Stage 1 to St Privat d'Allier

As we were still digesting our desert and coffee, we were herded off to the cathedral steps which were to serve as our start line. Here's race director Patrick Bonnot getting the ducks in line:



Hail started to fall as we waited for 3pm (a nice touch from the Almighty?), but we were all dying to get started whatever. Apart from a couple of brief snow showers, the weather held but was quite chilly. The scenery was superb, the course well marked, and the volunteers tremendous.

Here's a shot of our destination for today, St Privat. Like all these rural villages, just ancient and picturesque.



For once, I managed to run sensibly on day one. It was very hilly in places, and muddy, but the last 5K was a wonderful downhill cruise. A few barky dogs along the way today, but didn't need protective ski poles!

Things get more serious tomorrow with a 6am start and 40 very hilly miles. Holiday's over!