Col d'Izoard and the TdF Stage 14

Firstly a shout-out to Montgenevre where we have stayed for the last few days.  A picturesque French alpine ski village, located on a mountain nestled between Briancon, France and Cesena Torinese, Italy.  Here's a pic of the early am view.

Today was quite an experience.  We climbed the historic Col d'Izoard in the am before the TdF riders arrived in the pm.  This is the 33rd time Le Tour has climbed d'Izoard.  The atmosphere along the route was something special - lots of cyclists, campers, walkers, runners, caravans, vendors, Le Tour vehicles, etc.  The stuff you see on TV, but in a more relaxed mode before Le Tour riders arrive.  It made for a unique climbing experience, and even more unique descending experience.

The climb up Col d'Izoard starts in the French city of Briancon, and ends 20km to the summit at elevation 2360m.  The climb starts relatively easy for the first 10km to the village of Cervieres (something in the 5% grade range), and then gets steep for the remainder of the climb -- upwards of 8 to 10% grades with multiple switchbacks.  If you watched TdF stage 14 on TV you will have seen the majestic alpine scenery.

After descending back to Briancon, L & I witnessed Le Tour for the first time.  Quite a spectacle -- people lining the road / streets, a long parade of vehicles for all sorts of purposes -- police, tour officials, photography, TV, radio, medical, escort, vendors giving away stuff or selling TdF memorabilia, team cars, tour VIPs, etc.  That goes on for a few hours, then the sky is suddenly filled with helicopters and the tour riders appear going at top speeds.  Quite a sight.

The above pic is of the beginning of the climb up Col d'Izoard with people lining the streets, and belowis a pic of the lead group of riders coming through Briancom before ascending the Col.

And on the way down from Col d'Izoard I met this guy, who TdF TV viewers will recognize.

Tomorrow we are off to Tallard to see the start of Stage 15, a short ride, then off to Provence to tackle the next epic climb -- Mt. Ventoux.