Monday 23rd July: Goodbye Bagneres-du-Luchon

An early wake up today for the CCW tour group. today we would be departing Juzet-de-Luchon for our respective destinations. An early breakfast (7am) was required to ensure we were on the road early enough to get Col to the Toulouse train station for his 10:22am train. Most would be leaving by train, some from the Blagnac airport and other would be driving to Grenoble. After a quick breakfast of cereals, breads, jams, home made chocolate chip cookies, coffee and OJ, it was time to pack bags for the trip.

Soon everyone was ready to go. We said our goodbyes to our hostess Elody and to everyone on the group then commenced going our separate ways.

Another fantastic tour by Mick & Adrian and they should be thanked and commended for their organization, their catering for all different capabilities and personalities and most of all for another great location in the Pyrenees.

 

Posted by David

Sunday 22nd July: Col du Portillon and ride to Spain for lunch

A few tired bodies as we gathered for breakfast today. We were already minus Andrew T & JohnO, who had been dropped in Toulouse by Adrian. It was a very quite and subdued lot at breakfast. In fact Phil and 'Karl the Descender' had not even emerged from the nest for breakfast. Apparently they were waiting for the church to provide them their 8am alarm, however it seems there was an issue with the bells. It wasn't until JT wandered in at 8:45, did they even know brekkie was on downstairs. Lucky today was a late start. The weather was good with a forecast of partly cloudy (or partly sunny for our optimists) but there was still a chill in the air.

Mark & Carol were the front markers taking off about 10am to head over the Portillon. Others slowly got ready and Sanchez jumped on skype for a bit. 11am and 'Fabulous Phil' and 'Karl the Descender' were the next group on the road, and last but not least at 11:30 was the group of Pyrenean pin up boy - Le Mick, JT, Creeds, Colin & Sanchez. Adrian & Keith were in the van. Adrian was still a little under the weather. An easy roll out through the 'suburbs' of Luchon until we reached the bottom of the climb. The guy Sanchez bumped into the other day, who knew Mick, was just up the road and Mick decided to go up for a chat. The guy decided to invite himself for a ride with us over the climb into Spain.

So off on the climb we went. The Col du Portillon is about 10km long and climbs about 660m, so not one of the hardest climbs in the area but do not be fooled. There are some steep ramps and a section of about 500m averaging about 13%. Some of the boys were still sore from the day before so there would be no challenge to Mick wearing the KoM jersey. Mick had a new friend, whether he wanted it or not, in Davey. The problem with Davey is he is very good at multi-tasking. He can drink, breathe and continue talking without stopping or swapping one for the other. He is from the north in England and has a very distinctive voice. Bit of a 'Geezer' really! JT claimed he had had enough of his voice so floated off the back to be rid of it. Sanchez had been on the front on the initial sections of the climb and commenced floating back so he could get photos of the others on the climb.

Eventually the group crested the summit of the pass, took some photos and grabbed some warmer clothes from Adrian for the descent. It was evident that we had crossed into France. There were more flies and the roads were not as good. Over the top and the descent into Bosost is great with a series of switchbacks, however as mentioned the road made some of the cornering a little slower. A stop after a few kilometres to take some photos above Bosost. We continued on through the sweeping turns on the descent, before dropping into one of the prettiest towns we had ever seen. It was amazing with its river running though town, flowers in bloom, children playing and a guy driving around on a little white hatchback playing techno music. We stopped here for tapas (of sorts) for lunch. Was not bad actually. Mick complimenting the chef on how they got the rats to taste like chicken.

Now it was choice time. Take the short ride option, back over the Col du Portillon or the longer but flatter route back through St.Beat and around into Luchon. Some contemplated the climb but the result was always going to be the same. Those riding back would be taking the long route. We rolled out of town with Senòr Jamieson on the front followed by his Croydon Bandidos. Sanchez, feeling eerily at home in Catalunya, decided to help out into the downhill headwind. In fact going downhill, if you stopped pedaling, you would have stopped the breeze was that strong. Soon we were approaching the border with France and JT made a break for it. He wanted to win the intermediate sprint back into France. As he went our captain, Mick offered him some left over fish heads from lunch as cycling sustenance.

