Stage 6: Tour De France

This was a killer to say the least. Pure pain but once taken in strides, it was “doable”. It consisted of three climbs; col d’Aspin and Tourmalet and ending at cambasque.

Taking on the iconic col du tourmalet

Tourmalet is the real monster (can’t imagine I have to compare them). As a pro mountain biker warned us, “don’t go too hard to fast”. I took the advice and kept a nice steady peace I can carry for hours. When people passed me, I stayed calm and didn’t get excited to chase as usually I would. It took me 2 hours in the end.

The weather was no fan again but this time I had a jacket. The downhill of Tourmalet is even longer if you can believe that…15 miles of downhill. And right after that, we were hit by cambasque til the finish line.

I can say I survived the Pyrenees and now look forward to the alps.

To be honest, half way through these climbs that are 10 miles long, you might question your decisions. For me, I just have to remember this is more than about me. It’s about a bigger cause.