Stage 3 - Back in serious business

Today was not a day for the faint hearted. Two mammoth climbs with 80km of fast downhill in between. Some legs will be sleeping well in Valhalla tonight. The rain kept down to a drizzle and a couple of showers with things warming up (in climbing as well as weather terms) in the afternoon. Many riders completed their toughest ever day in the saddle today - RESPECT!

Stephan took in the first climb before being joined by Iain for the fun part. A shallow slope and some long flats all the way down to Lom where the route to the second climb began. Stephan also retired from the full tour at this point, saving his weary legs for the days ahead. Both of us took a swim in the hotel pool this afternoon and are ready for whatever tomorrow throws at us.

The battle for victory at the head of the pack today sounded more like a war of attrition, with most of the leading pack too tired to attack, the winners were those who survived.

Stage 2 - Avalanche disrupts Viking Tour!

Today the Viking Tour went luxury class! A short 35km stage with a mild incline was followed by a fjord boat cruise and dinner in a streetside cafe. That wasn't the original plan. Unfortunately some last minute changes had to be made to avoid some dangerous ice threatening to block the original route - a remnant from an avalanche. Now how many cycle competitions in Europe in July get diverted by avalanches?

Yesterday had been a tough today for Iain, who was scared off by today's planned route and decided to step out. Stephan powered ahead, once again reaching the stage finish well before the official winner as he was able to set off early. Interesting to see if today's shorter route allows some of the elite class to put in an even bigger breakaway effort on tomorrow's two killer climbs.

Things could get quite hairy tomorrow!