After a long and technically difficult stage from La Seu D’Urgell to El Pont de Suert travelling over 128km and with 3500metres of ascent, it came down to a sprint finish between Team Bici and Team Buff with Team Bici taking their first win in a time of 5hrs and 53 minutes.
No rider seemed too disappointed that the first long climb of the day was on bitumen or that there was an extra feed station at the top. A series of interconnecting technical downhill tracks that tested the skill of all riders eventually led to a beautiful river setting where huge plates of pasta were waiting. Most riders took the time to sit and eat knowing that the day was far from over.Marathon stalwart Hans Dielachers quote of the day – ” That is the first time I have EVER stopped to eat like that in a race before”. More climbing and descending in the heat of the day again provided a mental and physical test. The rocky terrain caused many riders to suffer multiple punctures – a surprising number of tubes were seen being replaced and repaired. Another long climb brought riders to the final welcome 10km downill into town. The entire day was a picture postcard of amazing Pyrenean scenery. High mountains, impossibly placed hillside villages and amazing gorges and rivers.
A unique aspect of the ride is the goal to unite the entire region we are riding through, and so each evening a ride “passport” is passed to chosen riders from each region to carry for the next day in a special evening ceremony.
Our evening ended in hilarity with the tales of a British pair, one of whom was suffering terrible cramps at the same time as stepping over an electric fence. The vision of him not being able to move and getting electrocuted whilst his friend took photos was almost too much…
Tomorrow should be an easy day. Only 100km and 2800m of climbing. Should be a walk in the park.