Barcelonnette -> Briancon

July 10h Day 6
Barcelonnette -> Briancon 115km
Col de Vars (2361m) Vertical 846mm
Col d'Izord (2360m) Max Grad 9.4%

Starting with the usual 8.30 kickoff with a slow climb up a river valley very popular with kayakers it seemed.

A left turn with a moments confusion allowed a group of english cyclists to wiz past. Of coarse this was not to be allowed as geoff bridged the gap and we made a train behind. Once the language was established some serious banter followed, especially Simon. As the col de vars started proper the group separated into groups to ease up the climb. Dave and Phil went up with the best english rider but eased away at the top to claim the col for NZ.

The poms had some fairly flash equipment but the compact cranks with the 32 rear tooth was probably an indication of their climbing prowess. Stopped for quick coke at the top before descending down the valley through various villages. Fantastic views up the valley towards Izoard.

After listening to various reports from Dave and Geoff about the distance and elevation of the Izoard and not getting a straight answer most decided to ease into a long ascent. Most, except Phil, who claimed he was feeling good and was going for it. He slowly rode off into the distance not to be seen again for 15 kms.

This was the first busy climb with an opportunity to catch and pass many other cyclists on the way up. Stopped for photos 2km from top much to Geoff’s dismay and then rode the last piece at a reasonable pace as we could almost see the top. Very barren desert like rocky top unlike any thing in NZ.

We all made the top in reasonable time about 2 and a quarter hours. short descent for drinks at the Refuge Napoleon. We then begun the best decent of the trip with the 10 km decent into Briancon. Very fast and flowing and really able to open it up.

Phil did another flyer, closely followed by al then the rest of us taking turns to fly by until Phil was reeled in. After another moment or two of confusion ( lack of electrolytes obviously ) we found Jaque’s bike shop  and went shopping for a couple of hours.

Most chose  this moment to get a quick bike tune except Simon who eventually bowed to team complaints about the state and sounds of his rear wheel and finally got it fixed by someone who knew what they were doing.

However the donkey of the day award was clearly taken by Geoff after a small problem with the newest and dearest bike of the bunch saw him having to abandon his bike overnight and continue to overnight stay at Jaque’s on a borrowed bike. Supposed cruise up 10kms gradual climb was shattered by an attack from Al closely followed by Dave , Simon, and Phil.

Geoff and I chose to warm the legs down in the appropriate manner and slowly angled to the end, to prepare ourselves for the next onslaught.

By Wayne