Saturday 6 August 2011

Raid Alpine Stage Six

Beuil to Antibes (149kms, 2051m ascent)

The route starts with an epic 22km descent through the Gorges de Cian, which should be impressive to say the least. From here we climb up the small Col de St Raphael (876m), followed by some fabulous cross country riding on an undulating gradient. The last main col of the trip is the Col de Bleine (1439m), which is followed by a well earned 27km descent into St Vallier de Thiey. The coast is in sight here. We head on over the Col du Pilon 786m (which we should hardly notice). Then there is a true downhill bias as we head into suburban Cote d’Azur. It will be a bit of a shock to enter such populated areas after the tranquillity of the route, but also there should be a definite ‘holiday’ feel about the place! We follow the quietest but least complicated (we hope!), route into Antibes and to the coast where we end our epic journey. Our hotel for the night is on the sea front of Cagnes sur Mer, just up the coast from Antibes. It is the perfect place to dip our toes (probably all of us in fact!) in the Med, enjoy a seafood dinner and partake in a few celebratory beverages!

To see the stage map and follow my position live follow the link below:

http://www.endomondo.com/event/2014501

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