Monday, Monday......so good to me....

St Jean de Maurienne to La Grave via Telegraphe, Galibier. Had a great sleep and felt a touch more refreshed after an easier day prior.... butt and legs slightly recovered/healed and ready to face getting back on the horse today. Quads still a bit tender tho. It was cloudy and humid this morning although a bit cooler than previous days which was very welcome. After a little roadworks detour which saw us stray off course, we made it to the start of the Telegraphe climb which was 12 km. It wasn't raining but the air was damp and quite sticky. I had a great climb up here, amazing what an easy day can do.... joined up with Pete, Lisa and Marisa who had left just after us but must have passed us at some point on our detour.... .

We stopped and had a coffee at the top here, and a pit stop then put a couple of jackets on as it was cloudy and a bit more chilly. I can't remember how long the descent was but it wasn't too long before you start the climb up the Galibier... we passed through a small town and had a wave from Oli and Kylie in a cafe then it was 17km to start the climb ( its 1250m ascent up there)... oof, too hot again so jackets off and luckily Ian came past in the van so were able to throw those in. Scenery wise, this was similar to the Iseran with some snow bowls visible in the rocky peaks, alpine wildflowers, cowbells, thin air...the last few kms felt a bit struggley, mainly because I think I hadnt fueled enough on the Telegraphe and after.... its quite bizarre as you turn the corner to reach the top and its like a Piccadilly circus of motorbikes, more motorbikes, cars and a few cyclists and more gangs of motorbikes...was bloody freezing up there too!!

It was quite a pleasant descent ( compared to others.... although hopefully after all the riding I'm descending a little less Granny like ) to the top of the Col du Lautouret then spotted the support crew who had lunch ready. SO hungry. Amazing scenery and we were all chanelling our inner marmotte ( see photos below )

Once lunch digested it was 10km down to La Grave... through a couple of tunnels but a nice descent to our base for the night with views to die for; at 1500m. Quick throwing of stuff into rooms and bike to the sheds then into the van for a mass exodus to Alpe d"huez to register and have a wee run at altitude and round one lap of the course. The ride up the Alpe did not fill me with much excitement about the race I must say...we tropped to registration which was rather busy so decided to run first. I was a bit CBF mode and weary as well as still lacking in energy #hangry much?! so Tanya and I just toddled easily round the course chopping off about 1.7 km to make for a 5km. Then rego time and an extensive debate ensued between myself and the reg lady who couldnt understand my Tri NZ membership declaration. Mostly my fault as I only uploaded to my registration the day before...........she was also confused as I was down as Scottish but affiliated to Tri NZ. Anyway much begging and pleasding and agreeing that Brexit was a terrible idea, I was able to register. Phew ( or not??!) Back down in the van ( thank GOD we don't have to descend that on race day) then back to the hotel for showers, organisation for the next day then wines and dinner. Can't even remember what we had that night but I did rejoice that it wasn't melted cheese. "Easier " day tomorrow and on to Vaujany where we will reside for the next 3 nights in chalets. So good to not have to be moving on and packing up, that feels like a more monumental task every day as the fatigue sets in deeper and deeper.