Early 6 am wake-up to start our first riding day. Left Beaulieu-sur-mer and and rode along the sparkling Mediterranean to Monaco where Peter F arranged for a friend to give us a insiders cyling tour of Monaco before we continued along the French Riviera coast to Menton where we turned toward the Alps and our first climb of the day. Outside of the gorgeous ride along the coast, one of the many the highlights of the ride along the coast was being passed by Mark Cavendish's erstwhile leadout man, Mark Renshaw (who Duncan and Philip chased down), wearing his Robobank kit (or at least that's what those who claimed to recognize him said :). The first climb was a mere appetizer for the 2nd 24 km. climb up the Col Turini followed by even more climbing to our picnic spot where we enjoyed a picnic lunch (some claiming to the meat & cheese sandwiches on baguette to be the best sandwiches they've ever eaten). A third climb finished the day totaling out close to 12000 feet over 80 miles for most (while Dave & I) took the slightly shorter option leaving us with a mere 10000+ feet of climbing for the day before we got to Valdeblore where an excellent 5 course meal awaited us prepared by our hosts Luc & Christiane topped by the cheese course of half dozen locally made cheeses. We're exhausted...more tomorrow when we can upload pictures.