29 June, 2019

Sisteron to Seillans today along the Route Napoleon through Digne and Castellane. I’m going to file this ride under: “Seemed like a good idea at the time.” Actually it wasn’t that bad but choosing to cycle 90 miles in 40°C heat rather than drive in air-conditioned comfort was madness.

In 2010 stage 11 of the TdF started in Sisteron, finishing in Bourg-les-Valence. It was won by Mark Cavendish with his teammate Mark Renshaw being disqualified for head butting during the leadout.

28 June, 2019

Blistering hot day but nevertheless spent a fantastic morning walking around the Citadelle at Sisteron with Kay.

The underground stairway at the Citadelle, carved out of rock and with 258 steps.

And a rock that looks like a crocodile. It’s a Crocodile Rock! Or maybe it’s a Rock Around The Croc.

26 June, 2019

It’s becoming a habit, this starting my holiday cycling by doing a lap of a lake. Last year it wasa lap of Lac de Sainte-Croix and this morning it was a lap of Lac d’Annecy. Used the cycle path which runs virtually all the way round and absolutely recommend it.

La vieille ville d’Annecy – The old town of Annecy.

If this mornings ride around the Lac d’Annecy was the entrée then this afternoons ride up to Semnoz was le plat + dessert + digestif all rolled into one. Tough one and very hot. Started with a bang, arrived at the top with a whimper.

At 42°C today was my hottest day on the bike since my 2013 Vuelta ride. It was also 6 years since I last cycled up Semnoz. I’m sure I sailed up this climb last time. Not today. The 16 mile descent back into Annecy was nice though.