Today was gonna be a long stage. Not necessarily due to the distance we were riding (although it was still over 100 miles), but we needed to have a coach transfer to the start line over an hour away from the hotel. Then we were to be riding on a busy road for the 1st section, so it was a controlled start - setting off in smaller groups and keeping a steady pace until the 1st feed stop c25miles.
It was going to be a lumpy day, Phil had warned us of this during the briefing the day before - but he didn't really need to cos wherever you look out from the hotel, all you can see are mountains- we are definitely in the Alps!
The view from the 1st climb of the day, a small Cat3 climb just to get the legs working
On one side of the road, a beautiful looking lake, on the other side....
...One of the biggest dams ive ever seen, there were a few people not wanting to look down!
Starting the descent of the Col des Leques
Another great view - I don't get tired of taking these pictures...we started down there at the bottom of the valley if you were wondering
Looking ahead, the news didn't look good - there's only one way out of this valley, and its gonna be up! That lump you can see in the distance is the Col d'Allos the highest point in this years TdF - topping out at 2250 metres (for some comparison, Ben Nevis the highest point in the UK at just 1344metres)
Moi, posing at the top...no need to breathe in anymore, ive lost loads of weight - but im still heavy in comparison to most (anyone remember the Scotch advert? "Re-record, not fade away?" that's what most of the people on this trip look like!)
A great view from the top of the Col d'Allos...spoilt by some bloke wearing his club colours
The descent off the d'Allos was quite technical (read: Crap yourself at every sharp corner). There were no run offs on this descent, get it wrong and you were going straight over the side and down the sheer drop..and I mean sheer drop! (I've taken some video, and when I've had a chance to edit it, i'll add it here...a white knuckle ride!)
At the top of Pra-Loup, the final climb of the day - ive got no idea what the flower arrangement was supposed to signify, but it looked ok
Onto the evenings awards ceremony, each day there are 3 awards. Lead rider Phil presents a laminated stage map to the rider he deems has tried the hardest to get to the end of the day...some guys are out on the road until nearly darkness each day leaving no time for recovery, then they get up and do it all over again!
Then theres the "Pink Horn" which has to be worn on your bike if you win it - this is for someone who has basically had a bad day at the office - they've either stacked it at some point, and had an off. Or lesser misdemeanours include, very dodgy cycling outfits, and forgetting your water bottles before setting off from a feedstop - an essential item when the temps have been as hot as we have seen.
Then theres the "Chapeau" award, this is given to the person/people who have been recognised for going over and above to help others out when they are in need, and making an extra effort to support others. I was amazed when Jolyon gave both me and Simon (or Ant and Dec as we have been named) the award - I mentioned the other day that Jolyon had a bad crash and broke his collar bone - his tour is now over, but he is staying on and cheering the others on - he really is a top bloke!
Moi, avec le Chapeau Beret
Enough waffle now - click below for the stats du jour
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