End of the Lure.

Cold Sweats.

Sometimes I run.

Chewing the Fat.

Provence Verte.

A MSR finale to start, a turn in land to climb form sea level to 1,600m & a Sunday roasting in the afternoon.
The toughest day so far, both in terms of altitude gained and dealing with the afternoon heat on the hillsides. I slept in shorts and a vest on top of my bivvy bag last night as it barely got below 25C overnight.
Got a bit excited on the Cipressa & Poggio, both nice climbs (especially at daybreak) but great to get an on-the-ground perspective of MSR as I reckon the finale is the best 30 mins of action in the cycling season.
Today’s oozing croissant flavour was pistachio, but less generous than yesterday’s example. Turned inland at Menton towards the Col de Turini via the very pleasant Castillon. Turini was long but never particularly testing (I always had at least a gear spare) and at least the heat was more manageable at altitude. The next climb to Utelle was made harder than I image it would be by the midday sun offering now shade, and my Garmin reading high 30s 🥵. The descent was then seriously sketchy with a lot of loose stone/gravel on the road, no barriers to stop you tumbling down the ravine and a section of abandoned roadworks with no signs beforehand. Just to fully cook me there was a nasty few kms at British gradients before the descent to the main valley where I am staying. For a ‘holiday’ this was a tough day, but such an enjoyable one. I can really see why so many pros live around here. If someone wants to offer me a job in Nice, I’m all ears 😉.
Up next, the scenery promises to be gorge-eous (well, even more so 🙂).

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Samuel Thompson | Acier,cc

9. Imperia -> Touët-sur-Var.

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End of the Lure.

Cold Sweats.

Sometimes I run.

Chewing the Fat.

Provence Verte.

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