Stage 5: Time Trail up Col De La Bonette
23.km - 1,521m climbing Strava Link
ime trail done. 23.5km, 1521m climbing, up from the green, tree lined valley floor to the top of the highest road in Europe, the Cime de la Bonette at 2,802m. A good day on the bike for me. This was a true time trail, as we started at 20 sec intervals from a starting chute, with someone holding your bike, and counting you down then it was all on for the next 90 or so minutes.
I had a good day, and managed to come in 57th overall with a time of 1:28:55. Very happy with the effort, as i worked for that result. Overall no change today as still 81st, but now have about a minute on the 82nd place. The challenge for me is that the Mexicans I have been riding with have all managed to sneak into the top 75, so they get the special starting spot. Tomorrow, I will be chasing to catch up with them as i want to ride with them and use them as pace setters.
For those who like numbers my stats from today were:
Climbing 1,521m
Distance: 23.5km
Time: 1:28:55
Average HR: 149
Average power: 336watts for the just under 90 minutes
Ave speed: 15.7km/hr
Fastest time: 1:05:00. Second fastest 1:13:00.
How do i feel now at 9:30pm, a little tired and a full tummy... Post dinner of another meal of a huge salad and pasta. I do not think i need to eat pasta for some time post this race.
A few pictures are below. I enjoyed the coffee pre-ride today. My first real coffee since Geneve, and got to enjoy another one post ride as well.
Overall a good day, and am ready for bed.
What is on the menu for tomorrow:
Pra Loup to Auron, via Col De Cayolle and a couple of other cols. Total distance is 143km and here is the kicker. Climbing 3,800m including a 800m steep finishing time up to Auron. As an added bonus, we get to sleep in a gym tomorrow night....... Yes, basic accommodation means basic this time.