Le Loop 2023: Stage 7 Mont-de-Marsan – Bordeaux

Cycling summary

Breakfast: 05:45

Transfer: 2.5 hours

Start time: 09:40

Distance: 169.9 km

Terrain: Flat (748 metres)

Climbs: 1 Cat 4

Finish: 17:41

Time in saddle: 6h37

Temp: mid 20s

Drinks: 4 litres

Suffer scores: 9

Local lowdown

Riding through Les Landes all day before getting to my “home” department of the Gironde. Should be good for shade with all the pine forests, but depends on how exposed the roads are. Passing through Roquefort (cheese) and Cadillac (cars?) along the way.

Tale from the Tour

Well I found today really tough going. I didn’t sleep well last night as I couldn’t get comfortable – my knees were hurting and as was the lower right of my back. I had no power all day and although this stage is ideal for saving energy by riding in groups, I found that my tiredness compromised my mental ability to concentrate properly. As a result, I thought would be a danger to myself and others if I got too involved in group work. This meant me riding long stretches on my own or with a small group. Thankfully Justin dropped off his group to accompany me on the final 30km of the ride. Early today we passed a sign for Saint Justin – he was that for me alright today!

On the subject of signs, although the stage was long and arduous for me, at least I did have some fun en route.

I couldn’t resist a cheesy grin here. No Wensleydale on offer though!
Brmm brmm. Could have done with an engine
This would have been a step too far

The South West of France is characterised by km after km of pine forest, which is what we saw for pretty much all of the day.

Tucking into lunch

As we approached Bordeaux the landscape changed and we saw many vineyards, as you might expect

I was thankful to get a massage before dinner (two plates full of spag bol) which seems to have sorted out my back issue and I’m hoping that a good night’s rest will consolidate that.

A flat stage shouldn’t be more difficult than a mountain stage should it? But we had headwind all day which meant peddling hard for every km. Though yesterday was cold and wet at times, at least we had some “free” kms as going downhill doesn’t require too much effort from the legs.

It’s only just before 9pm here, but that’s lights out for me. Breakfast is at 06:30 so that’s some good recovery time.

2 thoughts on “Le Loop 2023: Stage 7 Mont-de-Marsan – Bordeaux”

  1. Hope you have a better night.
    Had a great ride on Romney Marsh – tailwind out, headwind back. My Strava speed graph illustrates very nicely.

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  2. Glad you enjoyed your ride Hugh. You’re getting out and about a lot.
    Much better sleep last night – 9 hours! Will see how I go today but hopefully yesterday will be my only jour sans

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