Bikeandski-Vercors Web Diary

Triple World and Olympic Champion, Julien Absalon led home a one, two, three for his new ORBEA team today (Sunday) at the first major event on the French domestic calendar at the 55km Raid Cassis.
 
In his first visit to Cassis on the French Riviera since racing in the junior ranks Absalon added this prestigious event joining a list of previous champions including Miguel Martinez and Jerome Chiotti to his already impressive palmares.
 
From a field of nearly a thousand entrants across the hot and dusty hills of the picture postcard coastline, Absalon riding in only his second event of the year on his new hardtail bike just edged out Spanish team mate Inaki Lajarreta in a time of 2:27:52 with Jean-Christophe Péraud also making the podium.
 
Absalon, told me afterwards. “I am very happy with my race, I am feeling very good right now in good shape for the first World Cup (Houffalize, Belgium) in a few weeks time. The team is also strong, we had good results in Spain last week too. I will be aiming for the World Cup series and the World Championships (Ft William, Scotland) this year where I expect my main challenger again to be Christoph Sauser”.
 
Cassis is situated on the Mediterranean between Marseille and Toulon. Not far from the Roc d’Azur that other hugely popular mountainbike festival. The Raid is the Roc’s  smaller cousin with other downhill and jump events taking place throughout the weekend.
 
Having left the Vercors under a blanket of snow I was attracted by the prospect of riding those sunny trails myself for the first time in the month of March. It was certainly worth the trip. Blasting through the singletrack tundra, winding forest trails and rocky drop off’s not to mention the narrow tunnels, is a MTB racing experience at it’s very best.
 
Due to my late entry I was on the grid in the second wave back at number 245. This was going to be a challenge throughout the technical sections of the course. However, I was there to make the most of it and glad to be racing at this time of the year in preparation for events later in the year; I managed to finish 65^th scratch, overall and 2^nd in the Masters II category coming in only behind my age group rainbow jersey, who had started on the front row of the grid!
 
Ed Nicoll
Email: info@bikeandski-vercors.com
Phone: + 33 (0)4 76 94 27 55
Website: www.bikeandski-vercors.com
 

Took a ride out today from home in the Vercors, across Grenoble & up to Bourg d’Oisans then Alpe d’Huez. Had to get some training in for the Marmotte which is only 11 weeks off. 199km round trip. The weather here is really warm at the moment +25°. The high cols of Glandon, Croix de Fer, Galibier, Sarenne still officially closed although Lautaret open for access to Briançon. Not much snow about except high up, nothing close to the roads. Rode the climb steady in 65mins on 39×25 with a small pack on. Hopefully should be going much better come the Marmotte. Lifts still open for skiers going up to the glacier & the resort open until the end of the month. The new bypass & bridge at Bourg’ should relieve some congestion off the Alpe’ on the next TdF visit once it’s finished.

GIRVAN PREMIER CALENDER STAGE RACE EASTER 2007
 
 
The “Barnoldswick Bricklayer”, Ian Wilkinson showed what a outstanding, cycling talent he is by winning the Girvan Easter stage event in Scotland providing it’s first domestic 2007 win for the for the Science in Sport cycling team.

 
This four stage event of the Premier Calendar road programme has a reputation for providing hard racing over a demanding course through the hilly roads and coastline of South Ayrshire.
2007 proved to be no exception as Wilko made it onto the podium each day to finally take the overall victory by a slender 3 seconds over rival Chris Newton of the Recycling team.
 
I had left the snow covered mountains surrounding Grenoble earlier in the week to fly back and try and get some racing form before other events later in the year. As this was going to be my first road race of the year I knew it was going to be hard and fast but relished the challenge and the opportunity to be back with the SiS team again.
 
Having picked up the TREK bike from Phil, the Team Manager, once I had arrived back in Lancashire. I managed to get some training in on some familiar rides through the Trough of Bowland and across Rivington. However, no last minute training was going to be enough to prepare myself for racing at this level. Only racing itself can condition a rider for this type of competition.
 
By Saturday though, I was keen and ready to go so with the SiS truck packed with equipment. I joined the bank holiday traffic northwards on what was to be a 4 ½ hour trip to Scotland. Joining me were our mechanic for the race Danny and our first year senior rider, in only his second year of racing Matt Cronshaw.
 
We arrived in Girvan under clear blue skies with the forecast looking good. So once unloaded I headed out to ride parts of the course. The remainder of the team followed up soon after and also stretched their legs in preparation for the start of racing the following day.
 
The opening stage set off at a frantic pace tearing up the first ‘King of the Mountain’ affectionately known as “Tim’s Hill” straight out Girvan. This set the tone for the rest of race as I struggled with the pace, although the rest of the team came in comfortably with Wilko who grabbed 3^rd in a tight finish after 72 miles. Our hotel in the centre of town was well situated as we only had a brief pause to shower, have some REGO and line up for the criterium. 
 
