Stage Distance: 31km
Total Distance: 2715km
Stage 17 was the final time trial of the tour and this time we set off in time trial fashion, 30 seconds apart. The day started however with a bus transfer to the start line in Embrun.
The “start line” was hilarious, with some taking it very serious; wearing skin suits, being fully clipped in with somebody holding the bike and racing off at the start, whilst others were taking it as an easy day. Everybody to their own as I often say, and this is part of what makes the Tour de Force special, everyone does it how they wish and how they are able. Needless to say I was in the latter category and set off knowing that this wasn’t any normal time trial, with quite big ascents and technical descents to navigate (I’d have loved these a week back, not so much now).
It was a thoroughly enjoyable ride however, though did make me wonder exactly how the pros would tackle it a week later, especially the first descent which was narrow, tight, twisty and bumpy. Surely the weren’t planning on doing this on TT bikes.
At Chorges we had time for coffee and ice-cream before again boarding the bus for a transfer to our hotel.
[gcmap act="340428887" class="aligncenter"]