Day 47 Turin to Sauze d’Oulx

91 km (57 miles), 2,187 miles total
A good day, but hard work. Started in Turin and ended at the ski resort of Sauze d’Oulx. Properly into the mountains now with wonderful views and interesting riding. The day started in full sun (as usual) and the route was gently uphill most of the morning. Turin is a big city and it wasn’t until after 15 km that I left the suburbs and the mountains came into view. I travelled along the dramatic 
Susa Valley
and soon the astonishing
Sacre Di San Michelle was in sight. This abbey is truly astonishing perched on top of the 972m Mount Pirchiriano - that’s 12m higher than Helvellyn! The villages along the valley are very pretty and I stopped at Vaie for a glass of wine. A very nice Italian couple bought it for me. After this the climbing got serious and I passed the fort at Exilles which guards the approaches from France and is about half way up the climb where the valley is very narrow. Clouded over in the afternoon and lots of thunder from the peaks. Several tunnels and many winding hairpins - a tough climb. Arrived at Oulx around 3:30 and had a late lunch and pint before tackling the last 5km (and over 500m of climb) to Sauze d’Oulx. A good day Ann more if the same tomorrow I expect. 

Today’s profile


First view of the mountains 


Views of Sacre Di San Michelle from the village of Sant’Ambrogio di Torino






Very nice Italians!




FRANCIA - this must be the right way!


Mountains everywhere













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