Well, if you’re going for iconic climbs, what else to follow the Galibier? And it’s less than half as much climbing, so counts as an easy day. Finally, it was unfinished business, since I’d passed up the chance to climb it when Helen and I passed its foot on our Grand Tour in 2014.

It was worth the wait. Spectacular bends between the crags, and much entertainment along the way from a diverse mix of humanity on bikes. There was a unicyclist, dads pushing their kids while riding their own bikes one handed, a tandem, two out-of-shape middle aged guys on shopping bikes who were knackered before reaching the first bend, a recumbent, and of course any number of fit young men going for personal bests. My contribution was to be the only person spinning up slowly on a touring bike, grinning from ear to ear. Another great day out.