Stage 17
of this year’s Tour was the second individual time trial. A short 32km blast
from Embrun to Chorges with the blue waters of Lake Serre-Poncon as a stunning
backdrop.
Again, a
shorter day meant a later start - a very civilised 8.30am departure time from
the hotel in Gap for a transfer to Embrun. The day, whilst short, included two
category 2 climbs so was by no means a ‘recovery’ ride.
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| Playing it cool at the start... contrary to suggestions - magenta is not my new favourite colour! |
From
Embrun we were set off at 30 second intervals. The staggered start times were
less to simulate a real time trial and more to ensure that we wouldn’t be
riding as big groups on narrow twisty roads and technical descents. You wouldn’t
have guessed it though from the way a number of people set off (although
thankfully we were spared some one coming down in a full skin suit this time…
). [The difference in attitude/approach of the participants as compared to 2010
is something I have found noticeable/interesting and am sure is something that I
will touch upon at some point in a later blog]
Frankly,
those that did set out to post a time (most likely) missed out on the truly
picture postcard vistas we were treated to today. It almost felt like every
corner you’d stop to take a photo of the view, only to go round the next corner
and be forced to stop again as the view was better.
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| Awesome! |
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| Again, contrary to suggestions this is the only selfie (so far) |
The first
of the climbs was the Cote de Puy-Sanieres followed by a narrow steep and
technical descent. Great fun and great views. As soon as we hit the bottom of
the descent it was straight back uphill again for a slightly longer climb to
the Cote de Reallon, before a fast winding descent into Chorges – barely needing
to touch the brakes.
I really
can’t wait to watch this on the TV in a weeks time!
The
length of the stage meant that we were finished by 11.15 and had time to change
and stroll into the main square of the town for a coffee and some cake in the
sun. Exactly what cycling in the Alps should be.
A short
transfer back to Gap meant that we had the afternoon to ourselves. A chance to
rest up and relax for the next three days…
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