Will they never learn.

Today was the penultimate day in the alps, and having not learnt our lesson over the past four days of hard climbing, more punishment was not only planned, but welcomed by all.

The route was to take us to the summit of the Col de la croix de fer, a summit of over 2000 metres. This was a convenient route for us to take, joining the road up the col at the t-junction after our descent from Pourchery. Iain planned to drive up to the reservoir along the route to shorten the 25km climb by a few km's, and ride to the summit to meet Toby, Jason, Neil and Dave. Some pre-tdf road resurfacing was negotiated by the four riders by walking through back streets, there was however no way around for Iain in the car and so he was delayed by an hour or so.

Toby, Jason, Neil and Dave rode on, Neil demonstrating incredible recovery as the steep hairpins eased into the ideal gradient for Neil to push on with Dave following. The performance was all the more impressive considering he had been falling asleep into his dinner only 12 hours before. Toby and Jason decided to hang back and wait for Iain at the reservoir, a wise move considering Iain was cooking that evening!!

Neil and Dave reached the summit of the croix de fer in good time and waited for the others, unaware that Jason and Toby had waited for Iain. After some discussions Neil and Dave descended to the junction of the col du Glandon, at which point they met Toby, Jason and Iain. With all of the riders now together the Glandon was conquered and then all riders rode up to the summit of the croix de fer for lunch.

After feeding the descent down to the reservoir and car was safely negotiated, at which point Iain decided he would ride back up to the col du Glandon, whilst the other riders finished the descent towards Allemond. With just the final killer climb up to the chalet to complete Toby, Neil, Jason and Dave arrived home hot, sweaty but buzzing from the days ride. Iain arrived home only 30 minutes later before all riders jumped into the car for a trip up to alps D'Huez for beers and Tour de France on TV.