A day at the races

Yesterday I headed down to Lygon Street to watch the final stage of the Jayco Herald Sun Tour-2009 and catch a glimpse of Bradley Wiggins (Garmin-Slipstream). Wiggins started the stage in yellow, and had team-mates in second and fourth. The question wasn't so much would a Garmin rider win but which one.

The final stage was a 4.1km Circuit Race - not a Criterium. From my position on the exit of the last hotdog turn of the course, Garmin appeared to control the front of the peleton. On only two or three laps were they beaten into the corner, and even then it was only by one or two riders.

Wiggins finished ninth on the day, which was good enough for him to seal his first multi-stage race win. In addition to the GC, Garmin won the KOM and Teams classification.

TdF 2010

The course for next year's TdF has just been presented:

• Team time trial has been dropped - a good decision after this year's TTT killed the race;
• Tourmalet twice - two climbs had been rumoured, but it isn't the MTT some had thought. The summit finish on Tourmalet for stage 17 is a fitting tribute for the 100th anniversary of the first climb in 1910;
• Pyrenees - The last week is going to be awesome. Stage 15 takes in Col du Portet d'Aspet, Col des Ares, and Port des Bales, stage 16 Col de Peyresourde, Col d'Aspin, Col du Tourmalet, and Col d'Aubisque, and stage 17 finishing on Tourmalet;
• Cobbles - The route incorporates some of the cobbles of the Spring Classics.

Given the single ITT, this a route that suits the climbers. Likely to be Contador vs A Schleck.

Wrap-up of 2008-09

This time last year I set myself several goals for the year ahead (The year ahead and ... one more goal), so its assessment time. Though I didn't achieve all my goals, I am proud of those I did. Maybe more importantly, I enjoyed my year on the bike.

Goal	Progress
Complete one of the big three sportives - Maratona dles Dolomites, La Marmotte, E'Tape du Tour	Done: The Maratona dles Dolomites was one of my highlights of the year. The region is so beautiful and the event so professionally run, the Maratona is a must for all keen cyclists. Even thinking about it here in Melbourne brings a smile to my face. Related Posts : Maratona here I come, and Energy - The Maratona dles Dolomites Other Reports : Cycling Weekly : A Dolomighty fine ride, National Geographic : Italy's Cycle of Life, Cycling Challenge : Success - The 2009 Maratone dles Dolomites
Complete a UCI Golden Bike sportive	Done: Completed the Ronde van Vlaanderen in April. My only taste of cobbles ... thank god it was dry. Related Posts : Flanders and 2009 Ronde van Vlaanderen
Climb three "legend" Tour de France mountains - one must be Col du Tourmalet	Done: A week in the Pyrenees gave me the opportunity to take on several regulars of the TdF, but it my ascent of Tourmalet that I will always remember. Disappearing into the clouds was awesome. Relates Posts : Col de Peyresourde, Superbagnères, Col du Portillon, Col de Menté - Col de Portet-d'Aspet - Col des Ares, Port de Balès, Col de l'Aspin - Col du Tourmalet, Pyrenees - a summary
Complete Lac Leman in under 5 hours	Failed: My circuit of Lac Leman was much quicker than my 2008 effort, but this goal was a little too ambitious. I ended up recording a time of 5hr 13min. Related Posts : Cyclotour du Léman mk II
Attain a Silver standard time	Failed: No events I completed this year had time standards.
Cycle 5000km in the next 12 months	Done: Total ended up being approximately 5,200km.
Complete the Richmond Park 3-lap Challenge under 60 minutes	Failed: This goal was added as an after-thought, and was treated in a consistent manner during the year. I didn't really give a go, nor did I do the necessary time-trial type training. Related Posts : Laps of Richmond Park

Congratulation Cadel Evans

Much has been said and written about Cadel Evans since he came second in the 2007 edition of the TdF. Outside of Australia, much of that commentary has been derogatory, and most, if not all, unfair. To be sure he doesn't have the grace of Andy Schleck, the power of Cancellara, nor the climbing brilliance of Contador - in fact it is often painful to watch Cadel. It wasn't pretty when Cadel attacked yesterday on Novazzano but it was awesome. Congratulations Cadel, you deserve this success. With the rainbow jersey, hopefully you will get greater respect from the press.

PS - Shouts out to the rest of the Australian team. It was awesome effort by all.

Pyrenees - a summary

View 2009 Pyrenees in a larger map

Pyrenees Day 7 : Col de l'Aspin - Col du Tourmalet

Today I took on two regulars of the Tour - Col de l'Aspin and Col du Tourmalet. It has been a goal of mine to do Col du Tourmalet, so I was quite excited when I hit the road in Loudenvielle. From Loudenvielle I headed north towards Arreau, it is slightly downhill but today you wouldn't have known it as there was a strong headwind.

Col de l'Aspin - 12km at 6.5% (profile) - starts just outside Arreau. At the bottom I passed a couple groups of riders, and instantly thought I was on fire. Soon I had company, the riders of the last group I passed had joined me. This included a young guy from North London, and a 66 year old local. The young guy disappeared up the hill, and the old guy sat on my wheel. Then 3km from the summit, the old guy dropped me. It was a harder climb than I had expected, either that or my legs were tired from a week of long climbs.

It was an exhilerating drop off the top into Marbre. No sooner had I hit the valley, I started to go upwards again. Tourmalet starts from Sainte-Marie-de-Campan. From this side it is 17.2km at 7.4% (profile). About 14km from the top I was joined by my support vehicle with Amanda and Mel shouting support, Kenth driving and Freya enjoying the journey. They headed up the road, promising to join me half way up. From this point, the route kicked, and kilometre and kilometre with average gradients above 8.5% followed.

