The Tour de France is a race that demands a certain level of professionalism and a unique mindset. Luke Plapp, an Australian professional road cyclist, is sharing his experiences from this year's Tour with Cyclingnews. In this diary entry, he reflects on the first week of the race, the team time trial, and the dominance of Tadej Pogačar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG. Plapp believes that Pogačar's lead will open up the race and provide opportunities for teams like his own, which are willing to take risks. He also discusses the impact of the heat on the race and how it has affected the riders' strategies. Plapp's perspective offers a fascinating insight into the Tour de France, highlighting the importance of teamwork, risk-taking, and adapting to the race's challenges.