Despite several earlier concerns about this stage everyone came in buzzing after a eventful 17 mile sprint around the Victory Parade park. Crits always gets the adrenalin flowing and are great for the crowds. Rubbing shoulders with other riders at high speeds while pursuing the wheel in front is great fun and a sure way to improve bike handling skills. Our Scottish team rider, Jack Woodward put in an appearance at the crit’ to give the boys a shout. Due to a crash at the Bikeline Premier event in Wales, Jack was a non starter here and was carrying his arm in a sling due to a broken collarbone. Get well soon, Jack.
 
After 2 stages we were all grateful for getting a massage from Sarah who did an excellent job of removing the lactic for our legs and keeping us going each day.
 
Sunday was the longest stage of this years Girvan. Starting out from Newton Stewart with 109 miles ahead of us it was going to be a long day. So it proved for me as the lack of racing at this time of year showed through. I lost contact with the main group on the second major climb of the day and came in with a laughing group. We even saw Wilko taking a cooling down spin, in the opposite direction as our group rolled in. Once I’d finished I soon learnt the news that Ian had won the stage in sprint finish. Not resting on this result the team once refreshed, were back out with the Team Manager checking the route for the following day.
 
 As SiS were going to have to defend the yellow jersey a pre course recce of the route was going to be decisive. A long discussion followed on how the team were going to approach the final day. The short time gap of 3 seconds meant the race was far from over with several riders still capable of making a challenge for the final overall winners jersey.
 
The clear, dry weather that we had enjoyed so far, broke as Easter Monday dawned with steady rain and mist covered hills for the conclusive stage in this years Girvan. Once again we rode out of town up “Tim’s Hill” and followed the minor country roads, covered in mud and potholes that picked their way through the Scottish farmlands.
 
So far the team had not suffered any technical problems during the event. Today though, the course took it’s toll as we suffered several punctures and I had the further anguish of a mechanical problem with my front wheel which took a long time to resolve. The peloton disappeared into the mist as I tried in vain to reduce the deficit, finally resolving to sit up and wait for a chasing group to join. Other team members had similar experiences most notably Richard Kent who had a major fall at 55mph, braking his handlebars in the process although his helmet saved him from serious injury.
 
At the front Wilko was left isolated as he battled it out with the other race contenders. With time bonuses up for grabs the leaders were jostling for positions to establish the final outcome. After over three hours of racing in desperate conditions Science in Sport had it’s first Premier Calendar win as Chris Newton failed to gain any of the time bonuses available and finished the stage on the same time as Ian Wilkinson. A jubilant Wilko has now been added to an impressive list of previous Girvan winners.
 
I rolled in 30 minutes later with fellow veteran Andy Tinsley with whom I had ridden the last 40 miles with. Nearly half the field had failed to finish the event although I was only interested in getting warm by this time.
 
Back at the hotel the team spirits which had been high throughout the race were a little damped due to their varied experiences. All were jubilant in Ian’s success though and is a tribute to himself and all the effort put in by Phil Bibby and the supporting crew of Sarah, Danny, Jane and Liz plus all those back in SiS HQ. Phil was obviously delighted and in true Director Sportive fashion was hardly ever without his mobile phone close to his ear all weekend.
 
Now it’s April so there is plenty of racing still ahead of us all. Wilko no doubt will be a marked man on the road scene although I’m sure he and Dave can transfer their form onto the MTB circuits to give the opposition plenty to worry about.
 
I’m back in France now, preparing for the Bike and ski – Vercors events that we are attending this year. Several big Sportive rides this year including favourites such as the Marmotte and the Transvercors  MTB marathon. See you next in Wales for the national MTB marathon champs.
 
Ed Nicoll
www.bikeandski-vercors.com
 
 

For all those who are bidding to ride next year’s Etape stage, here is an overview from yesterdays (1st Nov 2007) ride with the Science in Sport team members.

I made a rendez vous with the riders & staff from SiS at Carcassonne airport where we took the drive down of about an hour to the start town of Foix. Pete was demonstrating his very efficient new Sat Nav toy which worked very well, to a point! Foix is dominated by a medieval chateau which overlooks the town, which itself nestles between the Pyrenean foothills. The region is similar to the Ardennes with thick forests covering the higher mountains which for the present were out of view as they were shrouded in mist.

However, the sun broke through & the temperature rose giving us the chance to sort out the bikes after transit and prepare the route for the following day. An early departure was planned as our experience the previous year saw us completing the Etape stage up to Alpe d’Huez in the dark. As the team had an early flight we took off in the afternoon to do some steady leg stretching by riding the first 20km’s of the route from Foix.

