Cycling tour from Grugliasco to Sestriere, climbing from Oulx. Day started fresh in the morning. Sky covered with clouds, though not rain.
Headwind in Val Susa, but from Borgone till Susa I joined a group of 4 cyclists passing. In Susa the weather improved and the sun finally come out to warm up.
Along the way, scattered clouds alternated sun and shade. The fort of Exilles is always amazing to pass nearby.
I recommend to tackle the climb at a constant rhythm, and then recover energies on the flat section from Salbertrand to Oulx. Oulx always busy downtown on Sundays, many motorcycles around (maybe for a rally) and cars on the road. Headwind on the road towards Cesana, not very strong but still held out.
In Cesana I considered that I had saved enough energy and water, so I decided not to stop for a break. Climb up the Sestriere quite hot , with just a few tracts to recover. Arrived at the top, head under the fresh water of the fountain and took breath on the bench next to it.
Lunch in one of the restaurants facing the ski facilities, that during summer become golf courts. Refreshing wind, though a little strong sometimes. Then resumed the journey back home, along the long downhill to Pinerolo.
Total Length = 179.3 Km
Maximum Altitude = 2035 m
Temperature (°C) = 17.2 - 29.6
Felt Temperature (°C) = 18.0 - 30.0
Timing =
Grugliasco-Susa: 1h 38m
Break at Susa: 11m
Susa-Cesana: 1h 51m
Break at Cesana: 0m
Cesana-Sestriere: 59m
Break at Sestriere: 2h
Return (by Pragelato/Pinerolo/Piossasco): 2h 50m (+2m break at Pinerolo)
Navigator (to put on bike stem)
Altimetry
Comments