Today was a hefty 210km leg in the Massif Central region from Valence all the way down to the finish in Mende. This was a tough stage as the profile suggests
We essentially spent a great deal of the day climbing, not on the most severe of climbs, but with all of them added up it really took its toll. The climb in Mende at the finish was something special! On the profile you can see that the first 100km we essentially uphill, with only a few minor downhill stretches to rest the legs. Once we got to the Suc de Montivernoux, my group of 8-10 guys were in sight of the smaller group that had started 30 minutes before us (as they knew it was going to be a long day despite the 8am start), and the competitive spirit in Sandy and I resulted in us racing up the climb trying to catch everyone in front of us.. The views from the top (the most Southern point of the Massif Central) were awesome.
Part of the rolling section included a climb that had melting tarmac (in the heat!) which literally felt like you were cycling in syrup.. the tarmac stuck to the tyres and stones flew off the brake pads.. all sapping the energy from your legs for about 35 minutes of climbing, not ideal!
Once through the rolling hill sections from 100-160km (which included a rain shower) we hit the final feed stop, greeted by a sign saying "the last 40km run into Mende is all downhill". Great!. If it was true.. the next 35km were over rolling (mostly uphill) and psychologically the toughest section of the whole Tour so far. The "40km downhill" had actually been 38km rolling, and 12km down (ie 50km total), there were some unhappy faces to say the least..
The highlight of the day (and the highlight in 2 weeks when the pros race here) is the final ascent up the 'Cote de La Croix-Neuve", a very sharp (but short) climb that killed us all at the end of the day... My group of 8 hit the bottom together and went flat out to the finish line (already in place for the Tour). The middle section (2nd km) averages 13.5%.. there are sections around 15-16%.. it is the sort of hill where you are doing all you can just to keep the pedals turning! I didn't take any pictures as i put my camera in the support vehicle during the rain shower, but this is a picture of a pro race on it
Once the climb was over, it was a short ride back to the hotel (already 7.15pm) to get some much needed food inside all of us..There really were some people suffering after today (all newcomers that have joined for a few days), vomiting, white faces and shaking all common around dinner time.
Day highlights
Sandy (unbelievably) loudly farting just after saying "bonjour!" to 2 old French farmers, causing them to turn away in disgust
Dermott (53yrs old) shouting "I have a serious problem with my big ring" as he was unable to change gear..
Realising how weak our grips have all become (from holding the handlebars all day). Some people are unable to cut food at dinner
I need to mention the fact that my feeding tactic is to load up on sugar at the final feeding station (coke (which i haven't drunk for several years) and sweets galore), however this has often lead to me getting the absolute chronic not-able-to-breath giggles at the most ridiculous things. Today it was cycling behind Doug and watching his bum go from side to side as he pedalled in his nearly see-through white shorts.. i had tears and couldn't ride behind him again.
Today's Distance: 210.87km
Total Cycling time: 8 hours 41 minutes
The Pyrenees are getting closer!! Oh, and the part for my bike finally showed up tonight..! and it is the right one.. i just left the mechanic Gideon out in the hotel car park setting it up ready to ride for tomorrow.. can't wait!
No comments:
Post a Comment