Stage 18 Bourg D’oisans to St Etienne (122 miles)
Felt a lot better this morning although legs still very heavy and chest still tight. Yesterday’s forced rest day did me the world of good and I am now ready for he last leg to Paris. Beautiful morning as I set off through long busy main roads towards Grenoble. Climbed category 3 Col de Parmenie in perfect sunshine and felt OK. Heading out of the Alps now towards the Loire region. Crossed the Loire river into lush green rolling hills and traditional villages.
A category 2 and category 4 climb took me to the finish at Sainte Etienne. The team pushed me on today and I am really feeling the effects of the past 3 weeks and more so after Monday’s intensive day.
I need to complete stage 19 and the time trial stage tomorrow, so we have driven to Roanne this evening to allow an early start in he morning.