The pace rose substantially with Mick, Phil & Sanchez lifting the pace to around 45 kmh for extended periods of time. Once again Phil came to the front and was powering away when he didn't realise he had led everyone off the road and up onto the footpath. Some quick thinking to bunny-hop off was required. Soon we rolled into St.Beat and the pack splintered. Sanchez was working on the front but didn't realise Colin had stopped to take photos. Mick slowed to wait for him. The rest of the group continued spinning with Sanchez & JT off the front by about 100 to 200m. The group remerged at the turn for Luchon. Sanchez continuing on the front was starting to come good in the warm afternoon sun after being crook for a couple of days. Perhaps Sanchez is solar powered! The group became strung out again leaving Sanchez, Phil & Karl. A couple of hills and it was down to Sanchez & Phil.

When all of the group returned it was time to dismantle and repack bikes. Adrian was holding pedal removal & bike packing master-class. Carol was taking photo's of JT advertising himself, although not sure who he was advertising to - yet. After a good hour all bike bags were packed and everyone was watching the completion of the final stage of the Tour de France. Cavendish won in a massive sprint despite everyone willing Matty Goss to the line. He had just run out of legs. Mr.Wiggins took home Yellow, and his sideburns were awarded second, which would have really pissed off Chis Froome, who officially came second.

A lovely final 4 course dinner of breads & a duck paste (maybe foie du grais or something like that), followed by wild boar and a risotto, followed by fromage (cheese) and finally a wild blueberry tart, with the berries picked locally. All washed down with some lovely red wine. Dinner done and it was time to make our way to the rooms to pack for an early breakfast and departure. JT had decided to take the room freed up Andrew T & JohnO leaving early. He needed a good night sleep before meeting up with his partner in Paris, and wanted to leave Phil & his 'Cycling Wife' Karl to battle it out at 'Snore-fest 2012'.

Posted by David

Saturday 21st July: How man Cols can you do?

Today we were looking at a few different ride options depending on what the weather was going to do. The foecast was for cloudy with light rain in the morning, followed by some sunny breaks in the afternoon but still pretty cold at 18 degrees maximum. Mick & Adrian (who was a little better but still not 100%) decided we should ride the Col de Peyresourde and Peyregudes, and for those after a little more they could ride Superbagneres after lunch. Those who didnt want to ride could do their own thing for the day. Aim was for a 9:45 start. Karl needed a new tyre so some of the group headed for the bike shop to acquire a new one, while the others took their time. 9:45 came and JohnO was just pumping up his tyres, pulled the pump off the valve and the valve came with it straight out of the tube. A short delay, a ride in town to regroup and then we could head off.

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

Friday 20th July: The Queen stage of the Pyrenees - Tourmalet

Just recapping. This week 4 Cols done. Mick Jamieson leading the KoM, Creeds leading the likes on Facebook for Men of the Pyrenees calendar, a 3 way battle between Keith, Karl and Phil for top honours in snoring, lowest cadence average - Andrew T, best photos - Mark (especially of podium girls) & Carol, most posts to Facebook with comments received - JT and most trips to the toilet and most weight lost - Adrian. Most time spent on the back of the GC contenders wheels - John. Colin had most attempts to try and reinvigorate the 6am 'bootcamp'. Sanchez most times left behind to adjust his GoPro camera.

Today we awoke to very dour conditions. The cloud was even lower than yesterday and there was a distinct chill in the air. As the group slowly emerged from their individual slumbers it became painfully obvious today would not a day for those of weaker resolve. Today was a day for strong men and women. Adrian stayed in bed! Our mighty Pom of iron stomach and stiff upper lip had succumb to a night of violence in the bathroom. In fact he probably did more climb metres getting in and out of bed than any of the group would do today. He was left in bed to harden up. The rest of the group held breakfast without him and there was a decidedly sombre mood. Tourmalet - The Queen of the Pyrenees was on our dance card and she would not let us leave until we had completed our romance with her.

