Col de la Madeleine - 13 July

This is one of the big ones! Col de la Madelaine rates as a ‘High Category’ 25km, 1650m climb with an average gradient of 6.5% with parts that max out at 11.5%. The summit stands at 2000m above sea level and commands sweeping views of valleys north and south. It features lots of switchbacks, unrelenting pinches upwards and the occasional traverse. I made the summit just before 1pm after 2hrs 50 min riding. This left just enough time to descend back down the mountain before the gendarmes closed the road so we could watch the stage come through Bonneval (a tiny village 6km up the mountain).

Cadel was with the main chase group when he passed us but was in a world of hurt it seems with a fractured elbow. Having lost as many minutes today, he probably can’t get back into jersey contention. C’est Le Tour.

The atmosphere on the way up on the mountain was sensational especially the last 5 km which was packed with campervans and day trippers getting ready to cheer and party on. People helped us with water along the way because it was another hot day. Some parts of the road were totally painted over with signs and decorations; and people adding to it right up to the last minute. Madeleine was a huge grind to get there today but a great sense of achievement on my first HC climb.