Stage 9 Toulouse - Bagneres-de-Bigorre 139 miles
Good start this morning with Jill now on board organising the boys ! A long day which got progressivley harder as the miles went by. Completed four Category 4 and one Category 3 climbs. It was another red hot day with temperatures in the 90s. Arrived at the bottom of the Cold der Peyresourde, 97 miles into the ride, then completed the 8 mile climb to the top with dancing soignerurs on the side of the road providing support and encouragement.
At 115 miles I reached Col d-aspin feeling tired by this time. Cycled the Category 1 climb reaching the summit just as the sun was setting. Final descent to the finish arriving just after 9.00pm. A fine meal of steakand potatoes before bed, hoping to recover before tomorrow.
Average 13mph and 9.5hrs in the saddle.