Stage 3: Pont-St-Martin to Aosta

Pre tour planning had this down as a short stage to give the team an easy day ahead of the assault on the St Bernard Pass. With only 32 miles ahead of them the team got off to a late start after breakfast. First stop was the fountain to fill water bottles with some of the storm water from the overnight downpour. The skies now cleared, the day was a warm but pleasant 27 degrees.

The team soon picked up the pace and sped northwards into the valley with mountains towering up either side, becoming taller and more dramatic the further the team travelled. After 5 miles the team suffered the drama of a spill, as a temporary traffic sign jumped out and bit Tom. After a half hour or so to patch up both Tom and bike, both were declared serviceable and the team continued their progress hoping for no further drama.

Clouds scuttled between the peaks and the team was cooled by the odd brief shower.
The 14 mile mark, following a brief steep climb, brought the team to a viewpoint which seemed like a good excuse for lunch. Once again Ciro was the hero with a supply of prosciutto, mozzarella, tuna and biscuits. All washed down with a nice bit of vintage 2011 aqua.

Hoping for an easy run in to Aosta the objective was all but in the bag when Marco had a puncture, about a mile from the Auberge Mancuso. Bikes stowed, the boys settled into a familiar routine of showers, tour de France update, blog update and 40 winks. The team ventured out into the Aosta evening for re-fuelling and a pre-Alpine pass team talk.