Soon I was in the clouds. With each passing kilometre the visibility progressively got worse, and by the time I next saw Amanda and Mel 4km from the top, one could barely see 10m ahead. Here I was treated to a waffle as Mel ran beside me pushing me up the hill. The last 4km were a slog, but soon I reached a point I recognised from 2 years ago - the reinforced concrete walls that indicate the top. Then out of the mist, the figures of Amanda, Kenth and Mel (and Freya). I had done it - so I did the now trademark double-fist-pump (and nearly crashed).

I would have liked to have rolled to the bottom but the conditions were too bad. So here at the top of Tourmalet, the place that inspired me to buy a bike in the first place, I finished my last ride in Europe (for some time). Though I didn't have the views I would have liked, I will remember this moment always. It was awesome.

Garmin Connect : Col de l'Aspin - Col du Tourmalet

PS - Pictures to come.

Pyrenees Day 6 : Port de Balès

Yesterday was a rest day - and we had a day trip to Tarbes. On our return, Dave and Shaz were talking about a climb out immediately out the back of Saléchan. They spoke of a long, steep climb - one which had clearly had scared them both. Obviously this was the "red rag to the bull", and highlighted a climb I needed to do.

The climb they were talking about was Port de Balès, a climb that was included in the Tour for the first time in 2007. It featured on stage 15, the stage we watched in Loudenville. Stage 15 was an absolute bastard of a stage, including no fewer than 5 mountain passes - Col de Port (cat 2), Col de Portet d'Aspet (cat 2), Col de Menté (cat 1), Port de Balès (HC), and finally the Col de Peyresourde (cat 1).

It wasn't the plan, but this week I have been ticking these climbs off one by one. I approached Port de Balès from the north - 18.9km at 6.3% (profile). From this side the climb doesn't officially start till Mauléon Barousse, which is a good 100m above Saléchan. After a relatively easy start, the gradients really start to kick - the last 10km are at 8.5%, with several sections in excess of 10%. A very, very tough climb.

I rolled over top and completed the descent into Luchon. There I turned around and started the reverse climb - 19.7km at 5.7% (profile). It was a real grind. As the statistics would imply, it isn't as difficult as the climb from Mauléon Barousse, but it is still a beast.

Garmin Connect : Port de Balès

This stage was also selected for the 2007 L'Étape du Tour. A mate of mine, Mike McKillen, completed it. I have new found respect for his achievement in completing the course that year.

Pyrenees Day 4 : Col de Menté - Col de Portet-d'Aspet - Col des Ares

Headed out on a loop today with the intention of climbing Col de Menté and Col de Portet-d'Aspet. Despite thunderstorms overnight, it was blue skies again this morning and hotter than ever.

My route took me south to Marignac, and east to Saint-Béat, from where the climb of Col de Menté began. From this side it is 9.3km at 9.1% (profile), and it kicks right from the start. It was a wonderful climb - offering views back into the valley with each alternate switchback.

After an exciting descent, the ascent of Col de Portet-d'Aspet began. Though the climb from this side is 14.3km at 4.2%, from the Pont de l'Oule (where I joined it) it is 4.4km at 9.6% (profile) with some really steep sections.

Having reached the top, I rolled back down the same side of the hill and stopped at the mounment for Fabio Casartelli. He crashed during the 1995 Tour de France on this very descent and died of head injuries - he like the rest of the peleton in those days wasn't wearing a helmet.

Rather than heading back over Col de Menté, I joined the D618 for the journey home. This included a small anonymous Col and Col des Ares, 6.7km at 4.6% (profile). On the climb of Col des Ares, I reached the bottom of bottles and in the heat struggled my way to the top. Fortunately from the top it was a short descent back to Saléchan.

Garmin Connect : Col de Menté - Col de Portet-d'Aspet - Col des Ares

Pyrenees Day 3 : Col du Portillon

Another gorgeous day in France. Under blue skies, Dave and I rolled out towards Luchon, Dave to ride both Superbagnères and Col de Peyresourde, me to ride to the Spanish border via Col du Portillon.

Not a regular feature on the Tour by any stretch of the imagination, Col du Portillon was included in the 2006 edition. On that day, Cadel Evans featured and ended up finishing fourth with Sastre. Portillon was classed category 1 - 8.4% over 7.9km.

For everyone else it is 6.5% over 10.2km. The difference is significant, for the first 2.3km includes almost no ascent. Then 200m in the next 2km, a relatively easy section, and then it takes off again - this time all the way to the top. A more difficult climb than I had expected when I set out.

After a breather at the top, I followed the same route back home. The last 20km from Luchon, though slightly downhill, again a slog into the wind.

Garmin Connect : Col du Portillon

Pyrenees Day 2 : Superbagnères

Another single climb today, this time Superbagnères. Rolled out with Dave and Shaz to Luchon. Shaz was struggling after a week and in particular, a hard 6hr ride yesterday. In Luchon, I turned left for Superbagnères, and decided to grap a coffee.

From Luchon the climb to the ski-station is 18.5 km at an average gradient of 6.3%, with the summit being at 1800 m above sea-level. There are several short stretches in excess of 10% - one which happens to be at the end. Like Col de Peyresourder, there is little protection from the sun the whole way up, and today the sun was intense. Needless to say, I sweated my way to the top.

It was my first outing for the Rapha gear given to me by the folks on the BFP programme at M&S as my leaving present. It is fabulous stuff. The feel of wool rather than lycra so much more luxurous and comfortable. So a big thanks to the guys!

Garmin Connect : Superbagnères

Pyrenees Day 1 : Col de Peyresourde

It was an early start today. A 03:30 alarm, 04:08 train and a 06:25 flight. A flight to Toulouse for a week in the Pyrenees with Melinda, Kenth and Freya, and Shaz and Dave. This is our last holiday before returning to Australia.

