Recovery ride to race start

Today was supposed to be an easy 40 km over a few lumps to the race start. The profile looked like this ....

It turns out that the first lump was a category 3 climb that the race went over to get out of Lourdes yesterday!! I got stuck behind some slower riders on the descents which meant that I was slower than I would have liked - the guys on the front were up around 75 - 80 for most of the descent. Today we passed through the 350 Km barrier for the trip and my legs felt empty. Lots of food was going to be required today!!

The race start a great experience. I managed to get into the official area (don't ask how) and was able to get up close to lots of the riders and a whole pile of sexy bikes. Here's a just a few of the gazillion photos I snapped from behind the barriers ....

Cadel even though he was not showing it, was sore today. He is pretty smashed up from his fall and needed help to get his jersey on. The riders are great - circulating among the crowd - signing autographs, giving interviews and taking photos. Cadel especially came back to a group of aussies on the fence after he had signed on and had a brief chat and signed autographs.

This guy looked as fresh as a daisy today after burying himself on the Tourmalet and Hautacam for Frank Schleck.

I also had an opportunity to tick off the SBS "bonehead" from my must do tour list today but chickened out at the last minute.

Next time I will not be afraid...

After the start rolled out of town we piled onto the bus and drive for around three hours to Carcassonne. Our hotel is well located in the new town - right next to the Canal du Midi and a short walk to all amenities. Our room is sensational - huge with a spectacular view over to the town to the old city.

Lots of food consumed this afternoon - fruit, sandwiches, pizza, cake, biscuits and a huge pasta meal - topped of with a McFlurry from the Maccas across the street from the hotel.

Another great day. More climbing on offer tomorrow but lots of people are thinking about taking a shorter/flatter option or even having a day off the bike altogether. I'll probably climb tomorrow but if it is really hot I might reconsider.