Day 4 of the ride was our biggest climbing day, straight out of Luchon and immediately up the 14km climb to the Col de Peyresourde (1,563m). Really tough climb but all the lads made it and a fantastic descent to lunch in Arreau. Post-lunch, and straight into the 12km climb to the Col d’Aspin…technically easier but in the heat of the afternoon sun and having already climb the Peyresourde actually much tougher. So it proved for me as I came to a stop 2km from the stop. Rather upset with myself. Another fast descent into Bagneres-de-Bigorre.

Day 5 saw us heading back up towards the mountains and taking the turn at St Marie de Campan towards the legendary Col du Tourmalet (2,115m) thoug we already knew that the snow would mean a halt at the La Mongie ski resort. That still meant a 13km climb up to around 1,800m…hard, but rewarding (as was the run back down). We came out of the mountains this afternoon and had a very fast ride over relatively flat terrain throgh Lourdes and onto Pau. About 120km covered in all and a brilliant day.

More photos here.