Day 5 (a big one) Briancon to Vars

The reliable crew ready to pump our tyres!

 It has been a big day - 101km and 3300m of climbing (lots of calories). The biggest yet. If we were feeling a little guilty about having to shorten the previous days then we need not have worried. The Salty Pigeon saw to that.


We kicked off with the col L'Izoard which turned out to be just outside the front door. An interesting warm up... Especially after a very pleasant evening celebrating one of our support crews birthday!

The climb was stunning, following an aqua marine blue river for most of the way. We just managed to pass a 80 something old boy who was cranking his way up. A quick stop at the col for photos and a hip flask before the most amazing descent to Guiellestre which seem to go on forever. Passing through a stunning gorge, tunnels dug out of the rock face and super fast straights!

 

 The next climb was up to the ski station 'Risoul' according to the Pigeon we were meant to be able  drop down on to the road that took us up to the final col of the day however after 14 kms of climbing it turned out that the road up and over was only suitable for mountain bikes! So a fast descent back down to where we had come to start the final climb.

And what a climb it was - it was the climb that never ended!

Only 19km but with vertical winds and pouring rain it seemed to last forever.

All was worthwhile though as we crested the col to see the welcome sight of our support crew standing there with warm towels and a copy of the Sporting Life!