Fireflies Tour 2013: Stage 4 - La Grave to Oulx (Italy!)

An easier day today, though with a sting in the tail. We started off for Briancon up the Col de Lauteret, being passed by what seemed like hundreds of classic sports/touring cars engaged in the Coupe des Alpes. Porsches predominated, but there was everything from a vintage Bentley to several Lancia Stratoses. We stopped at the top for coffee and to look at the start of the famous but closed Galibier climb, which has 5 m of snow at the top still.

Then a great, long, swooping descent to Briancon followed by a relatively civilised (that is, under 10 per cent) climb up the very peaceful wooded Col de L'Echelles. Going down the other side was a bit sketchier, with big drainage gulleys lying in wait. But by then we were in Italy.

Lunch at Bardoneccia (wild boar ravioli and great espresso) was followed all too soon by a short, brutal up-and-down climb near there, of the infamous Monte Jafferau, which defeated several pro riders in this year's Giro d'Italia. Then a final fast run to Hotel Oberje dla Viere in Oulx – the first good group I've managed to catch and keep up with. I did a couple of turns on the front and paced one rider who got dropped back to the group, so I think my form is improving. I'm definitely the oldest rider in the group this year and possibly, it seems, in Firefly history.

The weather is holding up well, with some splendid views. And of course, nice as France is, it's a delight to be in Italy, if only for one night.