Day 6 TdF - 2009

Today's ride was planned to be a small climb out of the village on the lake near Lausanne, Switzerland to Moulon, a town 40km away. The stage passes through Moulon and a Cat 3 climb starts there. We planned to do the Cat 3 climb as well. However, a woman along the race route was struck and killed by a police vehicle during yesterday's stage. The police will be even more restrictive than before, so no hope of doing the climb on the race route.

The accident with the woman was entirely preventable. The French police leading the caravan of cars and official vehicles speed along the course as if they are in some kind of race. It almost appears to me they are showing off. Ironically, I mentioned to one of my French guides that it amazes me they haven't killed anyone. He said, "Eh, it happens at least once per year. A person watching the tour is killed by a caravan vehicle." Later that day, sure enough. The Tour is great, the race is incredible; but the support and caravan folks act as though it is about them and seemingly have little regard that kids and other folks are on and about the roads.

Today's ride started with an 8km roll out and then a steady 12km climb. It was a pretty tough climb and for once in the past several days, the guides permitted the climb to separate the folks who should and should not be in the 'fast' group. The fast group started with twenty five, again. Mid way up the climb, we were twelve. Great climb. The pace stayed steady for the remaining 40km and it was a much safer and far more relaxed ride than the previous days. Although we did not do the Cat 3 climb on the race course, we did complete another climb on the way back. So, all in all, a good day. Nearly 50 miles, two good climbs, great pace, comfortable group size and returned in time to watch the exciting stage on Sunday. I'll write more about the region later. This place is beautiful.