We drove to the bottom of the tourmalet about 10 ks from the start of the climb and started riding in heavy rain. Cars and thousands of other cyclists withe the same thought in mind all braving the conditions. Fortunately the rain eased somewhat for most of the climb which we all were handling now with relative ease after almost two weeks of mountain climbing.
Rapide was first up the hill only to be stopped by about 50 gendarmes about 4 ks from the top, the summit in clear view, la cle, la fueille and l'symbole followed. With conditions cold and wet we decided to get back down the mountain and find a warm bar to watch the race from.
The descent was very wet and so cold that all we all struggled to keep any semblance of warmth, La cle especially. L'symbole did the chivalrous thing handing over a bit of clothing to keep the hyperthermia at bay.
We eventually made our way to a village called Augelles and that warm bar. Having a great time with many nationalities cheering there respctive riders.
At the appropriate time we went outside with what seemed like the whole town and watched the tour belt thru the narrow streets. Fantastic atmosphere and a great tour experience.
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