Just a very quick note to say that this weekend’s scorching weather means you’ll need to drink up and keep hydrated or you’ll really really suffer.

Riders on recent stages of the Tour De France have been swilling down at least 6 litres of water a day (that’s an average of a litre – or two normal water bottles an hour) to stop all the heat stroke and fatigue problems that occur with only marginal dehydration.

Don’t set out with only one bottle and think you’ll be OK. Start drinking now and get yourself the biggest Camelbak (or whatever) you can for the ride and fill it back up at every chance. Make sure your mates do the same too.

Heat stroke sucks and can turn a perfect days riding weather into a nightmare situation very quickly. Don’t forget to slap on the suncream either. Lobsters can’t ride bikes.