Day 5

205km 6300m of ascent - including 3 Hors Cat climbs - The whole week I'd had my doubts that a stage like this was manageable given the number of hours in a day. But I had been determined to give it a go. My plan was to hook up my ipod and ride steady - minimising down time at the refeuling stops. But whichever way I approached the day there was a lot of meat on the bone.

Looking down the valley towards Luz St Saveur

 The approach to the Luz Ardiden did nothing to boost my confidence. My legs had been pumped full of cement and my tyres were sticking to the tar. Fortunately the Luz Ardiden proved to be awesome I got into a steady rhythm, surrounded by magnificent views the km's just flew by. I din't waste any time at the top and quickly descended into Luz St Saveur to make an attempt on my personal nemesis the infamous Col de Tourmalet.



The Tourmalet is just over 18km and is relentless. An average of 7km for 18km is not a tickling competition. My haste at the water stops cost me  as I ran out of water with 4 of the toughest km to go to the top. Fortunately as if by Devine intervention the "Arch Angel Lee" arrived and I fill a bottle.  In hindsight I probably spent to much time patting myself on the back and didn't get going quickly enough again. But after my close call I decided to wait for Lee to get my bottles filled and grab a takeaway lunch.

Tourmalet Profile

I was joined by Arne for the ride down Tourmalet and the first bit of the Aspin and the Ancizan. Unfortunately the knee that had been giving him gears all week finally packed up and he decided to call it a day.

 

 

Leaving me alone again to ride down and get going on the Col d Azet. I went through my usual mid day slump and suffered like a dog in the heat up this climb. Getting to the top I was amused to see Arne with his pants round his ankles sunbathing on a grassy patch at the summit. From the top looking across   the valley you could see the next climb snaking up the side of the mountain. The Perysourde.

 

 





This time we'd be going up the side we'd come down in the miserable weather earlier in the week. I like the Perysourde. Its not a vicious climb with fairly gentle gradients - but this late in the day it was a bugger.

I already knew that this would be the last climb of the day. I'd run out of time. Considering how late in the day it already was, I had no chance of making it up the last climb of the day (Super Bagneres) and back to Velopyrenees. It was a disappointing thought but, I knew there would be unfinished business motivating me to come back and have another go.

At the top of the Perysourde I called it day - packed my bike onto the van and waited for the others to catch up. Arne had bought us each a coke and the most decadent Strawberry tartlet. I briefly entertained thoughts of fighting the others to get theirs.




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Training Peaks File

That evening we packed our unrecognisably dirty bikes and were treated to yet another DELICIOUS meal. The highlight for me the carrot cake! In case you hadn't noticed I have an insatiable sweet tooth.