Day 1!

Stats for the day:
Left at 07:10 in morning from La Rochelle
Rode for 101.86 km
Average speed was 23.7 km/hr

Getting ready and having breakfast at 06:15 in the morning, the start of a reasonably tough day (though there isn't much to compare it to yet)

The great departure from the Avia dépot! Will looks happy - he hit a golf ball over one of the large tanks in the background - very nice shot indeed!

A quick stop with a (hopefully) French-looking countryside backdrop, on our way south from Surgères.

Some of us found that we couldn't stay awake at 7 in the evening, after a day of riding and a whole lot of sunbathing (for Will at least)

Our home for the night, just off Cognac. Very cosy and pretty, delicious food... Everybody in good spirits, slightly sore legs, and in the knowledge it will get worse!

The last few days before the big start!

We've been in La Rochelle for two days now, enjoying the hospitality of Nick's aunt and taking in the beautiful scenery:

First things first: putting our bikes together!

Matt and Will tending to the barbeque after a surprisingly long session of putting bikes together...

Will working on his tan!

Flying the flag for England!

Matt... Well, being Matt.

Setting off! (on a practice run)

Showing off our shirts - thanks to our sponsors!

Team photo in the lovely afternoon sun...

All kitted up (the first of many similar photos to come)