Le Route. Oh.

Saturday, 3 September 2011

Day 1: Geneva to La Clusaz, via the monstrous Col De Colombiere

It was a dream start. The sun shone on Geneva and the righteous ten cyclists as we set off for La Clusaz (a mere 50 miles away - a breeze, stroll in the park, etc, or so we thought).

After a prolonged and seemingly circuitous exit from Geneva (and our first puncture - Duncan!!!) we hit the open road and the early form became apparent. Von-Schilling, James, Brucie and Oliphant all showed a good turn of pace, including a 30 mph run in to our lunch stop. Then came the pain - a ten mile climb up the unforgiving Col de Colombiere. James made it to the top first (but then he is only 12) and Mike and Nige brought up the rear, but in some style - without question the 2 sexiest bikes on the tour.

To say it rained as we ascended the 'beast' would be like saying Brucie has an appetite - IT POURED and what's more the mist came down and visibility dropped to 3m. At times like this; soaked, cold, breaking back, sore butt - you question your sanity. Then you reach the top, sail down the other side and arrive at a fabulous chalet and a sumptuous feast. Bourg St Maurice tomorrow. Bring it on.

Nigel
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What it is all about

1910: At the top of the Aubisque, Desgrange (the founder of the Tour De France) and the other officials awaited the first riders. It was Lapize who emerged first, his face a perfect rictus of agony. On the stage’s final climb and with the pain of the Tourmalet still in his legs, it was at that moment that Lapize uttered the words for which he would become famous: “Vous êtes des assassins!”