Hard, hilly and a bit of everything on this route. 125km and none of them wasted.

• Steep hills, that go on and on – check
• Super fast descents – check
• Stretches of fast, good quality tarmac – check
• Teeth rattling hurtles down dreadful tarmac – check
• Gravel strewn roads with grass growing up the middle – check
• Enough ascents to make you rue the descents as you know you’re going to have to go up again – check
• Beautiful scenery, showcasing the best Derbyshire has to offer – check

I did this today and had a blast. It was hard work and my legs, back and shoulders all ache in ways I haven’t experienced for a good while.

At one point I recognised a hill (in Stanton Lees) from a Richard’s 100 miler last year. I also recognised the turning which prompted us to say ‘at least we’re not going up there!’ as we struggled up. Unfortunately today, my purple line took me up there.

It was also a good confirmation of my decision to go compact for Ventoux. Two hilly hours on a standard is fine, 4:30 to 5 hours and things really start to hurt.

I commend this route to the route library.

I also wonder if all you aspiring Cinglés might want to give this, or something like this, a go before le grand départ, especially on a sunny day like today. It’s going to be tough out there and this might be good preparation.