Day 8-Time Triallin

Riding at 40+km/hr through the Loire Valley has its charms. The day started pleasantly enough, with clear blue skies, perfect temperatures and a convivial atmosphere. There were some murmurings about strategy and race plans for our ride but I ignored them as the sensation of being on holiday and enjoying life made it too difficult to concentrate on such frivolities.

We stopped midway along our 90km ride for an espresso at the tiny village of Marchenoir. There were quiet murmurings as the exceptionally good espressi were thrown down and there were the obligatory words of wisdom from Sensei.

After that, all hell broke loose.

The speeds slowly ratcheted up from 32km/h to 38 and eventually over 40km/h. The tightly packed peloton blew apart as Eric the Evil tightened the thumb screws. Slowly, lesser beings, myself included, were spat out the back as the aspirants took over proceedings. My mind was willing but my body and Garmin HR monitor told me otherwise. In the last 2km a ragtag peloton of 3 formed as the American Pornstar with his cadence of 40 was dropped like yesterdays outfit. We made some gains but ultimately dragged ourselves in minutes after the action finished at Bonneval.

After a shower outside the bus, we were off to watch the race. We had a traditional French spread of warm cheese and cold meats washed down with wine. We 'accidentally' strayed into the VIP area around the team buses and saw the legends of the sport warming up for the time trial. Cadel was running late, or at least that was the excuse Purecell, Gateaux and Jerry gave as they meandered back to the bus 45minutes late. It was then off to Paris for the Grand Finale.