4hrs 47 minutes. Come on man, make it look difficult.

As we're staying in Villaviciosa I planned another route for today from the original (yes, I can adapt) which allows Hugh another jaunt in the valleys. Joined by even more cyclists, Hugh and others the Tour of Spain had an easier day with only slight undulation, (600 ft height gain overall) but it is easier on the joints than running downhill. There was a long flat(ish) section along the valley floor. Easily despatched by Hugh so anything else of note?

Well, Samia had a well earned day off which meant I ordered luncheon. Despite my pronunciation, it was surprisingly both savoury and edible - bocadillos may not be known as classic runners' food but good to munch on when the day is almost completed and Hugh subsequently ran gently to finish off the day. Also I had a minor altercation with some Spanish traffic cops but I let them off with a caution. Fat men in jodhpurs riding motorcycles look absurd is all I can say, without a hint of petulance. Female one day eventers would be preferable and more appropriate.

Jonny, our PR man and head of UK HQ (too many titles?), is coming out on Friday and I hope he brings that clutch of diplomatic letters he's promised - we may need those. In the meantime we move further towards Santander and back to the coast tomorrow. Having had my fun, I will now keep Hugh as far away as possible from hills, though not easily done in northern Spain.

Footnote: should anyone want to see the daily routes, choose the Day number from the route tab of the website then click on the view in Google Earth. The last bit's essential or you'll see very little on the Google map.