Each morning I have gone for a relatively short bike ride before breakfast. Found some back roads today which had no traffic on them, so I could really relax. What a thrill to be riding in the Pyrenees!
After a wonderful breakfast of juice, coffee, tartines, & croissants, we have left immediately for our Tour viewing spots.
For these two days we have had fantastic viewing spots with spectacular mountain vistas and the added bonus of having to travel no more than 15 km each day to watch the Tour. On each day we saw the riders ascend the Col de Peyresourde; although from different directions each day. On Wednesday, after reaching the col, there was a long descent into resort spa of Luchon, but on Thursday the race ended at the summit in the ski resort Peyragudes. Thomas Voelker, France's favorite cyclist lead Wednesday's race from start to finish...and all of France is still celebrating. Voelker really hams it up, and speaks to the spectators whenever the race allows. So today, since his team was competitive; he really interacted with the crowd.
Today Alejandro Valverde, from Spain won; he's a veteran rider who is equally adored by the Spanish fans, and there are plenty of them in the Pyrenees. His name is usually the one most frequently painted on the Tour route in this area.
On Wednesday, we watched right in front of the car from an elevated spot that was about 5 km from the summit of the Col de Peyresourde. Today we had to park the car and walk up to our viewing spot which was less than 4 km from the finish line, the closest we have ever been to the actual finish line.
Wednesday's weather was scorching, so we were continually trying to find ways to stay in the shade, whereas today was overcast and foggy, with only moments of sun. Clothes kept being put on and taken off.
Both days we were back at our hotel with 30 minutes...that is a luxury we really appreciate since some times you can end up driving for hours.
Last night the menu was duck, and tonight we had veal. Life is tough.
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