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.