Tirreno-Adriatico 2013, Stage 6, Porto Sant'Elpidio to Porto Sant'Elpidio. 

En route to Strada Cocciari Summit, Round 3.

The TV cameras had long gone. We had already witnessed top riders getting off their bikes and walking up the 30% gradient at the end of the climb. Way off the back, we kept waiting for Phinney to pass the climb for the 3rd time. 

The weather was wet and miserable. Most of the crowds had disappeared. We stood there with our camera, in prime position, and captured Phinney's final ascent. He was adamant to make the time limit, as he was looking forward to the final stage, the individual Time Trial the next day.

So here's to Phinney, because, as David tweeted: "he knows it matters"...

Probably the most trying day I've ever had on a bike. When I wanted to stop, I thought about my Dad and I didn't quit. I made it, 37min down

— Taylor Phinney (@taylorphinney) March 23, 2014

Unfortunately he didn't make the time cut! Here is a great write up of his ride in the Wall Street Journal.