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).
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