A nightmare day. We've climbed two huge Alpine passes and I have now realised that scaling Goodwood Hill on the odd few occasions wasn't that great of a preparation for the Alps.

The climbs were both at 15 degrees - so for every 6 feet forward, it's 1 foot up - not a lot of fun. I did manage to get the bike up to 40 mph on the way down.

On the flip side the scenery was stunning. There is not a cloud in the sky and it's 30 degrees.

Fingers crossed for tomorrow.

Adam