Stage 11 - no riding but up close with Cadel & Teams at our Hotel

What can I say as I write this before falling asleep tonight. A totally gobsmacking day. Plenty of pics to process and upload but here's a short story and just a sample of the pics of today.

Weather started out dismally at the start of Stage 11 but we persevered and watched the start. Highlight was definitely jumping the fence (too wet for the Gendarmes to police) and Cadel was all smiles and gratefully receiving the Crocodile welcome.Would you believe he even sent out his Sognieur with Espresso shots in the damp conditions.

Upon our return to the Hotel, we found Europcar (Tommy Voeckler Yellow Jersey team) was staying at our Hotel along with Radioshack. The teams were so friendly and allowed us into the mechanics vans to show us spares, wheels etc and gave us giveaways like caps.

Dinner time was also superb. Short walk into the old part of Toulouse and Alex used his fluent french skills to order us some superb meals and wine. Truly a spectacular day. Time for bed now as we have our first big climb tomorrow. Luz Ardiden where we cycle 40 kms up the valley and then climb 1000 m in 14 kms. Stay tuned and goodnight.