Stage Six

For the first time in years there was an early mountain stage. And what a stage is has proved to be. A succession of steep climbs some up to 19%. We also had to contend with heat. I am sorry folks but I was taken off the road by the organisers - a good decision though albeit reluctantly accepted and  close to the finish. It was before the final climb so the rest was done and it was late afternoon. I started well but then laboured in the heat - it reached 40 degrees on some direct sunlight climbs. I was like a car over heating, I just couldn’t get enough cool water between feed stops and I wasn’t eating enough. Once back at the hotel, the tour doctors spoke with me and gave me the ok as long as I rest properly this evening, drink more and more water and fill up at breakfast. I know it sounds easy but heat exhaustion can do funny things to you. I have had 2 dinners tonight though which is helping enormously. Now tucked up in bed with a cup of cocoa, all my jobs done and I feel normal again. So I will be riding tomorrow  - Stage Seven and that will be one third done. It is a flatter stage which should help me.

The heatwave here though is continuing over the next few days and there is a risk of thunderstorms, which could cool things down , hopefully.

Some of the views across the Vosges today  were stunning. But my camera shots have not done them justice.

This is life on a grand tour, unfortunately people have bad days and I have just had one,  it is a massive undertaking. What I don’t have is any physical injuries, no physio tape holding me up - legs, knees, shoulders, hands and bottom are all meeting the challenge.

We have a more relaxed start tomorrow so that will also be helpful. We are not rising at 5:45 am for a coach transfer. We set out tomorrow at 8am from the hotel - a doddle then!

One thing is for sure the doctors won’t let me ride if I am not strong enough.

Stay with me folks, don’t worry - there was just a short interruption today.