I had already covered about 20 km of cross-country skiing, but since I was in the resort at Chamrousse, I decided to combine it with a ski tour afterwards.

I fancied covering 1000 vertical meters via Miasino this time as the initial climb to Armeno.

According to several sources, the Tougnète Pass via the D96 is the most difficult climb in France.

I wanted to climb the Madeleine Pass after Pauline Ferrand Prevot's victory yesterday, but via a different route, as this one has a section of gravel.

Very hard today, ok once I got onto the Coiromonte hairpins although 5 min of my PB - 19m49s instead of 14m33 - 25% ! Although I blame 28mm rather than 25mm tires.

Return to Emeindras with skate skis as the trails had been pisted. However I broke a basket on one of my poles which meant for a bit of lopsided skiing.

A quick tour on nordic touring skis towards Emeindras above le Sappey.

Same as last year but in the reverse direction. I was looking for another pass but it doesn't seem that the road is surfaced. The weather has been unsettled and it didn't look good reaching Omegna.

RouteNice little ride along the foothills of lake Orta to a monastry on top of a hill with lake views. The route passes through a few traditional Italian villages. There is a bar in Miasino.

Afternoon trip to recover my sunglasses left in a cafe in Orta. This gave me the opportunity to cycle around the headland of Orta then ride up to Armeno in the route I normally ride down.