Stage 14 already, that's 2/3rds of the way through now, wow doesn't time fly when you are flogging your guts out every day!
Today was another "Interim" stage between the Pyrenees and Alps, it took us along and through the Tarn Valley which was amazing - if you have ever thought of visiting this part of the world, id recommend it.
A picture of a roundabout, you can take the boy out of MK, but you cant take MK out of the boy!
We started the day at the top of the plateau, which meant a speedy descent to the bottom of the valley, including overtaking a couple of slower moving cars
This village was cut right into the hillside - very picturesque
One of the key "sights" to be seen today was the Millau viaduct, the picture doesn't really do it justice - its mahoosive! and we ended up riding right underneath it. The French are obviously very proud of their bridge, as its mentioned everywhere (but was designed by a brit Norman Foster...ha ha)
A big lump...and an amazing piece of architecture
One of many fantastic views as we went through the Tarn Valley
Build the road round the mountain?...Non!
It really was one of the most picturesque stages we have been through today, everyone in the peleton agreed on that.
Ok, so a few KMs ago, I started climbing from down there - a cheeky little Cat 2 climb of 9kms at 6%avg
A bit further up the same climb - fab views!
The real sting in the tail for todays stage was this little critter - 174kms into the stage when the temp had reached 35c, and they decide to put a really steep climb at the end of the stage ( the Course designers know how to get the best for TV coverage!)
Officially, its called the Cote de la Croix Neuve, although its known locally as Montee Laurent Jalabert after the famous French TdF rider who won the stage here years ago...win a stage, have a mountain named after you - seems reasonable right??
It really was a leg breaker after 175kms, it averages at 10%+ but there were long sections of 16+% (for those of you in MK, think Bow Brickhill hill for 3kms...ouch!)
Another transition day across the Massif Central tomorrow - im hoping for another 120mile "easy day"
Je suis knackered!
Many thanks to everyone who has already donated so generously, but if you haven't had a chance to sponsor me yet, but are enjoying hearing about the suffering im going through,
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