What a day! In the morning I rode in France and in the afternoon I had a bike ride in Italy!
Everyone was up early this morning to ensure I could fit in both rides, the first over the Col d'Izoard and the second up to Sestriere. We left in a foggy morning gloom however as we approached the drop off point,south of Briancon, at Guillestre it was apparent that we were in for a day of clear blue skies just as I had hoped for. The Col d'Izoard ride began spectacularly with a 16km ride through a most amazing gorge. It was relatively flat so made for a pleasant warm-up to the ride. At the 17km mark, the climb started properly while the stunning scenery continued. Later with about 9km to go the steep stuff really started with some hairpins taking me up to Izoard's Casse Deserte (Rock Desert) at about 3km from the summit. The views here, as with the whole climb, were amazing and I think this climb must rate as the most beautiful one I have done in the Alps. While the Galibier was magnificent and humbling being surrounded by giant awe inspiring mountains, and the valley views from Alpe d'Huez were breathtaking, this climb was simply the most beautiful. It was a great and very memorable ride.
At the top I was surprised to find the support crew were there (I thought they were going to visit Briancon). They had also enjoyed the views so much that they had decided to stick around to meet me at the top. After a quick change of plan (i.e. no descent for me into Briancon) we jumped into the car for the short drive into Italy. The drive to Cesana Torinese was relatively quick and I was quickly offloaded again to commence the 11km ascent to Sestriere which has seen stage finishes of the both Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia. The climb was relatively easy and, knowing I wouldn't be riding again until Sunday, I decided to do it as a time trail for grins. This climb also earned Nicola a promotion to Director Sportif as I had initially planned to do the Sestriere climb as a separate ride, with a two hour drive there and back to do what turned to be a 45 minute ride. It was Nicola who suggested I do this climb on the same day as the Col d'Izoard hence the well deserved promotion. The Sestriere ride was short but lots of fun so all in all it was a great final day of riding for this section of the trip.
The riding here and around Bourg d'Oisans has been excellent. I can't recommend this area enough for bike riders looking to challenge themselves in the most spectacular and rewarding surroundings. For me, the classics of Alpe d'Huez, Galibier, Croix de Fer and Izoard all lived up to their reputations, and I enjoyed riding them in the sun and snow.
No riding tomorrow and, after checking the travel advisories after the tragic event in Annecy (the Australian Smart Traveller website and call line is woeful so thank you British Foreign Office), we move to St-Gervais-les-Bains on Saturday as planned with a quick visit to Chamonix to allow me to pick up a new rental bike. For Sunday it may be the Col de Joux-Plane, however I haven't finalised my ride plan yet. I'll keep you posted.
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