Today was simply spectacular, and the equal best day of cycling alongside Stage 4. So much happened that was unexpected, which makes cycling such an adventurous recreation.

The first delightful experience occurred after 20km when I came across a local cycling club who were rolling along at a good pace. And I then spent the next 100km cycling with them, which gave me plenty of time to practice my Spanish, which I improved by 500% (wordcount is now 5!).  They were a great group who were entertaining and humorous, and Martine will be delighted to hear that I didn’t break any cycling etiquette rules by barging my way into this peloton.

We cycled over a magnificent mountain range lined by trees that had been ring-barked … sure enough, cork trees!  Squillions of them. But really quite beautiful, like an artistic creation.  It was an amazing road, perfect for cycling – smooth, fast, great curves and turns, and views everywhere.

After 100km my Spanish friends peeled off for an alternate route to the Finish Line, but I had to stay on the real course, so continued solo, and soon hit the magnificent Mediterranean coastline.  Once again the views changed to bright blue sea-water and white sandy beaches.

And then to top it all off … the course finished with a great Category 1 climb up from the sea to Alto Penas Blancas. This was a beauty of an ascent, and the best crowd atmosphere to date.  The road was lined with spectators most of the way, and the Finish Line was packed. The views from the top were to die for, and we all (Martine, Jess, Vi and Alex) enjoyed watching the pro’s cross the line from the best possible vantage point.

What a day!