First over the Churnet were Bernie Sulzberger and Ivan Basso.

Bartosz Huzarski was not far behind but had given up trying to keep pace with the other two.

Meanwhile, Team Columbia was keeping the peloton moving along nicely in pursuit.

Their speed was soon reduced, though, as they began the long and steep ascent of Star Bank.

That evening at home, I watched the coverage on ITV4, in which I made my second-ever TV appearance.

The breakaway didn't last and was eventually caught by the chasing group. Despite falling off with 9km to go, The Netherlands' Marc de Maar of United Healthcare broke clear on the run into Hanley to win the stage.