Tuesday, 30 September 2008
Day 5, Tuesday 30th September
Luchon to Oust (113kms).....
A cold morning in Luchon, there’s mist on the mountains, but we’re brightened up by Harvey’s pink plastic cycling pants - a forfeit prize from the night before. The Mayor comes to start the team off along with local photographers and well-wishers. Today is Jonny “Nike” Nye Day with the team in white Nike kit plus lots of warm layers.
We are half way through the challenge and the first col, Portillon, is cold and misty – the group are sombre (could be down to the late night in Luchon). We cross the border into Spain for 23kms before Col de Mente back in France. This is a beautiful col on good roads through forest but it’s long and tiring and the support van, zooming by to reach the top playing Queen’s “Fat Bottomed Girls" at full blast, manages to raise a smile. The usual break-away group, Robby, Byng-a-ling, Michael, CMJ, Mark Angela (always competing with Robby), Mark Jones, Felix, Radek, Kirkie and Harvey, hit the sunshine at the top first and don’t hang around before setting off for Col Portet d’Aspet. Lunch is in a field by the side of the road along a stream. The team are exhausted and flake out in the sun.
After lunch they face Col de Lacore which proves to be a struggle for all as it’s the fourth mountain in one day. Puddles of sweat drip on the top of Lacore which is now cloudy and cold. A short descent into Oust for a swim in the hotel pool, a massage and French Fred’s after-dinner briefing and awards. Our hotel is, as usual, a traditional, old, small, dated with lovely swirls on carpets and walls - think Faulty Towers and then some.......
Yellow shirt is awarded to Mark Jones, Polka dot is for Dickie Relton (compensation for being miffed not winning the previous night) and Felix who had to down a vase full of beer for spending the previous night in the gym. Si Barnett was awarded the plastic pink pants for not living up to the polka dot shirt expectations. Tonight the team go to bed early exhausted but they are still determined and everyone’s made it so far.
Day 4, Monday 29th September
Luz St Sauveur to Bagneres de Luchon (121kms)
Monday morning, Day 4, the start of some serious climbing…. This is Tourmalet day. The start is in two groups and the climb is almost immediately after leaving the hotel. It will take over two hours to reach the top of this magnificent mountain. All is quiet at breakfast as they prepare for the day ahead. We've heard so many horror stories about this mountain. Tourmalet is stunning almost moon-like as you reach the top, we are so high. The road is winding and never-ending and each bend you think is the last but it goes on and on. The team are spread out as the toll on the legs begins to sharpen. The support van passes each rider to check they are ok but the mood is sombre. The top of the col is busy with other brave cyclists and well-wishers. You can see for miles around on our sunlit blue sky day which is windy and cold on the top – it’s not a place to hang around but as the team, one by one, reach the top they can’t help but spend time to reflect on what they’ve achieved. There are lots of relieved faces.
They change kit to arm and leg warmers to face the descent down amidst wild horses which roam the col. After stocking up on power food and drink they head down the glorious descent through stunning valleys, narrow nail-biting cliff-edge roads to the valley below.
Next is Col d’Aspin, a 13km slog with tired legs but it’s a beautiful col. We had a picnic in the sun at the bottom of the mountain with French cheese and ham, a cheeky sunbathe by mad Si Hunter and Dickie Doodah getting the cups of tea organised. And finally Col de Peyrsourdre, where we are met by a representative from the Mayor of Luchon, who invites the team to a send-off from the Mayor’s office in town the following morning.
The sun has shone all day and eagles have been soaring high above. It’s been a huge achievement and cyclists bomb down the last 14kms to Luchon and a hot shower. Ali and Jen get to work massaging tired legs whilst the rest hit the bar and recount tales of the day.
Marcello won the Green Jersey, Si Barnett won the Polka Dot Jersey, the Yellow Jersey went to Graeme for being a helping hero and non-stop talker and White Jersey went to Nick Carter. Special award went to Harvey for having the biggest bottom in cycling shorts where he was presented with a pair of pvc fluorescent pink cycling shorts.
