Genval - Poix Saint-Hubert
Ascend : 1650 metres, Descend 1400 metres
A new day and a new team in action. We awoke early and met for breakfast at 7am in an attempt to make up the 15 mile shortfall from the previous stage end.
Excitement and apprehension levels rose as we prepared ourselves for a long, hilly stage. It would even be Mountainous by the end. Here we are ready for action at the lake by the hotel this am in a group shot taken by Dominique:
Mike was keen to get some late stretches completed in the car park before we set off, so I joined him :-
We set off just before 9am, agreeing to meet Dominique in the historic town of Dinant (52 miles) located on the river Meuse.
It was going to be the toughest day of the tour so far with a total climb of 1650 metres, 750 before Dinant.
The new co riders were riding well, here's a pic of them in action:-
Mike then managed to fall off his bike innocuously as his wheel hit a kerb picking up the first blood injury of the tour:
Not long after, we pulled over for a heavenly éclair stop at a patisserie half way up the first 250m climb of the day. Check out Graham's delighted face here:-)
Lunch in Dinant was superb, our bellies were bulging, but we all knew that a huge battle lay ahead as we set off into the Ardennes. Dinant cathedral:-
It then came at us from all fronts. Headwinds, non stop driving cold rain and constant climbing were the backdrop to a torrid afternoon. The hills were getting bigger, we had to confront a 300 metre climb within 8miles of lunch. 
Graham was starting to experiencing significant pain in his left knee, whilst various wildlife approached us from the forests that were enveloping us. Owls, snakes, wild boar, wild cats all presented themselves, which then led to plenty of exaggerated chatter about Gruffalo sightings.
The hills were now becoming mountains, with 6 miles to go, we thought we were done for the day , but then a challenging final climb of 250 metres that just kept on going over only 4 miles effectively hit the mute button on any remaining banter amongst us.
We made it though, 1650 metres climbed , 86 miles completed and everyone elated at having finished such a hard stage.
At dinner , we were all smiles. Dominique had played a blinder in the support car and as part time nurse.
Just before we set off to bed, Aude, the owner of our hotel that we are staying in tonight (Le Val de Poix) having read the blog , came over to have a word with us. She presented us with a very generous donation on behalf her family. What an incredibly kind gesture, and what a fantastic way to finish the day.
Down to Luxembourg tomorrow, until then. Brett x
Ridiculous lunges!!
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