Cycle to Mipim, day four: mountain days and weary legs

Andy Hillier

Today was the longest leg of the route, covering 300km between Moulins and Grenoble.

The first of today’s five stages was colder than forecast and the riders found their teeth chattering as they descended into the morning mist. But as the sun came up and the temperatures started to rise, the riders quickly found themselves stripping off their outer layers.

Today was the first of two consecutive mountain days, with the biggest climb of the day – an ascent of the Col des Echarmeaux – coming in the morning.

It was a long 10km climb but the gradient was thankfully not too extreme. The views over the surrounding countryside were stunning as the cyclists gradually weaved upwards.

After an early lunch stop at the top of the col, came a very fast descent. As Monday was international Women’s Day, the female riders took the lead as the peloton sped down into the valley below. Speeds easily reached more than 50km an hour, requiring riders to be extra vigilant as they twisted and turned down the mountain side.

In the afternoon, temperatures gradually increased to 21 degrees as the ride passed through open countryside into Trept. It was a thankfully flatter stage, providing much needed respite for weary legs.

The last stage of the day was an entirely different proposition. It contained two short but steep climbs where the gradient must have hit 15%.

By the time the peloton arrived in Grenoble just after 8pm, there were some very weary riders ready for bed.