Day 17 Besancon - Oyonnax

Decided to head to the last points for the King Of Mountain at Cote d'Echallon which was approx 20 klm from the finish. I thought this could be a good day to unfurl the Dandy North Flag as they generally show the images of mountain top points being awarded.  This was a category 3 climb.

The drive out was beautiful all the classic images of French, Italian, Switzerland you see in the James Bond car chases, viaducts, tunnels steep drops over valleys between mountains. Parked near St Germain-de-Joux and rode to the top, a little town called Miribel.

Rode up and down the local roads trying to find the KOM. stopped and met an American recently married to an English lady and a German couple who had travelled from Switzerland which is only an hour away. Saw an English flag displayed across the windscreen and thought I would have a chat. Joe & Eleanor from Wakefield Yorkshire. They also displayed the Welch Flag in support of Geraint Thomas, also big followers of Team Sky.Hit the 3 klm from the KOM and the Gendarmerie asked to dismount and walk. Oui! Merci! Put our flip flops (thongs)on and as soon as we were out of sight rode the rest of the way.

Also met this well known identity to the TDF on the way up.

The famous Devil on Echallon

Reached the top, unfurl the flags, caravan comes through dispensing all the sponsors goodies to the crowd.

Stopped for a photo on Cote d' Echallon.......

Nicholas Roche from Ireland was first over the top and when it was finished made a quick exit down the mountain back to Bourg en Bresse.

Then joined Richie Porte when he came by

Did not find out until the next day that young Josh Webster and others were up late watching the TDF and saw us waving the famous Dandy North Flag.

Taken off the TV back in Oz