Tuesday, 31st July
Today was a difficult ride up and down Plateau de Beille, a HC climb about 20km from Foix. It was about a 2 hour drive to Foix where I dropped off the tourists/support crew to visit this beautiful city and medieval castle, while I headed onward to the base of the climb. Despite the rather long drive to get here I was keen to ride this climb as this was a favourite of Lance Armstrong who won here in 2002 and 2004 on his way to winning the Tour. I particularly remember the 2004 edition because we were here in France following the Tour around. That day we watched the peloton pass through the small town of Aulus-Les-Bains then retired to a packed cafe to watch the stage finish on the cafe's tiny television while eating chocolate crepes. It was great to ride the climb from that memorable day.
The climb was difficult because it was a hot Pyrenean day at over 30C, my legs were still tired from yesterday's "extended" ride, and this is after all a 16km HC climb up to the ski station of Plateau de Beille. The road surface was also a little dodgy with some potholes and cracks, as well as spots of melting bitumen caused by the heat. Needless to say it was a very cautious descent after the climb. It was still an excellent day on the bike though. It was great to feel challenged, and to suffer through the last 3km particularly, as I am sure I got a small taste of how the Tour riders must feel after days of riding. Once again the views were spectacular providing further incentive to get to the top, where I rewarded myself with a, "glacé et coca". Tomorrow is a rest day, and with rain forecast on Thursday I may be soon in for my first wet ride of the trip!