Saturday 21st July 2018 - Stage 15 - Millau - Carcassonne

Another day, another stage. Breakfast was at 7am in the hotel. It included cereal, pastries, breads, croissants, yoghurt and a rice type pudding. The plates were tiny so we had to make a mockery of them. Heavy rain was falling outside as we ate.

The rain had virtually stopped as loaded the vans to drive to the start. During the drive we went through rain, drizzle, mist, cloud and sunshine before reaching the start where it was dry.

We were on the road cycling just before 9:30am and passed under the Millau viaduct, reportedly the tallest bridge in the world. We passed a sign we think was a warning for cyclists to watch their heads on the bridge which was 270m above us but as we were slowly climbing, I did not stop for a photo of the sign.

The day was rolling country with hills and a few cols thrown in for good measure. The first feed stop was at the top of the first major col. On the climb we passed the women's team.

The weather varied from cloudy to sunny and cool to warm (about 12 to 24 degrees) with a varying wind. It was mostly pleasant though cold in the wind at the top of the last col.

From the top of the last col, it was a largely mostly downhill 40km ride to the finish line. In a little village on the way down, one direction sign pointed left but then no more signs followed. Retracing my steps, I went back to the last sign and met another rider. He decided the sign had been turned around. After re-aligning it, we carried on to the finish line as rain threatened but did not arrive.

After 7hrs 16m of riding over 186.6km with 2,927m of climbing we reached the finish line and waited for the other riders to arrive.

 

Once the vans were loaded, we drove to the overnight accommodation which was a backpackers in an old winery. The riders have little very rustic cabins with communal shared facilities in the French way. The power repeatedly blew as showers were attempted. There are at least three cats and one dog which the English owners' keep.

Dinner was from 7:30pm at a restaurant in the village about 500m up the road. The waitress was all confused on the ordering so we ended up with an extra meal which was not wasted. The food was good but service typically French so we did not get to bed until around 10pm.

Tomorrow is a day of rest which many riders are looking forward to.