The Debora Matthews Fellowship

After the Galibier I need this. It’s a beautiful day here in Monetier. The climb wasn’t so bad after all. It took me about 2.5 hrs to do the 1200m. The others did it about an hour quicker of course. I did it without any rest stops, just a couple to replenish the water bottle from the support crew and one comfort break. Apart from being a bit breathless at the top I didn’t really notice the altitude that much. I had sprinted a bit to get there which might have been something to do with it. It was cold at the top too. I found Frankie sitting in his sleeping bag waiting for me. The cold certainly made the top section of the descent a bit less than comfortable. For me it was just a bit too steep, cold, bumpy, twisty and windy to be enjoyable. Once we joined the main road to Monetier and Briancon it was a different story though. 20km without having to pedal or touch the brakes! Surprisingly I recorded the top speed 68km/hr.
Sadly now Paddy, Min and Sarah have left us to return to England. Their support has been invaluable and I’m not sure I would have managed all the cycling without Paddy’s help and leadership. Thanks little bro’.
Debora’s brother Rob and wife Val have now arrived to support us over into Italy.
Another person to whom big thanks are due is Mel Crosby who runs Eurekaski in Monetier. Mel has lent us an apartment for us for last night and tonight. She and her husband Gavin (who runs the New Generation ski school in Monetier) are both old friends of Debora and myself. Thanks also to Paul Smith of the Hotel Rif Blanc and the Alpen Bar for his hospitality.
Now sorting out routes for Italy.