After settling into our "home" in Salechan, we headed to Luchon for a spot of lunch. It is a beautiful town at the base of the ski resort Superbagnères. The main boulevarde is lined with trees, and looked amazing against the backdrop of the high mountains.

After a lunch of Moules et Frites, the others decided to have an afternoon nap. I decided to go for a ride. With nothing particular planned, I headed back towards Luchon, saw a sign for Col de Peyresourde and started in that direction.

The Col de Peyresourde (profile) is frequently included on Tour de France routes, including 6 of the last 9. In 2007, when we were last in the Pyrenees, we watched the stage finish in Loudenville. On that day, the route included no fewer than 5 mountain passes - the Col de Port, the Col de Portet d'Aspet, the Col de Menté, the Port de Balès, and finally the Col de Peyresourde before the downhill finish into Loudenville.

From Louchon, Col de Peyresourde is 14.5km at 6.7%. This is longer than any of the Maratona climbs, and about the same gradient as Passo Pordoi. A great way to start the week.

Garmin Connect : Col de Peyresourde

Energy - The Maratona dles Dolomites

Last week, Mark and myself travelled to Italy to participate in the 23rd edition of the Maratona dles Dolomites. This is a big event. It is one of the three big sportives in Europe along with La Marmotte, and E'tape du Tour, and had been a goal of mine ever since I started cycling 2 years ago.

After flying into Venice on Wednesday, we headed out on our bikes on Thursday and Friday to familiarise ourselves with sections of the course, and get a sense of the challenge ahead. On Thursday, we rolled out of Digonera (1150m) and after a couple kilometres downhill we soon had our bikes pointing upwards. Mark had chosen Passo Fedaia (2057m - profile) as our first challenge, but hadn't provided any detail. Some 13km and close to 1000m later, I realised why. It was a tough introduction to the Dolomites but one which put into context the Maratona itself, for the Maratona's total ascent would be the equivalent of 4 Passo Fedaia.

After a coffee at the top, we started our first major descent. It was amazing, I thoroughly enjoyed the feeling of dropping like a stone. Soon we were on part of the Maratona course, albeit travelling in the wrong direction, climbing Passo Pordoi (2239m - profile). 12km, 800m and 27 tornanti (switchbacks) later we were at the top.

At the top of Passo Pordoi is a monument to the great Fausto Coppi. An Italian cyclist who won the Giro 5 times and the Tour 2 times among his career palmeres.

The descent to Arabba was incredible. 33 switchbacks! It was exhilarating - only there was the sudden realisation that we would need to ride back up it on Sunday. From Arabba we continued along the "flat" section of the Maratona course. In truth it is a traverse - nothing in this part of the world is flat. However it offered great views of Digonera.

Garmin Connect : Passo Fedaia

Friday we decided to ride the second half of the Medio course starting from Arabba - a route that would take in Passo Falzarego (2117m - 11.8km @ 6.7% - profile) and Passo Campolongo (1875m - 5.8km @ 6.7% - profile). The roads were full of cyclists. A lot of people were descending on the area in preparation for Sunday. On Falzarego, I felt strong. I was passed by only two cyclists, otherwise I was doing the passing. At the top I felt ready for Sunday, I was confident I take on everything the Maratona would throw at me.

Garmin Connect : Passo Falzarego

We took it easy Saturday - no cycling. Instead we drove the last section of the Maratona course, which included the toughest climb, Passo Giau (2236m - 9.9km @ 9.3%). As we drove up Giau there were alot of people suffering. It is continuously steep and long. Most were out of their saddles and slowly pushing their pedals. The confidence I had felt the previous day suddenly disappeared. Had Giau been the first climb of the day, I had no doubt I would be able to climb it. It isn't. It is the 6th climb, and there is small problem that Passo Falzarego follows. We continued along the course over Falzarego to La Villa. We completed our registration, then joined the Cycling Weekly crew for a team photo in Corvara. During this time I pondered what I would do on Sunday - the visions of Giau front of mind. I went to bed still debating to myself whether I would do the Maratona or Medio route.

At 04:00 my alarm sounded. I tried to eat a carb-loaded breakfast but struggled, my body not used to taking on food at this time of day. At 04:45 we were on the road heading to Corvara. After parking the car, we assembled our bikes, readied ourselves and casually rode to La Villa. The enormity of the event suddenly became apparent. The road were full of cyclists heading in the same direction, and 3 helicopters buzzed above.

It was cold, and we had a good 30 minutes in our pen waiting to be released onto the road. That said, there was a nervous energy in the air that kept all warm. Everyone keen to get going, and before too long we were off. It was a mass start, the road filled with cyclists. It was hard to believe there were only 8500 cyclists, for the full width of the road was filled ahead and behind us.

This long snake continued over Passo Campolongo down to Arabba. As I started the climb of Passo Pordoi, the lead helicopter was already at the top. Looking up the mountain, the body of the snake could been seen bending all the way. All of this was being shown live on Italian television - it must have been an awesome sight. When I reached the top, I looked down and the body seemed to continue all the way to the bottom.

A fast descent down the back of Pordoi, the side which we had climbed on Thursday, and almost immediately it was Passo Sella (2239m - 5.5km @ 7.9% - profile). Barely 35km into the course, we had already completed 3 climbs. Next up was Passo Gardena (2121m - 5.8km @ 4.3% - profile). On paper this was the easiest climb of the day. Unlike the other climbs, this ascent wasn't at a continuous gradient. In the middle of the 5.8km is a flat section, so almost all the ascent comes in a short sharp climb - something more a kin to the Surrey Downs.

