Stage Six : Nice to Palud-sur-Verdon
Distance : 250km (the Rapha team added an extra 40km to the route!)
Following a much-needed rest day, it should have been a relatively gentle stage to ease us into the second batch of five days’ riding, but a brisk start on the coast ride out of our hotel several miles inland from Nice put paid to that. Missing a sign post for a right turn through a small village due to us all having our heads down and pushing hard on the pedals, we soon realised some 20km later that things didn’t seem right. A quick phonecall to organisers Phil Deeker and we had realised the error of our ways, and duly turned round. An extra 40km added to our day of riding just like that including a 14km stiff climb.
Once back on route, we flowed and swooped through countryside ranging from the idyllic to barren landscapes with huge rock structures jutting angrily towards the skyline. This part of the Route de Napoleon was an enjoyable rolling road heading west which eventually led us to the most spectacular part of today’s ride, and possibly of the entire event.
The Gorges du Verdon is an inspiring sight, eagles souring high above the almost bottomless canyon. We climbed a savage hill along its edge and it was at this point the heavens decided to truly open, requiring the trusty Rapha Rainjacket to be pulled out once again to keep the worst of the rain off us. Finally reaching the top, by which point I was all but ready to stand off the bike and announce my retirement from cycling for good, a long glorious but dangerous descent took us eventually back to our luxurious hotel for the night.