It's difficult to put into words how incredible these guys are - each day they don kit and sit on a bike for 6 hours. Some can hardly speak, some can't look at each other, other times they want to be in a group for chat and team spirit....all are tired and determined.
Monday morning, Day 4, the start of some serious climbing…. This is Tourmalet day. The start is in two groups and the climb is almost immediately after leaving the hotel. It will take over two hours to reach the top of this magnificent mountain. All is quiet at breakfast as they prepare for the day ahead. We've heard so many horror stories about this mountain. Tourmalet is stunning almost moon-like as you reach the top, we are so high. The road is winding and never-ending and each bend you think is the last but it goes on and on. The team are spread out as the toll on the legs begins to sharpen. The support van passes each rider to check they are ok but the mood is sombre. The top of the col is busy with other brave cyclists and well-wishers. You can see for miles around on our sunlit blue sky day which is windy and cold on the top – it’s not a place to hang around but as the team, one by one, reach the top they can’t help but spend time to reflect on what they’ve achieved. There are lots of relieved faces.
They change kit to arm and leg warmers to face the descent down amidst wild horses which roam the col. After stocking up on power food and drink they head down the glorious descent through stunning valleys, narrow nail-biting cliff-edge roads to the valley below.
Next is Col d’Aspin, a 13km slog with tired legs but it’s a beautiful col. We had a picnic in the sun at the bottom of the mountain with French cheese and ham, a cheeky sunbathe by mad Si Hunter and Dickie Doodah getting the cups of tea organised. And finally Col de Peyrsourdre, where we are met by a representative from the Mayor of Luchon, who invites the team to a send-off from the Mayor’s office in town the following morning.
The sun has shone all day and eagles have been soaring high above. It’s been a huge achievement and cyclists bomb down the last 14kms to Luchon and a hot shower. Ali and Jen get to work massaging tired legs whilst the rest hit the bar and recount tales of the day.
Marcello won the Green Jersey, Si Barnett won the Polka Dot Jersey, the Yellow Jersey went to Graeme for being a helping hero and non-stop talker and White Jersey went to Nick Carter. Special award went to Harvey for having the biggest bottom in cycling shorts where he was presented with a pair of pvc fluorescent pink cycling shorts.
It's difficult to put into words how incredible these guys are - each day they don kit and sit on a bike for 6 hours. Some can hardly speak, some can't look at each other, other times they want to be in a group for chat and team spirit....all are tired and determined.
Monday, 29 September 2008
Sunday, 28 September 2008
Day 3, Sunday 28th September
Gurmencon to Luz St Sauvieur (134kms)....
Another glorious sunny day. Today the team tackle 3 huge cols and it's also Nando's day where everyone is wearing blue Nando's kit with a chicken on the front and the slogan 'Perri-nees'! After a Happy Birthday breakfast for Graeme (40) everyone is keen to start. The first col is Mare Blanque, a nice road but steep and the team reach the top amongst the herd of cattle ready to face the Col d'Aubisque, a great legendary climb of the Tour de France.
The winding stunning road up Aubisque sees amazing huge mountains surrounding the deep valleys where sheep and wild horses roam - it is breath-taking with eagles circling overhead and numerous cyclists along with our team slowly grinding for two hours plus to reach the summit. This col takes its toll and the support van is ready with Powerade, chocolates, water and words of encouragement, which are welcomed. A quick change to warmer clothing and the team start the descent down the valley for lunch. It's now 2pm after an 8.30am start. Lunch is quick as Col De Spandelles awaits.
A break-away group of Harvey, Nigel, Jonny, Si Barnett, Tom Byng, Kirkie, CMJ, Radek, Graeme, Robby and Mark Angela tackle Spandelles - the worst col of the day. The steep winding narrow gravel unforgiving pot-holed roads brings out the most expletives from the exhausted eleven. Amazingly Robby and Mark find the strength to sprint finish but all agreed this is the worst to date. The eleven head to Luz to join the rest of the pack (who chose an alternative route) at the hotel.
