155km and 1800m
Not the most specular of stages, but still a remarkable day. Finishing a grand tour is an accomplishment few own. At the end, time and placing are relatively irrelevant. Lining up at the start seven mornings in row and riding to the finish each day is what matters most.
Proud of Buster. The first tour is by far the hardest. The Day 7 finish line is a feeling like no other and he’s now experienced it.
Like 2012 and 2014, Day 7 was Canadian Express, will all four of us riding together. Morning started with a 16km downhill neutral roll from yesterday’s finish in the Peyragudes ski area.
Saved some fresh sock dope for the last day.
As our hotel was at the bottom of the hill in Louchon, along with about a 50 other participants, we meet the pack in the valley and rolled across the timing start with the peloton.
15km of flat onto the only big climb of the day. A Seymour compressed over 9.1km. Plan was simple. Get the 4 of us over the col as quickly as possible.
As he always does, 4th liner brought his best for game 7. TL gets stronger and stronger as these events progress. Total machine today. And Buster channeled his 32min Cypress, wearing his good set of legs to play.
We summited with a competent group and descended 10km into the valley, onto a 100km of rolling descent into rolling flat.
Unfortunately not long into this final segment we had to stop as TL had a bike issue. After some serious assessment and teamwork, got it fixed, but we lost our train and a bunch of time.
Fought back onto another train but we were now with less competent riders, pushing themselves hard on the final day. Dangerous situation. We generally hung at the back of that group. With 15km to go lined up the Canadian Express and hit it hard. Blew off the group and pace-lined to the finish. Might have experienced our first bit of team dissension as we coordinated our escaping efforts and pulls — but leaving that on the road.
Wifey and Mrs. 4th Liner were waiting at the line. First time wifey has attended a grand tour finish. Was a treat. Missed her.
Quite possibly the best piece of media from the entire event. I'll let the footage speak for itself. Videography by wifey.
Well deserved bottle of champagne and incredible dinner in Toulouse.
As I suggested, final placings don’t mean much. Between time penalties and assisting teammates, our approach to these events pushes our results down in the cumulative standings when compared to our “free to fly” days. That said, some requested that I share.
The Pro: 53, 27:58:38 (inclusive of 10min penalty)
Le Directeur: 54, 27:59:02
Rookie: 117, 30:35:36
4th Liner: 118, 30:36:10
It’s over. Not sure when I’ll be back for my next. Need to get some old guy out of retirement first. Thanks for following along.
Just came across this. Remember riding with you guys at times. Brought back some good memories. Hope your all well.
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