Getting ready for the start of stage 4.Stage 4 was the first truly sunny stage and personally what I thought Sardegna would be like the entire week. Today was another "rolling stage" though there were plenty of 5+km climbs scattered throughout the 120km course. Personally, I felt great and was hell bent on staying with the front group for the entire race. That started off well enough as I was at the front when we hit the first climb. I was happy and maybe a little surprised to still be there at the top as well! So far, going to plan. Then it started to get a little messy. What was left of the field went flying into a pretty confusing round about and I went left while everyone else went right. I had to come to a complete stop and let the entire field pass and then sprint for the next few minutes to get back to the front.
Great that I was back in front, not so great that I had to burn about 8 of the 10 matches I had doing it. Got up the next climb in front but was feeling it a bit and then it happened: I got dropped on the descent. I honestly could not believe how fast these guys were going downhill. I went from the front of the group in under a minute, and then off the back shortly after!
After chasing solo for the next 5km I got back to the front group at the base of the next climb only to get shelled right away. Oh well, at least I had enough to hang with the third group the rest of the way and actually felt like I was one of the strongest in that pack. In the end I took a flyer with 2km to go and died at 500m, but it wasn't for a lack of effort. This was hump day for me and I felt great and was looking forward to the next few stages...
The follow cars getting ready to depart.
Assos USA's John L. He was a crash victim from stage 2 and was still pretty stiff but was riding better every day with a smile on his face the whole time...
Fuel for the stage; hot dog buns w/ Nutella and cream cheese. LOVED these, and miss them! Plain water on the left, electrolyte on the right...
"Ribo" getting his Goomah checked out before the stage. He is also the manager of the Manga-Yio store in Lugano. Lucky guy...
Luigi!
Goomah
Malcolm checking his tires before the depart. Nice Team Pinarello Paris...
Riding to the start of the stage with Kale Keltz from the Bicycle Haus in Scottsdale AZ.
Pre stage interview with the race promoter... 
I'm in here somewhere. At least there are some other racers who look like they are suffering more than I am!
Franco leading the way with Ribo and Tom in the lead group. Check out the guy who crashed and is covered in blood. This may be a grand fondo, but it was more like a full on race! Loved it!