Time trail done. 23.5km, 1521m climbing, up from the green, tree lined valley floor to the top of the highest road in Europe, the Cime de la Bonette at 2,802m. A good day on the bike for me. This was a true time trail, as we started at 20 sec intervals from a starting chute, with someone holding your bike, and counting you down then it was all on for the next 90 or so minutes.

I had a good day, and managed to come in 57th overall with a time of 1:28:55. Very happy with the effort, as i worked for that result. Overall no change today as still 81st, but now have about a minute on the 82nd place. The challenge for me is that the Mexicans I have been riding with have all managed to sneak into the top 75, so they get the special starting spot. Tomorrow, I will be chasing to catch up with them as i want to ride with them and use them as pace setters.

For those who like numbers my stats from today were:

Climbing 1,521m

Distance: 23.5km

Time: 1:28:55

Average HR: 149

Average power: 336watts for the just under 90 minutes

Ave speed: 15.7km/hr

Fastest time: 1:05:00. Second fastest 1:13:00.

How do i feel now at 9:30pm, a little tired and a full tummy... Post dinner of another meal of a huge salad and pasta. I do not think i need to eat pasta for some time post this race.

A few pictures are below. I enjoyed the coffee pre-ride today. My first real coffee since Geneve, and got to enjoy another one post ride as well.

Overall a good day, and am ready for bed.

What is on the menu for tomorrow:

Pra Loup to Auron, via Col De Cayolle and a couple of other cols. Total distance is 143km and here is the kicker. Climbing 3,800m including a 800m steep finishing time up to Auron. As an added bonus, we get to sleep in a gym tomorrow night....... Yes, basic accommodation means basic this time.

Cheers for all the support, and sorry if i have not answered any emails. I am just about out of data

Waiting for the start, drinking coffee