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Tour
de France 2006
Dr Craig, accompanied by five equally
crazy friends, headed off to France to cycle ten of the mountain
stages of the Tour. Here are a few thoughts from Craig's Alpine
diary...
Pyrenees and Alpine stages 12th -20th July 2006
Day 1 - Col du Marie Blanc (9.3km at 7.7%)
Total 136.8km, ascent total 1680m
After a restless nights sleep in Lourdes the ride to the base
of the climb was at a relaxed pace, a few snaps at the foot
of the climb we started the ascent. The first few kms were
worryingly flat at 3-4% as the 12-13% gradients awaited. Thanking
my mechanic that had added extra gears to my bike, made it
to the top that was masked in fog and low cloud.
Day 2 - Col du Tourmalet (18.3km at 7.7%)
Total 101km, total ascent 1965m
After a good nights sleep and a relaxing roll up the valley
to the beautiful village of Luz-Saint-Sauveur. After an expresso
we commenced the climb. Two hours later we were at the top
just before the road was closed for the pro's. The roll down
was fast and hot and a swim in the holy water back at Lourdes
was much appreciated.
Day 3 - Avingon. "Rest day" -20km
spin.
Day 4 - Mt Ventoux (21.1km at 7.63%)
Total 96km, total ascent 1860m.
From Avingon the ride out was early to beat the heat winding
through vineyards to the village of Bedoin. We started the
ascent after 10am and the mercury was rising fast. The moon-scape
waiting for us at the top was a little surreal but after a
two hour grind the views were awesome.
Day 5 - Vercours Mountains to Grenoble.
70km. 900m ascent.
Day 6 - Alpe d'Huez. 140km. 1860m ascent
Beautiful ride up the valley to Bourg d'Oisans, a
quick espresso and then started the 14km to the Alpe d'Huez
summit. The road was lined with all the crazies awaiting their
professional idols the following day, you needed to get there
early to find a place to park your campervan!
Day 7 - Rest day in Grenoble.
Day 8. Col du Madeline. 60km. 1665m ascent.
Top temp 40 degrees Celsius. Probably the most picturesque
ride of the tour and the sounds of 1000 cow bells greeted
us at the summit.
Day 9 - Annecy. Col du Forclaz. 60km, 765m ascent.
The steepest climb so far, although only 8 km long, but the
view at the top of Lake Annecy was certainly worth it.
See you next year!
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