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.
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