Ok so this was a “hilly” stage. It was a pretty good challenge akin to a longer Chilly Hilly.

We “cheated” this one and left from a village a little ways past the start the women would race. The villagers were ready for the event and had bells on. We were planking in excitement or fear of John Foxall.

There were memorials EVERYWHERE. Sometimes stone, sometimes iron crosses or “croix de fer”, for some person or cause all over the countryside.

Did I mention it was thrilling to ride through the race kites and signage, and even saying “bonjour” to the people setting up, seeing them again and again?

The fans were awesome, all camped out and having picnics at several places, and no one beats the Belgian campsite of Les Amis du Tour de France! Great people, great setup, great vehicles and great fans.

However it doesn’t compare to the hard work and pageantry of this woman, Kate Veronneau, Director of Women’s Strategy for Zwift. She helps make this race possible and has fabulous outfits. I on the other hand look maniacal and accidentally Flandrien.

On the way back to our hotel we stopped at a pretty waterfall, and the town had some awesome umbrellas. Little things like that all over that told that people cared about those quality of life moments. Serena was definitely an umbrella person and this would have been one of her favorite parts.