At dinner the group are exhausted and in bed by 10.30pm. Radek retains his Yellow Shirt and Robby picks up King of the Mountain. Robby is also presented with a live chicken to celebrate Nando's Day!!
Tourmalet is next..........
Another glorious sunny day. Today the team tackle 3 huge cols and it's also Nando's day where everyone is wearing blue Nando's kit with a chicken on the front and the slogan 'Perri-nees'! After a Happy Birthday breakfast for Graeme (40) everyone is keen to start. The first col is Mare Blanque, a nice road but steep and the team reach the top amongst the herd of cattle ready to face the Col d'Aubisque, a great legendary climb of the Tour de France.
The winding stunning road up Aubisque sees amazing huge mountains surrounding the deep valleys where sheep and wild horses roam - it is breath-taking with eagles circling overhead and numerous cyclists along with our team slowly grinding for two hours plus to reach the summit. This col takes its toll and the support van is ready with Powerade, chocolates, water and words of encouragement, which are welcomed. A quick change to warmer clothing and the team start the descent down the valley for lunch. It's now 2pm after an 8.30am start. Lunch is quick as Col De Spandelles awaits.
A break-away group of Harvey, Nigel, Jonny, Si Barnett, Tom Byng, Kirkie, CMJ, Radek, Graeme, Robby and Mark Angela tackle Spandelles - the worst col of the day. The steep winding narrow gravel unforgiving pot-holed roads brings out the most expletives from the exhausted eleven. Amazingly Robby and Mark find the strength to sprint finish but all agreed this is the worst to date. The eleven head to Luz to join the rest of the pack (who chose an alternative route) at the hotel.
At dinner the group are exhausted and in bed by 10.30pm. Radek retains his Yellow Shirt and Robby picks up King of the Mountain. Robby is also presented with a live chicken to celebrate Nando's Day!!
Tourmalet is next..........
Day 2, Saturday 27th September
St Jean Pied de Port to Gurmencon (110kms).....
After a nice evening in the picturesqe village of St Jean, Day 2 is a serious stage - gentle at the start and then suddenly big elevation. It's a cold morning, everyone is kitted out in arm and leg warmers and essential windproof jackets. The mood is quiet, anxious to get going. Today the team is split into two groups: one leaving at 9.30am and one leaving at 10.30am (the fast ones) - only Robbie, Graeme, Mark A and Simon Barnett turn up for the fast group (Damien and Warren by accident). The sun's out, sky is clear blue but it's a slog to the top of the first col. The views are magnificent and eagles soar overhead. Sheep and shepherds mingle with the cyclists and cars pass by staring at the pink pelaton (our official team shirt colour). One more col and then picnic lunch by the side of the road in Larrau. The team are doing well, Radek is proving to be the dark horse, followed by Felix who leads the pack. The group relax at lunch (which includes a sunbathe for mad Si Hunter and plenty of chocolate for Si Barnett).
After lunch it's downhill through amazing scenery, streams and villages nestled in the valley. Hugo, Andrew and Johnny take a detour after getting lost which they paid for later in a forfeit cocktail. But everyone arrives safe in the quiet village of Gurmencon and there's high spirits at dinner. Massages await the team and everyone is relieved to have survived the first test. King of the Mountain awarded to Jon "Gentleman" Hollis for helping his team mates, Green Jersey went to Ruairidh for "bottom injection" after sitting on a wasp and getting stung, Yellow Jersey went to Radek and the White Jersey to Pumper Powell for yet another puncture.
After a nice evening in the picturesqe village of St Jean, Day 2 is a serious stage - gentle at the start and then suddenly big elevation. It's a cold morning, everyone is kitted out in arm and leg warmers and essential windproof jackets. The mood is quiet, anxious to get going. Today the team is split into two groups: one leaving at 9.30am and one leaving at 10.30am (the fast ones) - only Robbie, Graeme, Mark A and Simon Barnett turn up for the fast group (Damien and Warren by accident). The sun's out, sky is clear blue but it's a slog to the top of the first col. The views are magnificent and eagles soar overhead. Sheep and shepherds mingle with the cyclists and cars pass by staring at the pink pelaton (our official team shirt colour). One more col and then picnic lunch by the side of the road in Larrau. The team are doing well, Radek is proving to be the dark horse, followed by Felix who leads the pack. The group relax at lunch (which includes a sunbathe for mad Si Hunter and plenty of chocolate for Si Barnett).
