Chaotic start, in the rain, along the Ourcq canal. Leaving Paris is laborious, the wind blows head-on, I’m not making progress and I’m exhausting myself. The countryside then offers a sad spectacle, under the big clouds, the closely mown fields are quite dull.

After a common break at the bakery, a Belgian offers me to take his wheel and we do a good part of the stage together.

I then find the usual groups, then Sébastien. Another Frenchman joins us and we finish the day all three. I wasn’t able to change my ferry ticket. So my two comrades volunteered for the role of pilot fish! From today on, we’ll ride 300 km/day to reach Frederikshavn on Saturday. As a reward, we’ll sleep in a hotel.

It’s daring, but my comrades are strong riders, I’m rather confident in us.

Comments

Titi

First! This solidarity is cool. Thanks for the summary. You’ll make it for Saturday, you’re a beast. I wish you good legs tomorrow. Have a great day! 👋

François

Great, you’re progressing well, almost in Belgium already! There’s often wind in the North :D it’s better to ride in a group. And it’s more fun too. Safe travels!

Dad

The flat country that is theirs, you’ll make short work of it!!! The north wind won’t come to spread itself against the Croix de Fer, it’s the south wind, from Italy that will descend the Scheldt that will put your heart at high tide… Vai avanti Ivan.

Maman

Great sports spirit! That’s also the beauty of this adventure! I saw your peaks at 30 km/h and your position in the list, which is rising, proof that head and legs are connected! The riders seem really nice! It’s Victor, a young Frenchman who apparently took the lead after 4 days of monopoly by the first who catches his breath at 13th place. Suspense then! I love following this beautiful journey! Glad you’re sleeping dry, after 300 km it’s the least you deserve! Have a good day tomorrow, Ivan, hoping the wind is favorable to such tenacity! 😘