Day 4 - Croix de Fer

So with the Tour stage in the bag we had a night in the beautiful Pic Blanc hotel complete with a stunning view over the mountains. Day 4 began with the usual gathering of cyclists at the start point - all a bit jittery at the notion of descending Alpe d'Huez en masse - all 22 switchbacks. After surviving the descent it was a fast ride with the pro rider from Cofidis leading the pace line to the base of the next climb - the Col de la Croix du Fer. Legs felt pretty good and I managed to cling to the front group for the first 10 minutes or so of the climb but fell off as the pace remained unrelenting. Finished the climb pacing with a rider from Belgium - stuffed down some cheese and prosciutto at the top - another unbelievable descent along the sheer wall of a gorge to the base of the last climb into Toussuire (featured as the final stage of this year's Dalphine ) - an alpine resort with amazing views. Good laughs over dinner with the Kiwi crew and off for some sleep before the final day...