Pyrenees to Massif Central
Stage 5 in the Pyrenees was a faster, shorter day, but one for keeping plenty in the tank ahead of the monster stage 6 that lay ahead. We rode through plenty of pretty Pyrenean villages, festooned with Tour de France decorations and plenty of quirky local traditions. The earlier finish meant more recovery time – something that wasn’t wasted on our weary riders.
And so to the big one – this has been looming since Barcelona – the iconic Cols d’Aspin and Tourmalet – both of which feature regularly on the Tour. More often than not, we’ve summited Tourmalet in thick cloud with, bizarrely, llama looming out of the fog towards us. But the cycling gods were smiling down on us and today was a blue sky day with views to die for. Having climbed up the less well-known ‘back side’ of Tourmalet, our fast descent on the other side gave us glorious majestic views (if you dared to take your eye off the road!). But perhaps the most stunning part of the day was the final climb up to the breathtakingly beautiful Cirque du Gavarvnie. With the alpenglow setting on the mountain peaks and an alfresco dinner outside our hotel, this was a moment to savour. A good stage to have got in the books and some will be feeling a little relieved to have completed it.
For our Pyrenees Loopers (and a couple of valiant riders who’ve been with us since Barcelona) this was ‘goodbye’ – and what a finish! The group departed on an early transfer bus (complete with police escort) for a long transfer to the start of stage 7 in Hagetmau. Today was a transition stage – one to ‘get done’ – and we were more than pleased for the sun to be hidden behind clouds for much of the day! Nevertheless, our Loopers are developing ‘next level’ skills in keeping cool – some were seen standing in supermarket fridges, eating plenty of ice lollies and ice creams, and shoving bags of ice down their jerseys.
The stage was topped and tailed by long transfers, so back onto the coaches for the transfer to Perigueux to meet up with the new arrivals joining to ride the Middle Mountains Loop over the weekend. Fresh legs are always a welcome sight and included 2 teams: one from Frog Pubs based in Paris, and the other from PwC. Great to have both teams along for a fun and challenging weekend of cycling and bonding!
Stage 8 – and what an absolute beauty as we cycled through the stunning Dordogne and Perigord region. There were hundreds of photos shared by cyclists which is testament to a slightly easier day of riding (still roasting hot) and one filled with more icecream stops. This stage definitely had that ‘holiday feeling’ – it was a great stage to ride! There was a risk of course that this would lull everyone into a false sense of security ahead of what promised to be a very long, tough and lumpy stage 9. With 3,300m of climbing to be done, this was never going to be easy – but there’s something about rolling climbs that many of us find tougher than a couple of big long climbs. They drain the legs (and sometimes in the morale) in a wholly different way. But it’s a great testament to our riders on tour that they kept their humour and dug deep to finish the stage.
This was a big milestone on the tour – the last day for our first half Loopers and our Middle Mountains weekend heroes. For the Grand Loopers, they’ve finally made it to the first rest day. It’s been one of the toughest first halves in memory – not just for the route, but the blistering heat and long transfers that all take their toll and eat into proper recovery.
As we always say – the first rest day can’t come soon enough. Aurillac provided a great location for some R&R, with the usual laundry, bike tinkering, eating, resting, more eating, more resting and of course, catching up with the pro tour that has now started a week behind us.
Chapeau to each and every rider who has made it this far. You’re all heroes!
As I write, the Grand Loopers are already coming towards the end of another long, tough stage 10. Today is the only day of the Tour where ONLY the Grand Loopers are on the road (those riding all 21 stages). It’s a good bonding opportunity for these adventurers – time to consolidate a little and prepare mentally for the next leg. We’re joined tonight by the 2ndHalf Loopers and our Double, and Double Double Loopers. We can’t wait to welcome them all into the bubble!
Bravo everyone – you’re doing great – just keep going!!
Vive Le Tour!
