Velo Marin: Montsegur

A pretty tough day on the bike today. As usual it was smoking hot and we seemed to do our most difficult climb in the afternoon heat. But everyone managed it well and we had an excellent day riding a long loop from Limoux out to the ancient cathar stronghold at Montsegur and back. We left Limoux in a different direction today and were promptly greeted with two 1,000'-ish climbs -- the Col du Villa and the Col de Festes. From what we've seen, the grades around Limoux are not terribly steep and great for longer tempo climbing. I'm sure that will change later in the week when we head to the higher Pyrenees.

Leaving Limoux

Jerome and Tom heading towards the Col du Villa

Jerome and Paul at the Col de Festes

Descending to Puivert

We passed through Puivert and began a long steady climb up towards Montsegur. The mountains and landscape are more dramatic here. Rolling hills give way to steep canyons and increasingly higher peaks. Eventually the road pitches upwards and the climb to the Col du Montsegur begins in earnest. Matt and I enjoyed a bit of friendly competition and rode hard up the climb. Near the top, I attacked way too soon and ran out of gas 250m short of the col. Matt spun past and took the polka dot jersey. At this point we were pretty spent, and a truce was soon declared. Robert was waiting at the top, and the others soon followed.

Riding up the valley with Montsegur towering above

Looking down on Paul from one of the huge switchbacks

Having dropped me again, Matt pulls over the Col du Montsegur. Robert looks on.

Matt and Rich

Hydration stop

Descending from Montsegur. Very fast

We rode down for a coffee stop to Levelanet, start town of Stage 12 of this year's Tour de France. The hottest climb of the day followed as we ascended straight into the sun over the Col St. Benoit. Our reward was a relatively easy spin through the sunflower fields back home.