The following morning, in traditional sportive fashion we rode out of the hotel car park just after 7am followed by our support crew and van. This was All Saints Day in France and a public holiday so we had quite roads but colourful, final resting places. It had rained overnight and the weather forecast was not appealing. The hills were covered in low cloud and we set off on the 196km route well protected.

The first few km’s from Foix raised some discussion as the organisation may choose to have the dual carriageway at their disposal whereas we took the side road parallel to this south of the town. This has a few cheeky climbs before heading towards Tarascon where we headed west towards the first climb of the day, Col de Port. This is a steady climb of 5% over 11km up to 1249m. There is no easy warm up along the valley floor as 2006, this climb will stretch out many riders if they are unprepared and will more than likely have a cut off check point even at this early stage. We were fortunate not to be riding under such pressure as we progressed into the climb which we found reminiscent of the Trough of Bowland back in native Lancashire.

Heavy mist accompanied us down the first descent which is fast without any threatening corners and on towards the village of Massat. From here we picked up the winding, road through the gorges cut by the Arac river. Covered by trees this will be a cool spot in July and an ideal place to take on food and drinks while drafting as much as possible. From St Girons and on towards Audressein the profile begins to get more interesting.

The next couple of climbs have to be treated with plenty of respect as they come without much chance for recovery in between. I had been round the Gap-Alpe d’Huez Etape stage several times previously and have ridden many of the alpine cols so was feeling confident with about 80km covered. This familiarity was later to be my downfall as lack of preparation and fuelling led to a major bonk on the Port de Balès.

However, I am getting ahead of myself. For anyone who has followed the Tour de France in recent years they will undoubtfully remember the tragic death on this course of the Italian, Fabio Casartelli on the 18th July 1995. The downhill section from the Col de Menté is edged by concrete barriers and walls. The road which in autumn was wet and covered in leaves and needed to be taken with care. The team stopped by the Casartelli memorial which is a sombre tribute to pay their respects to the former Olympic Champion.

On from St Béat we dropped into the Garonne valley which gives it’s name to this region of the Pyrenees before splitting off towards Mauléon-Barousse. At the 140km point the course picks it’s way into the Hautes Pyrenees region and onto the remote 20km climb of the Port de Balès (1756m).

This will be the most challenging part of the Etape in 2007. The road is narrow and broken up in places with a 10% gradient plus the occasional cattle grid (Canadian) included. A few emergency gels were taken here as my fellow riders slowly filled past me before disappearing into the mist above. Once I had finally reached the top we all donned extra gear and dropped down a recently resurfaced, single width road and on towards the final climb after the village of Castillon. The Col de Peyresourde (1569m) is probably the only summit which can be seen from the lower slopes, which can be quite demoralising! The road has several switchbacks towards the top which is much more exposed than the other climbs. The final descent is thankfully, on a wide open road. Once you can see the lake snuggled into the Vallée de Louron be prepared for a sharp left turn though. This brings you to the picturesque village of Loudenvielle.

We were fortunate to have the benefit of team support without which I doubt any of us would have finished this “Etape recce”. There is no doubt this will be a very tough ride that should not be under estimated.

I am planning to lead two further trips around the course prior to the Etape next May & June. These will be over a long weekend with flights to Carcassonne and/or Pau from Stansted, Liverpool, etc…(with Ryanair). Contact me for details if you are interested, limited places.

Photos of this trip can be seen on the Gallery.

A final grateful thanks to our support team and all the guys & dolls at Science in Sport.

Just before the official release of the route in Paris on Thursday 26th Oct 2006, today’s Dauphiné Libéré newspaper has details of several stages.

On 15th July there will be a stage finish in Tignes high up in the Tarentaise valley. com �€� It effects by stabilizing the hearRead about amiodarone (Cordarone), a drug used for many serious arrhythmias of the heart including ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, andOrder discount cardarone prescription drug at International Drug Mart used for the treatment of arrhythmias. 110% Price Match Guaranteed. Buy Cardarone Buy Cordarone from Canada. Shop and Save Today. After 3 years of bidding for a stage, Tignes has finally won through with what shall no doubt be very popular finish for the hosts coming just after the national holiday the day befor Low Price Lasix. Learn about the prescription medication Lasix (Furosemide), drug uses, dosage, side effects, drug interactions, warnings, and patient labeling. Buy Lasix LASIX - BUY LASIX - FUROSEMIDE BUY FUROSEMIDE - ORDER LASIX. $5 Off To The First 300 Customers. e.

