We rolled out of town on the D618 in the direction of the Col de Peyresourde. A slow start as we waited for JohnO to catch up after grabbing a spare tube. Sanchez came to the front and a little over enthusiastically gapped the group. A short breakaway by Sanchez was held for the first couple of kilometres before the domestiques for the GC contenders reigned him in. Sanchez dutifully floated toward the back of the group. He wasn't last on the road as Phil followed with the Lantern Rouge Karl not far behind. The group arrived at the intersection they had stopped at a couple of days ago. Turn right and go back over the Port de Bales. Turn left and head for the Col de Peyresourde. Turning left the group was straight into 7%. The group commenced to string out. At Tete de la Course the GC riders were raising the stakes. Adrian came to the front in his role as Superdomestique and put the pressure on Andrew T, with Le Mick sitting on his wheel giggling. Andrew got out of his comfort zone so Mick did the only honourable thing. He attacked him but couldn't get far. JohnO was never far away from the action. A little further back Sanchez, followed Colin, following Creeds who was following JT.
Adrian had done the damage he intended and peeled off near a water fountain/outlet. He claimed he was waiting for the back markers, but it was suspected he had intended to use it as a bidet. In fact he was going to work witht he back markers and keep them company and ensuring he did not strain too much and require the bidet. The GC riders were still at up the road. The next section of road, while always heading up had some reasonably sociable sections of road. Soon it was only 6 kilometres to go to the summit. Sanchez had been riding within himself all day as he had been sick for a couple of days with a cold. In sight but up the road was Colin, who was still grinding away. Further up the road again was Creeds closing in on JT. On the right hand side of the road was a magnificent view of the little town of Portet de Luchon. A beautiful sight.
The road continued to wind its way around the mountain when in the distance could be seen a series of switchbacks. JT & Creeds were tackiling the first one when Sanchez saw the switchbacks come into view. Sanchez had passed Colin who stopped for a quick photo of the town just back a little way. From the distance the Switchbacks just looked bloody difficult and ugly, however they were not that difficult for the group. The corners gave some sensational views back down the valley. Soon, one by one, the enite group had crested the summit and were inside the little cafe at the top for a quick refreshment. Some photos taken outside and the group leaders decided we were all heading to Peyregudes, where Stage 17 of the tour was won by that dirty, cheating, goat loving Spaniard Alejandro Valverde.
On the way there Mick decided to hold an international descending masterclass, showing how both the Spanish and the Icelanders descend. The Spanish in the sidecar position and the Icelanders who have a preference for the more aero 'planking' position. It was a short ride across the Peyregudes and unfortunately there was not much to see after the TdF had moved on, so back over the Peyresourde to head down to Luchon. A much speedier descent than climb, with several of the group stopping for photos along the way down. Unfortunately you have to climb to experience flying down the road through these small towns I guess. Karl was leading the charge speeding down the hill in the Yellow Jersey, sorry jacket, hitting Luchon before anyone else.
The group reformed and found lunch in Luchon. Some had crepes, while others found other forms of refreshement. It was now time for those who wanted to push on to climb Superbagneres. After a brief stop to sort out waterbottles, those climbing took off. Mick, Adrian and Sanchez were only going part of the way up the climb, whereas JT, Creeds & Col were continuing to the top. After about 7kms of climbing the first three turned and rolled back down the hill, whil JT, Creeds and Col continued to the top. Neither of them could remember how high the climb went so were resigned they just had to keep riding until they reached the top. Mick & Adrian commenced a 2 man time trial back to the
gite while Sanchez accepted 3rd on the podium, came home ahd a shower and climbed into bed in an attempt to sleep some of his cold off.
Having conquered Superbagneres the 3 amigos rolled down and decided to ascend the Hospice de France. A 6 km climb from the turn off on the road to Superbagneres. A climb essentially in two parts. Initially a relatively gentle climb before smashing up to as high as 21% in the last 3 kms. The boys continued on knocking off the 3rd climb for the day. Definite Golden Hammer stuff! Some of the group headed to the Vaporium for a 'treatment' or two. Meanwhile the others were ensuring there was no beer left, while watching the TT and Mr.Wiggins take the long handle to everyone else in the race. Finally two of the 3 boys rolled in after their big day. JT had decided to head straight into town, eat a pizza then come home to bed. The rest of the group headed out for dinner in Luchon at Le Concorde, before returning home and saying our goodbyes to Andrew T & JohnO.
Tomorrow we may ride to Spain for a spot of lunch over the Col du Portillion. Just for something different.
Posted by David
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