Here I received the following text from the organisers - "Hi Alisdair, you passsed the Passo GARDENA at 9:28:14 after 2:46:13 race time. sponsored by NATFOOD".

The descent off Gardena was even faster. Crowds lined the roads as we approached Corvara, thus finishing a loop of the Sella Ronda. Passing through the finish area, we climbed a little steep section with excellent support from the side of the road. The support continued up Passo Campolongo and was much appreciated.

Back in Arabba, we turned east and traversed some 12km across to Cernadoi. This was THE fork in the road, turn right and face Passo Giau or turn left to dodge it. I turned left - knowing Passo Giau was probably beyond me today - and started the climb of Passo Falzarego. Though I was surrounded by cyclists, the only noise was the turning of chains - there were no conversations. As I approached the top, a helicopter buzzed - which I figured pin-pointed the position of the lead women (on the long course).

The top of Passo Falzarego is a false peak, as Passo Valparola (2200m) follows immediately. I could see a group of supporters half way up Valparola, and decided to give them something to cheer for. I got out the saddle and executed an "attack", flying past riders and received the cheer I had sought. They even recognised the Australian colours I was wearing.

The descent of Valparola was the most exhilarating experience I have ever had on a bike. With fewer bikes about me, and with the knowledge the road contained no cars, I dropped like a stone. Hitting speeds up 80km/hr, a completed a 5km section in 5'05" (average speed just below 60km/hr).

We were soon in La Villa, with 5km to the finish in Corvara and it became a sprint for the finish. As I approach the finish line, I lifted my hands from the bars and punched the air (captured in the video below). A text from the organisers confirmed my finish time - 5hr 28min 41 sec.

This is the best sportive I have ever participated in. It is brilliantly organised, and a challenge yet you are rewarded with the most spectacular panorama. Were I staying in the UK, I would definitely come back. Who knows, I may still, for the trip from Australia would be worth it.

Garmin Connect : 2009 Maratona dles Dolomites

Other links:

• Mark's video (link)
• 2009 Maratona dles Dolomites on YouTube (link)
• The 2009 Maratona dles Dolomites Photo Gallery : by PatitucciPhoto (link)
• Cycling Challenge : Success - The2009 Maratona dles Dolomites (link)
• Cycling Challenge : Sella Ronda (link)
• Cycling Challenge : Passo Falzarego via Campolongo (link)

The Blwch a.k.a.The Bitch

Last year, the Dragon Ride was my goal for the season. This year, it was a preparation ride to my goal. I like many others at the start line, were using it in preparation for a Continental ride. Some for La Marmotte, others for E'Tape du Tour. Me, I was riding for Maratona dles Dolomites.

This year I stayed with my cousin Karen, husband Nic and their kids Thomas and Daniel. Nic was doing the ride also. We had ridden close to identical times in 2008, but this year Nic's training had been severely hampered. Finishing his studies had restricted his time on the bike, as had a nasty mountain bike accident. As a consequence we decided to ride the Medio rather than Grand Fondo course.

It was an early start Sunday. We wanted to avoid the traffic associated with 3000 riders, so alarms were set for 05:00. After a breakfast of Weetabix we hit the road before 06:00. We did avoid the traffic. In fact we were the 25th car in the car park, and had an hour to kill prior to the official start.

It was at this time I realised I didn't have my timing chip. After a few choice swear words I composed myself. I had my race number so would be able to ride, I just wouldn't be able to record an official time.

We took our time getting to the start line, but still ended up in the fourth group to be released on to the road. Soon we were climbing a couple typical British climbs - short and sharp hills. With these out of the way, we started up Blwch (4.7km at 6%) and Rhigos (6.3km at 4.5%). I enjoyed these climbs immensely and felt strong.

At the bottom Rhigos the Medio Fondo participants turned left and the participants of the Grand Fondo turned right. I turned left and found myself alone. In the distance I could see two riders, so I decided to chase them down. Soon after making contact with these two, we found ourselves in a group of 5 and started doing rolling turns. This was good, but I soon realised I was behind a rider who had no idea on how to do such turns. Evey time he came to the front he would accelerate, requiring me to match his acceleration to keep his wheel. After a number turns, the accelerations started to take their toll and I needed tosit at the back of the group.

In good time we reached the base of Cimla (2.7km at 4.4%), which quickly broke up the group up. Though I was second to the top and to the drink station, the rest resumed their rides quicker, and I was once again by myself. I was comfortable with dispite the second climb of Blwch (7km at 4.6%) approaching.

This climb was really a bitch. The whole way up, I was exposed to the sun and it was intense. However the real issue was the fact it was still. I had my jersey fully unzipped in an attempt to get some air over my skin. I am not sure how successful this was, but it felt very professional.

It was a hard slog. The whole way up Blwch, I was fighting off cramp and I was by myself. When the two London Dynamo girls wizzed past me, I let them go. It was hot but I realised I had an empty bottle and was close to the bottom of my second. I was drinking lots very quickly, or had stuffed up at the drink station. In reflection, I think it was the later.

Either way, I reached the top. I had struggled against the cramp but otherwise I felt good. I crossed the crest and immediately put my foot down. On the flats following the steep descent, I caught the London Dynamo girls and wizzed past them in much the same way they had earlier. Soon I caught one of the group of 5. We recognised each other, I asked him how he felt and it seemed he was in a similar state to me.

Though we both claimed our legs were done, there were occasions we were cruising along in excess of 40km/hr. There were two little climbs on the way back, but once over the second we put ours heads down and raced to the finish as best we could. We crossed the line together, collected our goodie bags together, then said good-bye - implicitly saying thanks for the company - and went our separate ways.

