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)