The group headed out in the vans for a 90 minute trip in the direction of Tarbes before turning off of the town of Bagneres-de-Bigorre. The town of the Grand Depart for today. After parking the vans, removing the might steeds we would ride into battle. Packing as much dry clothes as we could carry for the final descent, Mick gave us our stage briefing. No real words of wisdom. Just use common sense when it comes to the weather. If it got too bad we should turn back. Then Mick finished with but I know you will all go anyway. Don't think he thinks we have common sense, which apparently is pretty rare.

We rolled out and made for Campan. The group split into two groups. Those interested in romancing the Queen of the Pyrenees and those who were smarter than that. Campan is a town famous for life-size dolls that are displayed in the streets. Mick had to explain to those that had been away from their loved ones too long that they were neither life like or anatomically correct. The group continued on to the climb commencement point in St. Marie de Campan. Here is where the real pain would begin. It said as much on a sign below the sign stating the Col du Tourmalet pass was Ouvert (open). In fact it was a sign for a bread shop but that doesn't help the drama really does it. Everyone stripped off layers and got GoPro cameras ready for battle. So now it was time for the dance to commence.

Oops Sanchez couldn't close his bloody musette because he had too much stuff. He gave the group a few minutes head start. In fact Andrew T & JohnO had left at least 5 minutes before Sanchez. Nonetheless Sanchez was last on the road from the group. The peleton had fractured from the start with some obviously wanting to draw out and enjoy the dance (oh I mean climb). Soon Sanchez had caught up the group of Mick, JT, Karl & Phil, with Colin & Creeds just up the road. Andrew T & JohnO were out of sight and out of mind. Meanwhile Mark & Carol were enjoying Pain au Chocolat in Campan, Keith was exploring the region and well even Adrian was starting to feel better.

Some 9 kilometres into the climb we had reached the bottom of the clouds and the air became quite thick. It was like breathing liquid as the mist grew heavier around us. The group was now well and truly scattered along the road in probably a 5 kilometre span. The visibility dropped dramatically as we reached the snow tunnels below La Mongie, even down as far as 20 metres. A wrong turn and it was the quick way back down the mountain! Slowly but surely each of us ticked off the kilometres, with no one wanting to let Ladt Tourmalet have her way with us. It was us who would lead this dance. As we approached La Mongie, four cows were standing beside the road. It was hard to make a mental note as to where they were exactly because you couldn't see any land markers.

Continuing on above the ski town of La Mongie, we had 4 kilometres left of the ascent. Our cows had been replaced with donkeys, sheep goats and a couple of Llamas. The gradient was generally constant and remained above 8.5% for the remainder of the climb. Eventually the clouds seem to part just as Sanchez hit the 1000m to go sign. Was the sun about to shine down on his closing minutes of romance with the Col du Tourmalet. It certainly looked that way. Up the road Andrew T & JohnO were enjoying espresso and Creeds was just crossing the line. Following at their own paces were Colin, Phil, Mick, JT & Karl. Soon all of the group had overcome and had our way with Lady Tourmalet. A coffee or coke, something to eat, some photos, dressing more warmly and we all headed back to Campan.

Or did we?

Karl had become a little disoriented and commenced descending the West side of the Tourmalet, while everyone else had descended the way we came up - on the Eastern side. His mistake was quickly realised, but required him to ride a little way back to the summit and then he followed the rest of the group ahead down the road. The descent was treacherous to begin with and obviously Lady Tourmalet was displeased with our treatment of her. Tentatively we all made our way back to St. Marie de Campan to regroup. At this point JT made the sensible decision not to ride back to Luchon of the Col d'Aspin & Col de Peyresourde. We had to wait for Karl obviously, before we could sense a change in the weather. We scurried down the road back to Bigorre, but did not beat the weather. Soon we were riding in the rain, with Andrew T, JohnO, Mick & Sanchez swapping turns at the front to bring the group back to town and get into dry clothes. Back at the vans, a quick change, pack the bikes, then time to drive home.