I finished the 130km course in 5hr 01min. As I did not have my timing chip, my time is not official. However my time would have placed 63rd out of the approximately 850 riders of the shorter course, a result I am extremely pleased with. Bring on the Maratona ...

Link to Blog entry for 2008 : Slaying the Dragon

Cyclotour du Léman mk II

For the second year in a row I made the trip to Lausanne to participate in the Cyclotour du Léman - a lap of Lake Geneva. Last year it was my second sportive, my first on the continent and I was very much still learning the ropes. For a variety of reasons it didn't go very well - I punctured, found I was carrying the wrong tubes, ventured off the course and then bonked. While happy to have participated, I returned to London disappointed with my result. This year I aimed to set the record straight.

Same flight out, same hotel - beyond these items, this year's trip couldn't have been more different to last year. By hiring a car we were able to register and collect our race number and jersey Saturday afternoon rather than Sunday morning. With a better understanding of the layout of Lausanne, we were able to get a better meal Saturday evening. Beyond these things, I was better prepared - it was my 5th sportive for the year and I had done many more miles and hills this year in my training.

Last year I aimed to finish, this year I had specific times in mind. Though I set myself the goal of 5hr back in September, I realised several weeks ago this was probably a little too ambitious and revised this to 5hr 30min. Even to achieve my revised time I knew I would need to ride within a group, so at the start line I eyed two strong riders to my left and made sure I immediately took their wheel when released. (See the two in black gillets in these photos.)

For the next hour I rode within the group. In this time we had covered nearly 40km of the distance. Our passage through the various round-abouts, intersections and towns had been aided by our accompanying motorbike. Normal road rules didn't need to be followed - thanks to our motorbike we didn't need to give way or stop for anyone. Or nearly anyone. After the town of Villeneuve, our passage came to a halt at a railway crossing. It was very Paris-Roubaix - ok without the cobbles.

I had hoped to continue with this group, but the stop didn't agree with me. Once the train passed, I found it very difficult to resume. My legs had cooled during this time and suddenly my saddle wasn't very comfortable. It took several minutes for me to get back up to speed, and during this time the rest of my group had sped down the road. That said, the stop brought together several other groups, so I continued with new companions.

Soon after the first drink-station we were in France. In time a group reformed, and we were once again accompanied by a motorbike. Bret, then Meillerie, Lugrin, Blonay, Maxilly-Petite-Rive, Evian-les-Bains - we kept a good pace through France. 60km after 1hr 39min. 80km after 2hr 15min. 100km after 2hr 51min.

In Geneva, I missed my second "break" of the day. I am a conservative rider in traffic, and as we passed through the city at low speed I once again lost my group. Crossing Pont du Mont Blanc and turning back for Lausanne I soon realised how costly this was. The wind was straight into my face and I was by myself.

Consequently my pace slowed. Where I had been consistently lapping 5km inside 9min, even 8min prior to Geneva, suddenly I was lapping outside 9min. I started to panic. To this point I was on track to achieve my goal time, but suddenly it seemed I would miss it. The mental games had started.

At my lowest point, I realised I had been carrying half a dozen riders. They had been happily sitting in behind me, allowing me to do all the work. Straight away I swung off the front, and without any words we started to work together - each taking turns. This continued all the way to Lausanne.

Whereas I had struggled back to Lausanne last year, I felt strong to the finish this year. Crossing the finish line I punched the air. Despite being outside my original goal time, I was absolutely delighted with my time - 5hr 13min.

Garmin Connect : Cyclotour du Léman

My time was the 412th fastest on the day. The fastest riders completed the course nearly an hour faster - a group of 8 recorded the time 4hr 14min (42.4km/hr), and nearly 300 riders recorded a sub 5hr time (36km/hr).

Countdown to Lac Leman

Next Sunday I am riding the Cyclotour du Leman, a 180km sprint around Lake Geneva.  I participated last year but encountered several issues including punctures, replacement tubes with insufficient valve length, venturing off the course, and bonking.  Needless to say I didn't post the fastest time, 7hr 47min to be exact.  A time I was disappointed with at the time, and one I hope to put right this year.  I had targeted 5hr (36km/hr), but I think that is too optimistic so have reset my goal time as 5hr 30min (32.7km/hr).

Follow my progress on twitter.

Link to Blog entry for 2008 : tête de la course - not quite.

King of the Downs - Followup

Turns out I wasn't alone to quit at the half way mark.  In the post of the official times for the event (Evans Cycles Ride It!: Rider Times), the organisers announced that 500 people who had enrolled for the full distance did the half distance instead.  Only 200 people went on to complete the full distance - hats off to them.

My official time was confirmed as 3hr 35min, which was in the top quartile of results.  Not bad given that I did stray from the course and added about 9km to the 53mile route.  For example, taking 10min from time would have placed me approximately 100 positions higher.

King of the Downs

An early start this morning for the King of the Downs this morning.  05:00 alarm followed by 05:53 train trip to Gatwick Airport.  I wasn't alone, there would have been 30 or so other riders with their bikes.  So many that the train guard deemed it unsafe and ordered all of us off the train.  Not a great start to the day.  Anyway we got there in the end, thanks to the Gatwick Express agreeing to give us a ride.

The start was Evans Cycles HQ - registration was in the Merckx room, which I thought was pretty cool.  After fiddling with the extremely short cable-ties to fix my race number for what seemed an eternity, I was on the road and very soon I was alone.   I felt really good, and was ready for the challenge that lay ahead:

• 110 miles (approximately 180km);
• 9,000 vertical feet (approximately 3,500m);
• Leith Hill, Pitch Hill, Combe Bottom, Ranmore Common, Box Hill, Tulley's Farm, Weir Wood, The Wall, Yorks Hill and Titsey.

