#col d'izoard

[velovelo]

Descending the Col d'Izoard at the 1993 Tour de France.

Graham Watson 📸

[tank-head]

[moonlit-rumour]

What’s remarkable to me is how Mikel Landa maintained this look on his face even when climbing high in the Alps. How much power must this guy have if he looks like this (and also manages to leave his group in the dust for good bit of road) on an end-of-stage HC climb?

(Obviously this pic is not from the climb, but it really stood out to me how he looked similar to this all the way up the Col d’Izoard while most everyone else was understandably grimacing, as they do.)

I’m really looking forward to seeing him be allowed to spread his wings and show off what he’s got with a new team next season.

[hotelizoard]

Randonnée à raquettes dans la vallée de Cervières. Observation de chamois. Séjour en étoile depuis l’hôtel d’Izoard.

[rollersinstinct]

Dutch ride Jan Nolten climbs the Col d'Izoard during the Tour de France.

[sepiacycling]

[peter-sagan]

ONE DAY

One day I dream I'll be in South East France, surrounded by bright summer sunlight, breathing in the morning due. Rolling effortlessly up the winding slopes of the famous french climbs, mounted upon my machine. Crafted with such ingenutiy, each inch of design is so refined, such delecacy and elagance is what allures me to this tool of a skilfull proffesion. Shadows of the infamous climb overlook me as I aproach the desolate, jaggered mountain pass. I will ride up and over the Col d'izoard, and I'll climb like a climber. I'll Leave the dry, arid landscape behinde me, racing down the decent, daringly. I'm attempting the impossible is what my body will tell me, but my mind will still remember the dream and I will ride on. Keeping in the most aerodynamic position and swinging round taking the corners close, feeling the freedom of what a bike ride is. Just you and the road ahead.  As the warm wind batters my face I will smile in contentment. A state of complete bliss overcomes the body as the sight of the Alps fascinates the mind and fills the wide eyes with everlasting colour, absorbing each and every detail of this place in which only one sound which can be heard. The zipping sound of the tires running along the tarmac surface as the wheels rotates at an overly high cadence, speeding down the curving roads. The sound slows as I slow, cranking up the gears as the clinking of the chain can be heard. Another, more daunting shadow grows as I come nearer. The mountains overwhelming presence intimidates the mind. Pushing down on the pedals and dragging them back up, keeping a steady pace as I begin to tire. The sky is no longer a limit when there are footprints on the moon. I'll ride on and on until I reach the top. Gradients that taunt my legs will fill my body with pain. Pain is success. I push on and up, riding out of the saddle once more. I'll only be starring at the road uphill. To Galibier. My legs are spent and my body exhausted, but I've nearly conquered it. I'll Concentrate my concience on the surroundings once more. Taking in the picturesque views, the views oh so familiar, looking at the snowy patches still lingering upon the grey rocky slopes on a misty summers afternoon...

[vinnieknowsitall-blog]

@eigenwijzerman Col d'Izoard? Binnenbad en niet teveel @Flapjack_nl mee omhoog!

#59 #vinnieknowsitall