131KM. 3900M.
"No yellow jersey, but a yellow bike", Chrissie Wellington.
Normally this blog recounts the day in chronological order. Not today. In three previous 7-day cycling events, I have been very fortunate to not experience one flat tire nor a mechanical.
Yesterday, during the first 15km of the Day 1 stage, I flatted. Not a big deal. After a change, we were back in it, having to chase for a while as the entire field passed us.
The two photos below tell today's story. White Lightning, carted away atop the Mavic support car. GD riding away on a neutral support yellow bike.
Electronic shifting is awesome, until it's not. On the descent after the first 11KM climb, I realized that I had no power to my shifting system and was stuck in the biggest gear. Pulled over, scratched head and shortly thereafter was helped out by the Mavic car. Felt very pro. All in all, about 15+ minutes to set up a bike I could finish the remainder (most) of the stage on.
Again, passed by much of the field during our unplanned stop. Had to work hard to catch our friends up the road.
Back to the start. Partner swap day. Ribs/TL and Wilbur/GD.
Ribs took his job as the day's photographer very seriously. Some artistic material was produced. Look very closely and you'll see TL out of the saddle climbing against a backdrop we experienced for a good chunk of the day.
He even had time for a selfie.
Tonight we're in Courchevel, best known as one of the premier Euro ski towns, flooded with Russians and Arabs all winter. Also known to provide terrain for Le Tour in years past.
Tomorrow is referred to as the "marathon stage". Biggest vertical ascended of any day. 4950 meters over some of the Tour De France's most iconic climbs, finishing on perhaps the most famous — Alp D'Huez. More climbing than any of us have ever done in a day.
I drew Ribs for the cracker. Should be fun.
Check out Day 2 video (scroll down) for images from the day and Wilbur's butt at 29sec, followed by his mug at 1:14. Team TNA also well covered in today's images.
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