However something didn't seem right.  I was literally by myself.  I wasn't catching riders and I wasn't being caught.  A quick look at my Garmin and I realised why, I was heading south when I should have been riding west.  I was literally miles off course.

I did make it back onto the course outside Ewhurst but by this stage I had missed the first hill - Leith Hill and added quite a number of miles to the already lengthy distance.  It was at the point the condition changed significantly.  While climbing Pitch Hill the first drops of rain started to fall.  This made the climb even harder, as my rear-wheel struggled for grip as I got out of the saddle, and the descent on a narrow country lane rather precarious.

The light rain gradually got heavier and heavier.  Eventually I was soaked through.  I didn't have my rain jacket, overshoes or my winter gloves.  Simply put I was not equipped for a long ride in the rain, and consequently got very cold very quickly.  My toes and fingers went numb.  At this point I decided my ride would finish when we passed back past Evans Cycles HQ.

I enjoyed my climb of Box Hill - which according to Cycling Weekly is Surrey's answer to Alpe d'Huez, with its two switchbacks and average 5% gradient - but not so much the slog back to the finish.  It was disappointing to bail out at the half-way mark, as I had been really keen to see how my legs would cope with the distance and climbs but I know I made the right decision.  Getting sick wouldn't be good for anyone.

Progress to date

Back in September (The year ahead and ... one more goal) I set myself some goals for the 12 months ahead.  The half way mark has just passed so I thought I would be appropriate to check progress to date.  The good news is that I am largely on track.

Goal	Progress
Complete one of the big three sportives - Maratona dles Dolomites, La Marmotte, E'Tape du Tour	On track: Entry to Maratona dles Dolomites has been accepted and training is going well.  That said, the prospect of 4500 vertical metres is daunting. Related Posts : Maratona here I come
Complete a UCI Golden Bike sportive	Done: Completed the Ronde van Vlaanderen earlier this month.  Having riden the Gruyère Cycling Tour last year, I have participated in two of the seven events. Related Posts : Flanders and 2009 Ronde van Vlaanderen
Climb three "legend" Tour de France mountains - one must be Col du Tourmalet	On track: week holiday to Pyrenees in July is booked.  I am now considering which other climbs I would like to do
Complete Lac Leman in under 5 hours	No progress: entry is confirmed
Attain a Silver standard time	No progress: None of the events I have done this year have had time standards, however I would like to think my effort at the SWRC Early Spring Cyclosportive in early March would have met any such criteria. Related Posts : Lance and me, The Surrey Rumble,  2009 SWRC Early Spring Cyclosportive  and Flanders
Cycle 5000km in the next 12 months	On track: After 30 weeks I have ridden 2900km.
Complete the Richmond Park 3-lap Challenge under 60 minutes	No progress: Best effort remains approximately 65 minutes and I am not sure how I am going to find 5 minutes (approx 8%). Related Posts : Laps of Richmond Park

Flanders

The Tour of Flanders, Ronde van Vlaanderen in Flemish, is one of the so-called monuments of the European professional calendar (Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Giro di Lombardia are the others).  It is famous for its cobbled climbs, such as Molenberg, Oude Kwaremont, Paterberg, Koppenberg and Muur-Kapelmuur, and for the past month I have been thinking of nothing else for I had entered the associated Ronde van Vlaanderen voor Wielertoeristen - the tour for cycle tourists.

I had never ridden on cobbles, let alone steep cobbled hills.  Initially this didn't phase me, but the more I researched the more nervous I got.  I knew the climbs were difficult, but finding out virtually the entire peleton walked up Koppenberg in 2006 did plant seeds of doubt.  So on Saturday when I lined up at the start I really had no idea of what the 140km and 16 "helling" would be like.

This is a big, big event, and in 2009 it was even bigger.  According to cyclingnews.com some 19,000 people (700 from Britain) entered one of the six different options for road and mountain biking this year, a record number.

Starting in Ninove, the route took us north-west towards Zottegem on flat roads.  Here the group I found myself in rode at a steady 30km/hr pace, I tucked in behind a rider on a BMC Team Machine.  This changed when a semi-pro team came through complete with support car.  Ego got the better of me, and I chased and hung on until we hit the first section of cobbles - 1200m, a short right and left on asphalt,  another 2400m of cobbles.  It was carnage.  The road was littered with bottles, pumps, sunnies - anything that wasn't fixed sufficiently.  I had expected vibrations, but nothing like this.  I could feel my calf muscles moving freely sideways.  My arms shook violently.  I was immediately sore, and we hadn't even reached the first helling - Molenberg.  The semi-pro team I had been following disappeared down the road, they hadn't accelerated, I had simpled slowed suddenly.

At the start of 2008, I had the good fortune to hear Stuart O'Grady speak about his success at Paris-Roubaix.  He talked about "floating" over the cobbles and that speed actually helped rather than hindered.  His words came back to me immediately, but I could do nothing in response as I clung to the top of my bars.  I was sinking.

The eventual return of asphalt was greeted by all with relief.  Now I was very scared.  If the flats felt like that, what would the hills be like?  Soon a banner over the road announced Molenberg - 463m at 7% maxing at 14.3%.  I quickly got myself into the small ring and concentrated on keeping a high cadence.  The road ahead was packed, and it was case of dodging others rather than maintaining a rhythm on the narrow stretch.  At the top a smile came to my face - that was why I was here ... that was awesome.

Another 3000m stretch of flat cobbles (they hurt), then Wolvenberg.  A bigger and steeper climb than Molenberg, but not cobbled, it seemed easy in comparison.  Outside Oundaarde was the first drinks station.  It was nothing like anything I had experienced on previous sportives - it was a warehouse, a cross-dock one.  In one door, out another.  In between I collected the most fabulous collection of energy foods - liege waffles, and gingerbread.