After lunch it's downhill through amazing scenery, streams and villages nestled in the valley. Hugo, Andrew and Johnny take a detour after getting lost which they paid for later in a forfeit cocktail. But everyone arrives safe in the quiet village of Gurmencon and there's high spirits at dinner. Massages await the team and everyone is relieved to have survived the first test. King of the Mountain awarded to Jon "Gentleman" Hollis for helping his team mates, Green Jersey went to Ruairidh for "bottom injection" after sitting on a wasp and getting stung, Yellow Jersey went to Radek and the White Jersey to Pumper Powell for yet another puncture.
Day 1, Friday 26th September
Biarritz to St Jean Pied de Port (87kms)......
DAY ONE.
A cold start on a quiet September morning. Lots of early risers heading for breakfast (a few sore heads who braved a last magnum at Pascal's bar). Glorious sunshine so the factor 50 sunblock is on along with padded shorts and pink cycling top (our team colours, pink just to please the rugby boys!) - the group look amazing posing by the hotel pool for pre-stage 1 team photos. It's hard to recognise our lovely cyclists in helmets and shades - they look fantastic. Everyone's excited, chatting, swapping tips - mainly "Don't fall off". There's a few too tight shorts and lots of breathing in plus 5 missing toothbrushes, toothpaste, showing gel and hangover cure - you can tell there's a lot of testosterone on this trip.
10am, a short warm-up around the surf coast of Biarritz, brilliant blue sky. Amazing to see a big group of cyclists flying past in a pink pelaton. Lawrence was chivalrous and stayed with the girls and the group were all bravado on this early stage. The sea-view warm-up was non-eventful and the first stage proper got underway at 1pm with a send-off from the mayor of Biarritz representative and rugby stars from the Biarritz team. The French journalists also came to see what the fuss was all about. Rob crossed the start line with a puncture, Sam shortly after but both were rescued and sent on their way.
The team arrived in St Jean for a sprint finish and a local Basque band to welcome them to the town at dinner. French Fred awarded King of the Mountain shirt to Graeme, yellow tour leader shirt to Mark Angela, the white shirt to Rob Powell for "pumper of the day" as a result of his second puncture and the green jersey "gardening award" to Ana who couldn't stop and went straight into the forest.
DAY ONE.
A cold start on a quiet September morning. Lots of early risers heading for breakfast (a few sore heads who braved a last magnum at Pascal's bar). Glorious sunshine so the factor 50 sunblock is on along with padded shorts and pink cycling top (our team colours, pink just to please the rugby boys!) - the group look amazing posing by the hotel pool for pre-stage 1 team photos. It's hard to recognise our lovely cyclists in helmets and shades - they look fantastic. Everyone's excited, chatting, swapping tips - mainly "Don't fall off". There's a few too tight shorts and lots of breathing in plus 5 missing toothbrushes, toothpaste, showing gel and hangover cure - you can tell there's a lot of testosterone on this trip.
10am, a short warm-up around the surf coast of Biarritz, brilliant blue sky. Amazing to see a big group of cyclists flying past in a pink pelaton. Lawrence was chivalrous and stayed with the girls and the group were all bravado on this early stage. The sea-view warm-up was non-eventful and the first stage proper got underway at 1pm with a send-off from the mayor of Biarritz representative and rugby stars from the Biarritz team. The French journalists also came to see what the fuss was all about. Rob crossed the start line with a puncture, Sam shortly after but both were rescued and sent on their way.
The team arrived in St Jean for a sprint finish and a local Basque band to welcome them to the town at dinner. French Fred awarded King of the Mountain shirt to Graeme, yellow tour leader shirt to Mark Angela, the white shirt to Rob Powell for "pumper of the day" as a result of his second puncture and the green jersey "gardening award" to Ana who couldn't stop and went straight into the forest.