Another 90 min or so drive back (puncuated with a power nap for Le Mick) gave everyone a chance to think about what the group had just experienced/achieved. With the weather conditions going up being a white out it took away some of the experience, but at the same time possibly made it easier mentally for all. Meanwhile Adrian, the Great White Hunter from Kenya, had been cutting a swathe through the local fly population killing 23 and giving one a really bad headache. A magnificent dinner that evening with a cheese tarte, followed by Confit au Canard (Duck) and potatoes that fell off the bone and melted in your mouth. Then some cheeses and a very tasty dessert, followed by café in the lounge. Phil & Adrian pulled out their instruments and began to play a little impromptu concert together. All were pretty tired and started to drift off to bed (except Mark who had been there since before dinner)

Another day in cycling paradise tomorrow with a planned three Cols to climb, or more for those more adventurous, with Col de Peyresourde from Luchon, Col de Aspin and then returning back over the Col de Peyresourde. Maybe even throw in SuperBagneres for those desperate for more climbing metres. Then some are heading off for a massage in the afternoon.

Posted by David

Thursday 19th July:Tour start in Luchon & Rest Day

Today the tour group were given the option to do as they pleased. There was a Tour start from Luchon, so some could head down there to check out the 'bike porn', chat to the riders or just take in the overall Tour de France atmosphere. Others could go for a ride up the Col du Portillon or Superbagneres. Others could meet up with the tour on the Col de Mente or Col de Peyresourde. Some just watch the race unfold on TV. Maybe a little of all of the above.

Some went riding early this morning after brekkie, while the remainder decided to take in the Tour start. The tour if anyone has been to it is like a circus as the caravan rolls through town. If that was a circus then this was a circus inside Carnivalé. There are thousands of people, of all shapes sizes and levels of interest in cycling. There are the hard core cyclists milling around in their lycra, some who obviously had not looked in the mirror before they left the house, as it was the choice of lycra made them look like middle aged, balding Germans in lycra 2 sizes too small, that make Lampre uniforms look good. Others are just cycling fans trying to get a photo with some of the riders (some with the girls following the riders around). Others are locals wondering when will this circus leave town - please. All the while the riders, directors, support staff, journalists and other hangers on wander around in the cocoon on the other side of the barriers.

Adrian was after a hit of bike porn, wanting to check out what the Pro's were using in terms of kit. His first stop with Sanchez was the Liquigas team and a look at the Tourmenator's machine. It has a great livery with the Tourmenator across the top tube and a picture of Arnie's Terminator from the movie of the same name on the head tube. A beautiful machine. Parked next to his team leaders machine- Vincenzo Nibali. All the bikes looked great, although they are only Cannondales.

For Australians there were probably two main attractions at the tour start. Cadel Evans as reigning champion and the BMC set up or our Australian team Orica GreenEDGE. The crowds around the BMC bus were enormous, as was the same at Sky, Europecar & Radioshack. There would be less of a crowd around Orica GreenEDGE and all Australians would be looking for their bus at some stage this morning and taking a look.

At some stage most of the CCW group spent some time outside the Orica GreenEDGE bus. Sanchez, JT, Creeds, John O, Andrew & Colin were all sighted there at some stage. Sanchez spent most of the time there, along with JT. It was interesting to see that the Australian journalists, spent most of their time around this bus. Also ex-cyclist Kathy Watt, as a photographer. She has been in a very good paddock. As the riders emerged from the bus, the opportunity to grab a photo or have a chat presented itself.

Sanchez and JT got plenty of photos and for all their hard work and dedication as groupies were presented Official Orica GreenEdge caps and deputised as Domestiques. Unfortunately Stuey O'Grady already filled the slot as Super Domestique. The race started the riders took off like someone told them there was a free feed in it for the first to the finish line and out rolled the flotilla of cars behind them. The crowds quickly dispersed. Some of the group went for lunch, some shopped, some returned to watch the race and some just were that buggered they went to sleep.