Back on the road, everyone was preparing for what lay ahead.  Though we were a third of the distance in, 14 of the 16 helling remained.  The next three were legendary.  First Oude Kwaremont on a street named after the race, Ronde van Vlaanderenstraat.  I got to the top without any issues (or real effort).  Then it was Paterberg - 360m at 12.9% (20.3% max).   The really steep section is two-thirds of the way up, and it was here I had to uncleat after the rider in front of me stopped and I had nowhere to go.  I walked the remaining 100 or so metres.  I was disappointed as I really felt I would have made it to the top.  Within 3km came Koppenberg.  The banner outlined the stats - 600m at 11.6% (22% max).   Ahead the lane was filled with riders.  As we started the climb I tried to maintain distance from the rider ahead, but soon found myself in a similar situation to that on Paterberg.  This time the rider ahead fell sideways, taking down 3-4 others.  With nowhere to go, again I needed to uncleat.  I now understood why the pros race to be on the front when they hit these hills.

In quick succession came hellings 6-14 and 5500m of flat cobbled sections.  After which was the Muur.  I had been dreaming about this climb ever since I had entered, and it was here Amanda had come to watch.  Amanda has never seen me ride, and I really wanted to put on a good show.  On helling #14 Eikenmolen I could feel cramp coming on.  In desperation I drank everything I had, but I wasn't sure I had enough time for the extra fluids to take effect.  Then a moment of marketing brilliance, 7km from the Muur was a Red Bull drinks station - to give you wings for the Muur.  I drank my can and rode slowly, saving my legs for what lay ahead.  Officially Muur-Kapelmuur is 475m at 9.3% (19.8% max), but this doesn't take into account the 400m of (uphill) cobbles that precedes it.  I rode it just as I had hoped, here I did float, and as I reached the top I heard "Aliiii" ... there was Amanda.  (Red Bull does give you wings.)  I was overcome with emotion and have to admit, I did shed a tear.  After a quick hug and kiss, I hit the road knowing only Bosberg was left and from there it was all downhill.

In the end I finished with a time of 6hr20min.  I hadn't set myself time goals, I simply wanted to experience the cobbles.  The course had taken its toll ... each of my hands were blistered - on each of my palms and thumbs.

Bike route 147581 - powered by Bikemap 

Sunday it was the pros turn.  We headed to Oudenaarde.  Here watched both the womens and mens peleton pass, before walking to nearby Koppenberg.  It was an amazing experience - a must for all cycling fans.  I will watch this weekends Paris-Roubaix in awe.

Early Spring Sunshine

For the second weekend in a row South-East England enjoyed mild and sunny conditions. Making the most it, I decided to deviate from my normal training routes and head further a field.  Saturday I decided to ride to Brighton, following the route of a charity ride from Clapham Common (upon which I live) to the coastal town.
It is a lovely route particularly once you get out of Greater London into the Surrey or Northern Downs. Once outside the M25, much of the ride is on quiet country lanes. Here the hum of traffic is replaced with the sounds of the country, and now with the sounds of Spring. While riding along by myself I could not help but reflect on how much simpler the world is on a bike in such surroundings.

There aren't any major climbs, rather rolling hills, though the Beacon just past Ditchling always presents a challenge.  Over the Beacon and it is a fast descent into Brighton.  On this section I maxed at about 95km/hr (Garmin Connect).

Bike route 86736 - powered by Bikemap 

Sunday, Mark and I headed to the Chilterns, north-west of London.  Mark had made the suggestion during the week, and when Cycling Weekly published a route on Thursday our minds were made up.  Starting in Marlow, we headed north-west towards Frieth.  During the first section of the route, we passed participants of a duathlon riding on the opposite side of the road - the lead riders on TT bike and deep aero wheels, the stragglers on mountain bikes with knobbly tyres.  The difference in equipment could not have been greater, nor their speeds.

A route was over rolling hills, with a couple particularly steep climbs.  Two in particular come to mind, the one outside Skirmett on the way out, and the last climb just outside Fingest on the return.  Apart from the lovely birch-lines roads, the first half of the ride also offered terrific views of Oxfordshire after the fabulously named Christmas Common.

After a cup of tea in Chinnor, we rode to Princes Risborough and then turned back on ourselves to Saunderton before heading south to Bledlow Ridge.  During this time we could hear the continuous tooting of a steam train.  Turns out there is a steam train between Chinnor and Princes Risborough.

A puncture on the roll into the Marlow was the only downside of an otherwise fantastic morning in the early spring sunshine.  (Garmin Connect)

Bike route 136549 - powered by Bikemap 

2009 SWRC Early Spring Cyclosportive

For the second weekend in a row I participated in a sportive in the Northern Downs.  This week it was the SWRC (South West Road Club) Early Spring Cyclosportive.

The sun was out and more importantly it was dry.  The conditions had me in two minds as to what to wear.  Last weekend I was cold whenever I was stationary.  Not wanting a repeat I decided to err on the side of warmth, so headed out with base layer, softshell, gillet, winter gloves and skullcap.  This week I was too hot.  Within the first 20km, I needed to take off the skullcap and have the front of my gillet and softshell open to allow air in.  I say this as though it was hot ... it wasn't, it was only 9C max but it was warm in the sun.

Unlike last week, I was alone, so I was able to ride at my own pace.  No waiting for others, no excessive stops at drinks stations etc.  I had wanted to complete the course under 4hr, so was delighted to finish in 3hr45min (Garmin Connect) ... particularly as I hadn't factored in the gradients of the hills in the second half of the course especially Combe Hill.

