I’d seen more people today than I had all week, it’s obvious we we’re getting to more populated areas. At the start of SS 18 a small group of walkers and motorcyclist had gathered to watch us start. They were all visibly intrigued and excited as we started down the loosest single ever. Not too technical, but with very visible exposure into a stream bed. The finish in Roubion was simply stunning, it was like French Macchu Pichu, mountains, a massive valley and tiny village perched on a cliff side. Was this really the South of France?

The next liaison stage was almost unreal. Ancient mountain paths, a gorge, twisty turning trails with multiple lines, rocks, and launch–pads, riding with other riders whooping and hollering in excitement. After a short carry we began a balcony trail under cliffs. It was like I was on a Hans Ray adventure, but I was riding with Barel, Vouilloz, Sorrel, Jones and Porter. Just ripping along, sliding, jumping and turning. It wasn’t going to last forever as we arrived at Stage 19, a 3.5km, 450m drop to the finish. As with almost every day this had been another of the best days riding ever, tough yes, but so rewarding.

St Sauveur–sur–Tinee – Sospel

SP20 +20m/-532m

SP21 +0m/-705m

SP22 +0m/-445m

SP23 +0m/-348m

This event should be a right of passage for a mountain biker. When I hear Sven (Martin, photographer and racer) complaining that the pedal was ‘more then he thinks it should be’ I laugh. Sven are you expecting? That may be the reason it’s so hard for you to go up hill. Shit! I don’t think you should even have the old ticker redlining that high when you are this far along anyway. This event had all riders that excel in different styles of riding battling for top spots in the overall and special stage scratches. It was a perfect balance of power and skill. Then came day six. Titled as ‘long and technical’ with four tracks and 2,030 metres of downhill, this was the day for the French goats.

The first two tracks where really fast, technical and hard to navigate at speed, but still really fun. The third track was like a toboggan run and one of the best of the week. Then came Special 23.

I should have known when its number was 23, that’s a sign of evil, Satan made this special I’m sure of it. Because it’s hard to look cool, tough or macho when your tail is between your legs sliding on the back of your heels. I’m pretty sure this is not the fastest way and/or the French way. I’m sure glad the video guy was not there to witness. But it will forever be a stain in my mind, which may be worse.