for another few hours.

After a solid four days riding around the farm roads of Italy I was due a rest day. So I jumped on a train to Rome.

It’s easy as an athlete to travel the world and never actually see anything away from the sport. So on this occasion I decided this is one place in your life you have to visit.

I went to the Colosseum, which hosted gladiatorial battles from 70-80AD, and am reminded that it held between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators. It felt like walking into an Olympic stadium, or maybe it is how a boxer feels walking out in today’s world.

Massimo Francucci, a man with a PhD in art history, was my guide for the day. I wanted to learn as I walked around taking photos. It was possibly the most mind blowing seven hours I have ever spent. You can feel the history around you as you wander through the Colosseum; walking through the arches you can close your eyes and almost imagine what it might have been like to be a gladiator. They were fighting for their lives, just like I am.

I tried to absorb as much as I could. I left Vatican City via the church. I wouldn’t say I am a very religious person but I felt it was I important to rub the holy water over my neck and pray that my tumour never comes back.

Cycling is not very popular in Rome although it has hosted the final portion of the Giro three times and an Olympic Games. As proficient as I am, I am not sure I would feel safe riding around the streets there. Those driving the cars around here are so typically Italian, full of passion and energy.

So after a fascinating day touring Rome I jumped on the indoor bike for a session before crashing into bed.