After coming out of the unsupported climb with a fully depleted water bottle, David’s demeanor has shifted from excitement and jitters to one of determination and focus. He is by no means discouraged, and is still going strong, but he is now in the thick of the ride, his mind fixated on the pavement in front of him and managing his condition over the rest of the day in front of him.

The heat had already reached 70° as of 10:30 this morning, and it could get up to 85° or 90° during the peak of the day. Out here in large open areas like this, there’s little to be found in the way of protection from the sun. The only thing keeping the riders cool is their water and the air moving around them as they pedal forward.

It’s at this point in the race that the crews start to become further involved with their riders, managing their performance more closely and making more frequent hand-offs of food, water, supplements or what have you. Caloric intake (and output), as well as pills or mystery potions to alleviate pain, are meticulously recorded. Crews are in charge of making sure that their riders are taking in nutrients and calories at regular intervals so that they have the energy they need to keep up their pace.