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Day Five has been nicknamed “Queen of the Mountains” day by the riders, as it is the highest elevation overall.
Andy Hillier
The 249km route from Grenoble to Gréoux-les-Bains starts with a punchy 66km stage one that includes more than 1,500 metres of climbing.
It was a lung-busting start to the day as the cyclists weaved their way through sleepy mountain villages towards the snow-capped hills ahead.
After a stop at a village hall to warm up and refuel, the riders mounted their bikes and headed towards the Col du Festre. The mountain is more than 1,400 metres above sea level and the hillside remains covered in snow at this time of year.
It was the stage I wanted to complete the most – but also had the greatest fear of. The climb is around 12km and unrelenting.
On bigger mountain climbs, riders in the peloton are given the freedom to go at their own pace and groups quickly form on the road. I latched on to the wheels of a small group led by Andy Yates, one of the Club Peloton ride leaders.
Yates had 1990s electro-music blasting out from a wireless speaker attached to his bike, which helped raise spirits and take away some of the pain in the legs. Around half way up we turned a steep corner and I couldn’t keep pace with the group so dropped back and settled into my own rhythm.
It was a cathartic experience. I found myself staring at the road and targeting the next road sign as I dug deep to just keep going. Seconds felt like minutes and minutes felt like hours, but somehow, I managed to keep the pedals turning.
As I reached the final corner, the spectacular view of the valley below came into sight and I could see the sign marking the top of the climb. A final push and I crested the hill. I had made it – just.
After a short stop at the top of the hill came a rapid 25km descent into Chabestan, our stop for lunch.
The riders then headed towards the historic town of Sisteron for stage four. By this time in the day, legs were weary and the peloton began to slow and break up as the wind picked up. Thankfully, we all made it – and on time.
I had planned to ride the final stage of the day, but heavy rain was forecast. So, I opted to travel to the hotel on the coach instead. A strong group of riders still decided to tackle the remaining 67km to Greoux les Bains, but got absolutely soaked and came trundling through the hotel around 8pm looking very sorry for themselves.
It was a tough day in the mountains, but one rewarded with spectacular scenery and the knowledge that you can push your personal limits.