Phil & Karl rode into town to watch the race in a pub and mix it with the locals. A group decided to make a full rest day of it and hit the couch to watch the tour with a beer. Sanchez however had not had enough of riding or taking photos so he decided to ride out to the course as it made its way off the Port de Bales and then up the start of the Col de Pyresourde before diverting to Peyregudes. A nice little 3 or 4 km climb to there. Sanchez found himself a spot about 300m into the climb because to ride higher quite frankily meant too much work on a rest day. This is where the race was about to explode so a great spot for photos. Unfortunately the race would be won by an unrepentant cheating Spaniard! After the race passed Sanchez used his best French, Italian & a series of made up words to clear the crowd as he made his way back with haste to catch the last 1500m of the race.

A quick shower and preparing of bikes for tomorrow's epic up the Col du Tourmalet and the group headed into town for dinner. A lovely little French restaurant serving Italian food. A master stroke by our leader and current KoM leader Mick, to weigh down his nearest challenger in Andrew T or would the Mick's Calzone backfire on him and leave him too heavy to take maximum points. Tomorrow would reveal all. Meanwhile Adrian was having a few tummy troubles and walked around with a toilet roll in his pocket. At one stage it seemed we needed to connect an 'Occy' strap to the belt of his short to keep him close to the toilet as he seemed to yo-yo in and out of there. Hopefully a good night sleep would bring him round. All enjoyed dinner before heading home to rest up for tomorrow's

 

Posted by David

Wednesday 18th July: Col de Bales & a Tour finish

An earlier start today for the tour, with a cooked breakfast at 8am sure to fill the group with enough energy for todays stage. A quick summary of where we stand. Current King of the Mountains leader and Most Aggressive - Mick Jamieson. Current Golden Hammer holder - Andrew T. Fastest descender - Karl. Most careful descender - Phil. Most toilet breaks in a crowded area - Creeds. Would this change today, with many points and deductions up for grabs on todays ride out and over the Col de Bales. Breakkie done, kitted up and a quick minor bike service from La Pomme and it was time to go.

The first 5 or so kilometres of today's stage were declared neutral as the group made its way through the back streets to te main road out of Luchon. John T was hovering at the back. He declared last night he planned to attack and attack hard. Perhaps he was at the back hatching his planned escape. As the group rolled its way forward, it was reasonably chilly in the shade but beautiful with the sunshine on their backs.

Passing out of the neutral zone, the flag dropped and JT got thte order from the director sportif to go and attack he did. Suddenly he was out of sight, and there was a worry he had run out of oxygen and collapsed by the road. The group continued on as no one was willing to chase. Mick noted that JT didnt have a map so we were safe as houses. A lovely rolling ride out of town. Suddenly John T attacked the group again from the back of the group. How is it possible? Is this man a magician? Again he was quickly out of sight. It was not long before we turned off heading toward Mauleon Barousse.

Where was John T. Andrew T had ramped up the pace on the front with the aim of hauling him in but he was no where to be seen. We pulled up at our turn off, looked behind and there was JT sitting ont he back of the group. This man was a magician. Soon after the turn off a climb hit the group. Some thought this was the commencement of the climb, but were bitterly disappointed. In comparison to the Port de Bales this was nothing more than a bump. Rolling landscape followed on very quiet roads. The group pulled up in the very picturesque town of Mauleon Barousse. A series of photos taken it was time to tackle the major climb of the day. The Hors Categorie Port de Bales.

 

John O started out riding tempo on the climb. Sanchez decided after the first 500m that it was time to come to the front and set tempo. Also to take photos to prove he was on the front of the group on a Hors Categorie climb. A solid but not astounding pace was being set for the next 3 kilometres as Sanchez continued on the front, helping to set up the climb for the GC contenders. The group were still a very long way from where the road really ramps up let along from the summit. It was safer to keep the powder dry for a little while longer yet.

Andrew T and Adrian came to the front to lift the temp slightly on the rolling terrain. The gradient had lifted to an average of 5%, then smack we came around a corner into a very large pinch and this was were the contenders would have to fight it out on their own. The peleton splintered, no shattered behind them, as Mick, Andrew T, John O & Adrian continued into the distance and then out of sight. Sanchez, followed by Creeds, follow by JT & Colin made up the second group on the road.