Saturday, 27 September 2008
Friday, 26 September 2008
Thursday, 25 September 2008
Well everyone's here....
Everyone's made it! OK, Rickie Dickie Doo Daa had minutes to spare but Ryanair waits for no man. They arrived on time and in good spirits (probably sampled Hugo's pain killers en route) to sun, surf and sangria in beautiful Biarritz.
French Fred, Criket, lovely Astrid and Bruiser Bruno the cycle pros spent the morning fine tuning the bikes which John 'Chancy' our Geordie lorry driver deposited at the hotel pre team arrival following a 2 day ferry chav-fest from Portsmouth to Bilbao. Only one pedal missing (Ruairidh was slightly tipsy when packing) and one seat astray (ouch, no wonder Hugo has the drugs) but all the bikes made it.
The team spent time checking their equipment - well mainly staring at their bike and rubbing a bit of mud off as they wouldn't know if it was technically sound or not, bless em. Plenty of tactics under discussion, Lawrance 'Lance' spending far too much time asking French Fred for tips....or could have been tactics for the drinking to follow.
The kit's been sorted and the pretty in pink cycling shirts ironed, the challenge beckons. Sarah and Anney helping to put Jonny Nike Nye's leg and arm warmers to matching bib shorts (not attractive on any man....OK Lance Armstrong's fine but that's it) for each team member.
Simon 'tarmac hugger' Barnett, Tom 'Grumpy Byng' and Nick 'Pedal power' Carter all had holiday haircuts as part of pre training prep and aerodynamics and Mad Si Hunter has his beret on in true French style.
Whilst the sun's still shining the team head down to Le Caritz bar overlooking the surfers and beach to meet the mighty rugby legend Pascal Ondart for drinks and traditional Basque food on his outdoor terrace. Early to bed as the first day of the challenge looms. The guys are already hoping for a shorter warm up to save energy (and give more time for sun tanning I suspect).
Day one awaits and the nerves are kicking in, butterflies and tingly bits all round......
French Fred, Criket, lovely Astrid and Bruiser Bruno the cycle pros spent the morning fine tuning the bikes which John 'Chancy' our Geordie lorry driver deposited at the hotel pre team arrival following a 2 day ferry chav-fest from Portsmouth to Bilbao. Only one pedal missing (Ruairidh was slightly tipsy when packing) and one seat astray (ouch, no wonder Hugo has the drugs) but all the bikes made it.
The team spent time checking their equipment - well mainly staring at their bike and rubbing a bit of mud off as they wouldn't know if it was technically sound or not, bless em. Plenty of tactics under discussion, Lawrance 'Lance' spending far too much time asking French Fred for tips....or could have been tactics for the drinking to follow.
The kit's been sorted and the pretty in pink cycling shirts ironed, the challenge beckons. Sarah and Anney helping to put Jonny Nike Nye's leg and arm warmers to matching bib shorts (not attractive on any man....OK Lance Armstrong's fine but that's it) for each team member.
Simon 'tarmac hugger' Barnett, Tom 'Grumpy Byng' and Nick 'Pedal power' Carter all had holiday haircuts as part of pre training prep and aerodynamics and Mad Si Hunter has his beret on in true French style.
Whilst the sun's still shining the team head down to Le Caritz bar overlooking the surfers and beach to meet the mighty rugby legend Pascal Ondart for drinks and traditional Basque food on his outdoor terrace. Early to bed as the first day of the challenge looms. The guys are already hoping for a shorter warm up to save energy (and give more time for sun tanning I suspect).
Day one awaits and the nerves are kicking in, butterflies and tingly bits all round......
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
3 days to go.....
....our lycra lovers are getting nervous, excited with that tingling giggly sensation at the thought of 8 days of mountain pain. We've 3 days to go before the start in Biarritz. The bikes are on their way and the team fly out on Thursday....Good luck!
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