We certainly expected more from today's team time trial in the Giro d'Italia. We thought we would be able to get in amongst the first three teams if everything worked out. But that didn't happen. Considering the circumstances, we did everything right.

But one rider was sick and another didn't have his best day. We couldn't get the speed needed for a better result over the last five of the around 20 kilometres. We had only four men to share the role of leading during this period.

I tried to lead for longer than my colleagues. But even I needed to take a breather at a speed of around 56 km/h. I am satisfied with my personal performance.

I rode as well as I can at present. I am glad now that the team time trial is over and am looking to the future. We have a long day behind us.

We travelled to Venice by ferry, viewed the course and contested the race. Now we're back in the hotel. I'm going for a massage now, then for something to eat, and then on Sunday there's a flat stage on the cards.

I'm taking things day by day, hoping that the weather helps and, should an opportunity for a top result offer itself, I will take it. Yours, Fabian.