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..........
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1 comment:
Great progress team! Hope the weather stays good. Can you let me know your start times for tomorrow (stage 6) as I plan to join the route at Port de Lers.
Cheers, Brian HALL
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