The Cyclosport video provides a fantastic insight to the route and the conditions.

Bike route 129698 - powered by Bikemap 

The Surrey Rumble

Yesterday I rode the Surrey Rumble with the Stragglists.  It isn't the largest event on the British Sportive scene with a maximum of 250 entrants, however it is well organised, and follows a scenic route.

Starting from Downside Village Hall, the route immediately heads upwards.  After just 10km the largest climb is under our belts, then it is the rolling parcours of Surrey.  The first checkpoint was Fishers Farm Park (45km) outside Wisborough Green, the second was Manor Farm Craft Centre (88km) outside Seale.  The ladies at Manor Farm had prepared some fantastic cakes that were a hit with all.

Lengthy stops at both ruined my official time - 5hr 42min (Garmin Connect), however the goal for the day wasn't to post a fantastic time it was to get more miles under the belt.  Coincidentally, it was almost the exact same time I posted in the 30km longer Mutual Community Challenge Tour in January.  That said I was happy with the way I rode - equally I was impressed with the way Dave Thomas rode also.

Next weekend is the SWRC Early Spring Cyclosportive, an opportunity post a better time.

Bike route 127326 - powered by Bikemap 

2009 Ronde van Vlaanderen

This week I completed my registration for Ronde van Vlaanderen, otherwise known as the Tour of Flanders, and it only now the reality of what I have entered has started to sink in.  While the professionals will race on Sunday 5th April, amateurs can ride the entire route or the later parts the day before.  I have entered the 140km, 260km is a way beyond me.  However it is not the distance that I am nervous about, it is the short, sharp cobbled hills that have me questioning whether I will be up to it.

Known as hellingen, they are the climbs that make an otherwise flat course such a challenge.  They are also what makes a classic of the Tour of Flanders, and I can't be help but notice their local name is prefixed with "hell".  With 16 of them on route I am sure I will consider them as such come April 4th.

The route includes several of the famous hellingen:

• Molenberg : This weekend's Omloop Het Nieuwsblad (formerly known as Het Volk) includes it.  The rise is 460m long with a maximum gradient of 14 percent and has some pretty bad kasseien, the Flemish word for the cobble stones.
  
• Koppenberg : 600m with a maximum gradient of 22%, Koppenberg is a killer.
  
• Muur - Kapelmuur : Muur means wall in Flemish, and this hill is exactly that.  It is 19.8% near the top.  Ominously the Tour of Flanders road book says that the Muur starts on Oudebergstraat and is 475m long, but in reality this is halfway up.
  

The stats don't quite capture the difficulty of these hills, as many a pro has needed to resort to walking as demonstrated in the photo below from last year's Tour of Flanders on Koppenberg.

Photo ©: Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

Despite this, I am really looking forward to this ride.  I also look forward to seeing the pros suffer on the same route the day after.

Lance and me

From the moment Lance Armstrong set foot on Australian soil, he was big news.  Feted by politicians - the South Australian Premier and Australian Prime Minister - and provided police escorts on and off the bike, Armstrong was treated as royalty throughout his visit to Adelaide.

The Tour Down Under marked the return of Armstrong to the professional peleton.  As the South Australian Premier wrote in The Advertiser, this was an opportunity for locals to see a legend of his sport likening Armstrong to Bradman (a local hero), Pele and Muhammad Ali.  All of Adelaide seemed to make the most of the opportunity, with large crowds lining the road for each stage.  The crowd was said to be 7-8 deep for the entire criterium that preceded the race proper.  Police estimated over 700k people came over the 7 days of racing.

I was one of the masses, together with my Mum, Dad and brother Graeme.  We watched the final stage - 20x4.5km loop around Adelaide - in perfect conditions, blue skies and warm temperatures (not too hot).  While the race was all but won by Allan Davies (Quickstep), this didn't stop a number of riders putting on a show by attacking the peleton. Big efforts by Quickstep and Katusha at the front of the peleton reeled in the break-away and the stage finished in a bunch sprint.  With the riders doing loops, it was a great opportunity to see some of the big names up close:

• Stuart O'Grady and Jens Voigt (Saxo Bank);
• Robbie McEwen and Gert Steegmans(Katusha);
• Graeme Brown (Rabobank);
• Michael Rogers, George Hincapie and Adam Hansen (Columbia-High Road);
• Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne);
• Jesus Hernandez and of course Armstrong (Astana).  
  

My camera battery died, fortunately Graeme's didn't and he got some great shots.

Associated with the Tour Down Under was a recreational ride - Mutual Community Challenge Tour.  This followed the route of Stage 4 - Burnside to Angaston on the morning of the stage.  Having ridden through December in temperatures consistently below 2C, the opportunity to ride in warm conditions was too good to pass.  I borrowed my sister-in-law's Colnago with virtually no adjustments necessary.  It was a gorgeous ride, entering the Adelaide Hills by Gorge Road, passing through the sleepy towns of Cuddle Creek, Gumeracha, Birdswood and Mount Pleasant before entering the Barossa Valley.  Though the first 50km was virtually all uphill, the average gradient was insignificant, so it wasn't until Mengler's Hill on the outskirts of Angaston that the riders were tested.  I don't recall having ever sweated so much on a bike as I had sweat pouring off my face.  I think lack of conditioning to the temperatures can be blamed for that, as Mengler's Hill wouldn't be any more difficult than climbs in the North Downs (e.g. Box Hill).  In the end I completed the 155km course in 5hr46min, a time I was happy with (Garmin Connect).  Highlight of the day - being presented Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals by my two nieces.  As they say ... Priceless.

Next stop the Surrey Rumble (March 1st) and SWRC Early Spring Cyclosportive (March 8th) - a couple 100km rides in the North Downs.