Day 5: Knight Frank Cycle to MIPIM 2022
Day Five of Knight Frank Cycle to MIPIM is a big day in all senses: kms covered, metres climbed and amount of rain cycled through in the shortest amount of time. It’s the second biggest day of the event: 255k from Chalon sur Saône to Valence so it’s going to be a BIG day.
Stage 1 is 49k from Chalon sur Saône to Pont de Vaux. The peloton heads out into the dry morning, led by Team Lockton. At the first cafe stop, coffee, hot chocolate and croissants are served up by friendly staff in a small cafe on the town square.
On Stage 2, the first spots of rain are felt but they do not materialise into the forecast rain. The peloton, led by Team Civic, wend their way down long straight roads through pretty villages and towns. We are now deep in the burgundy-producing region and the sun seems to be coming out after the chilly temperatures of the previous stop.
Lunch at the Bird park of Villars Les Dombes is very pleasant: the sun’s come out with intention and the riders are fed amazing hand constructed baguettes made by the catering team.
The third stage - led by Team Vectos is 51k to St Quentin Fallavier, along more very long, flat and straight roads. Spirits in the peloton seem high and after a quick refuel at the break, the peloton, fuelled by M&Ms and sugary fizzy drinks (a heady combination) heads out for Stage 4. It’s 55k and five climbs - a sharp, sudden change to the previous three stages. Everyone is riding really well together, splitting into smaller groups so they can ride together at a comfortable pace and the group makes good time into the final stop of the day - possibly the other favourite stop of the ride: it’s pizza time!
For the fifth and final stage into Valence, the weather unfortunately makes good on the forecast and, after being relatively kind all day, it tips it down. It continues pelting it down ("It's like being in a washing machine") as the riders conquer the final 47k - a feat of concentration and endurance to ride safely into the city in the dark. A lot of cold and wet riders make their the way to their hotels for well-deserved hot showers and dinner. 255km closer to their final destination - amazing work by everyone after an incredibly tough, long day.
Watch the latest daily update by EG Editor Sam McClary below.
If you’re able to sponsor the riders - even a small amount makes a big difference - you can do so here. Our fundraising total is currently an amazing £216,300 (thank you to everyone who has been donating!) and our target is £250,000. We are fundraising for a number of brilliant projects supporting vulnerable young people via Coram, Cyclists Fighting Cancer, MSA Trust and the Tom Ap Rhys Pryce Memorial Trust (Tom's Trust).