A quick stop for a photo where Adrian had stopped to what for the grupetto. The heat was starting to build and the second group on the road were drenched in sweat. Adrian waited for Colin, Karl & Phil, while the domestics headed off again. Meanwhile up the road the fight for the King of the Mountains was heating up and the selection was down to Mick & Andrew T. John O had floated off the back for a while, but was starting to come back. All three of them were hurting as the gradients increased to 14%. The second group trudged on "creeping" up the climb. The ride was not getting any easier, with some pretty savage ramps. Soon that group rounded a bend and you arrive out of the tree line and into pastural fields with 2 kilometres to go. The gradient had eased but the ramps had not.

The King of the Mountains was decided with Mick crossing ahead Andrew and John O battled for a strong 3rd. The second group on the road came through soon after with Sanchez, following Creeds and John T following behind. Not too long after the grupetto of sprinters made their way across the summit. Meanwhile Mark & Carol climb Superbagneres today - in a Gondola! They took some amazing photos, especially of the paragliders setting out from the top

A short break and KoM ceremony and the group hit the descent. Great roads, sweeping turns as Adrian shot ahead of the pack. The group followed with Karl charging to the front in an attempt to protect his fastest descender position. With Phil carefully patrolling the back of the group. A quick stop to what for Phil and Sanchez had a flat tyre, which Mick helped with while the rest of the group pushed on. Mick and Sanchez charged off in pursuit, part way along grabbing on to a group that dragged them along without having to work too hard.

Soon the CCW group were back together and continued the descent to where it met up with the last 5kms of the race route. After regrouping again, the CCW riders took off in search of glory as they past under the 5km to go banner. People on the roadside were cheering especially when their local hero Mick Jamieson was again conducting descending master class, Casey Stoner style.They love Aussie Mick in the Pyrenees where he is a legend and inspiration to young and aspiring riders. Watch as the descending technique takes off in the local region.

The grouped cruised into town, Sanchez on a small sly break as they passed under 1km to go sign. Sanchez had visions of glory, champagne & podium girls. They couldn't catch him as he charged to the line. 900m to go, 800m to go, 700m to go - STOP!! Enter the gendarmes. No further. Sanchez's dream of being a TdF stage winner and opening a little bar or bike shop in the Pyrenees and being set for life was torched before his very eyes. Back to reality and the rest of the CCW riders arrived and were asked to turn around and leave the road. It was now time for a drink and something to eat.

Mick & Adrian found a cafe and after standing around and scaring some Poms off, we got a couple of tables. Beers and baguettes for all after what was a pretty hard climb. Everyone enjoyed to chance to rest their legs and down their beers as we discussed what would be the approach for the afternoon. A quick chance to return to Le Poujastou (Gite) before Mick & Adrian would drive us back down to the finish. It would also be a chance to watch the race over some of the toughest climbs around, Col du Tourmalet & Col d'Aspin.

An hour or so later all ready the group jumped in the cars and made for the day's stage finish. Everyone split up doing their own thing as they looked for a great vantage point to watch the closing of what is an epic stage on the Tour. The Tour riders climb Tourmalet & Aspin, after having already climbed Col d'Aubisque and then have to climb over the Col de Peyresourde before dropping into Bagneres-du-Luchon for the finish. Over 6000m of climbing for the tour riders on a day when it reached 40 degrees going over the Peyresourde.

Thomas Voeckler would win the stage with plenty of time back to Anker Sorensen, Vino, Jens and a smattering of others. The big shock of the day was Cadel losing nearly 5 minutes to the Yellow Jersey held by Wiggins. We were later to find out that overnight Cadel had caught a stomach bug and hence started losing time over the Aspin & Peyresourde. Many photos taken by all and it was time to head back in time for dinner back at the Gite.

A big day for all. Tomorrow is a bit more of a day of choice. Some will head to the stage start or somewhere along the route. Some will ride. Some will not. Some might head to Spain. Some may spend the entire day in bed.

 

Posted by David