I wanted a flat trip around near where I live just to get some air but not go far or hard as I sprained my ankle on Sunday.

I've got the summer road bike fixed and working so decided to take it out for a spin. first real climbing this year and a return to an old favourite.

Route DescriptionAfter Albertville take the la Bathie exit. Turn left then right onto the Route de Biorges.

After my classic ski on the Herse I wanted to go back on ski it skating but a blizzard arrived out of nowhere so I settled for 5 loops of the Green piste at the Col de Marcieu.

We probably should have ridden against the wind to start with as it was very hard getting home across the Steppes of the Gresivaudan.

I headed up to the Col de Marcieu for a bit of afternoon classic practice on the blue and green pistes. Basically going around with and without poles.

The Colle del Piccolo San Bernardo is the only mountain pass that links the Italian Aoste valley from the Tarentaise.

We wanted to push right up the Manival valley to the cabin but due to lack of time stopped about 200 meters short. We returned via the main trail as it was damp.

After the morning activity a farewell, then, to the Chamonix tracks with a last skate up to the top end and back.

Morning spent going around the start zone of the cross country tracks demonstrating skate and classic techniques, filming and getting feedback.