When Lawrie and I visited the Alps a few weeks ago we were able to do a few of the individual climbs from La Marmotte. We returned last week to try to put them together in the event itself, staying in a chalet near the top of Alpe d'Huez with a spectacular view from the balcony. We managed to do the Col du Telegraphe and Galibier on our arrival and so had completed our preview of the course (Galibier was still closed on our last visit). We still recognised that it was going to be a significant challenge. I took no pictures during the event, but we got couple of shots of ourselves at the top of Galibier on this training run.We then had a couple of days rest.
One of our concerns had been the prospect of riding in the summer heat, but on the day found ourselves shivering at the start with the temperature at only six degrees. However, once we got started, the weather was really kind to us with no rain, not too cold on the summits and only in the mid 20s in the valleys.
One of our concerns had been the prospect of riding in the summer heat, but on the day found ourselves shivering at the start with the temperature at only six degrees. However, once we got started, the weather was really kind to us with no rain, not too cold on the summits and only in the mid 20s in the valleys.
We were soon into a rhythm and enjoying riding the first few miles on closed roads in a big group. Rich Gordon gave us some welcome encouragement as he went past at the start of the the first climb on the Glandon. Everything went pretty much as expected up to the top of the Galibier although Lawrie and I lost touch with each other after the top of the Glandon. The highlight of the ride for me was the 600 metre descent from the top of Galibier down to the main road at the Col du Lautret - all on roads beutifully resurfaced in preparation for the Tour. The worst part however was the final ascent of Alpe d'Huez coming at over 100 miles in the saddle. I really suffered, but eventually made it to the top. My official time was 10 hours 2 minutes (10hrs 34mins with the descent of Glandon included) and a sliver award. Lawrie finished within about 10 minutes of me, again achieving sliver, but sensibly spending a bit more time getting himself prepared for Alpe d'Huez.
Despite the pain, it was a fantastic day and a big personal achievement. It would have been difficult for me to imagine that I might have been capable of this when I started cycling just a few years ago. We were already talking about what next on our journey home.
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