The riders have a rest day in the alpine ski resorts of the region on the 16th

The main contenders for the podium will have to show if they are serious on the 17th when the route leaves Val d’Isere and goes over the Col de l’Iseran on an epic mountain stage to Briançon. Previous attempts from the Tour organisation to include the Iseran climb include the ‘96 event when the stage was reduced to just 46km (shortest stage in history) due to heavy snow onthe high cols on the way to Sestriere, It 00, Buy now. aA : - + pdf. Buy Super ED Trial Pack Ed-trial-pack 6 Pills - 1 Pack, $39. Viagra Oral Super ED Trial Pack includes 6 pills each of Viagra 100mg, Cialis 20mg, and Levitra 20mg. aly.
There then follows a stage from Tallard in the Haute Alpes region to Marseille.

Bike and ski - Vercors will be there with riders this summer taking in the Tour atmosphere and getting up the climbs ourselves. So book early, check our site for further details shortly.

While the UK MTB marathon scene is enjoying a popular emergence and just establishing itself on riders calendars, here in France the Transvercors VTT has just had it’s 17th edition.

The first time I had the opportunity to experience this event was back in 1992 when I had a battle with Dave Hemmings, which saw us both riding fully rigid bikes. After that 80km race I had to cycle back to the start a further 20km’s away and met Deb Murrell who had been racing on a carbon monocoque, in the downhill competition close by.

Since those days I have ridden the Transvercors a further 3 times. The stunning scenery and outstanding off road riding across the high plateau of the Vercors Natural Park, near Grenoble has proved such an attraction. That I moved here !

This year it was going to be a split start/finish, although this is not always the case. A bus shuttle service brought riders to Vassieux-en-Vercors for the start of the 100km event. This can be done as either an un-timed Rando or a head down, full on race effort. Alternatively there are other supporting events with the most popular being the 60km. About 2,000 people are attracted to the event in total and it receives good coverage and sponsorship and is recognised by the French Cycling Federation as one of the top ten ‘Trophee Label D’Or’ (Gold Cup) events.

The optimistic early start of 7am was delayed due to the shuttle buses from the finish at Villard-de-Lans arriving late. This proved to be most welcome as the rising sun burnt off the morning mist to reveal the mountain ridge leading up to the Grand Veymont (2341m) which dominates the vast open wilderness that we would be passing through.

This year I was joined by a couple of other Brits who would be riding the Transvercors for the first time. Both on hardtails while I was on 2 year old Epic. From previous experience I knew this was going to take about 5 ½ hours so was fully supplied with fluid and gels. Or so I thought.

The route of the event is entirely off road, around a single loop and changes each year. Whatever course is used it is guaranteed to be very demanding with the 100km climbing a total of 2490m and the 60km covering 1800m.

After covering a 10km start loop around the village we headed out towards the first col and descended the rocky balcony trail which overlooks the town of Die. From the Col de Rousset the route heads uphill following a trail through the alpine ski slopes. At this point it is very exposed and despite the long granny climb and the mistral blowing in from Provence to the south, there was a real chill in the air. The field had now split completely and even while holding 2nd place I had lost sight of the leader in the rocky sections as we continued into the high plateau.

Despite riding the Epic my body was taking quite a pounding from the boulder sections. This was a time to chase down the French guy who was ahead. He was on a hardtail so I had to close a gap now and rounding a corner caught him as he almost immediately punctured. Sh*t happens, that’s racing. I had punctured 3 times the season before at the Roc d’Azur. However, despite a weight penalty I was glad to have chosen a DH inner tube in my rear wheel to help eliminate this eventuality.

Without letting up I ploughed on and rode through all the feed zones in the hope of putting distance between myself and those riders just behind. I was relying on what fluid I was carrying in the Camelbak to get me through the race. However, the midday sun was beating down and I was to run out of juice in the late stages and I struggled to remain focused.

Thinking I knew the course I was surprised by some of the alternative parts of the course which the organisers had added. Never take anything for granted I know! It would give me some new routes to explore and guide people around another day. As I came across the tail enders of the 60km event on the Nordic ski tracks near Corrençon, I nearly collided with those spread across the trail at the final feed station. Having dodged that human obstacle I headed through the final singletrack section in the direction of the ski station of the Tour de France finish.

Despite being worried about those in pursuit behind me, I was still convinced they may still catch me due to my exhaustive, dehydrated state. I continued to reel in some back markers which gave me some relief that I was not the only one suffering as we closed in on the finish at Villard de Lans.

After several years of trying to win this event, it was success at last. I even managed to raise an arm in salute of the crowd coming into town. More out of relief than anything else ! At the second attempt, after being mis-directed (!?) I rode under the banner outside the Tourist Office to signal the end of the 17th Transvercors in a time of 5:22, within a minute of my predicted time.

After standing under a fire hydrant to cool down and a more civilized shower at the adjacent swimming pool, it was in usual French fashion, time to eat. Post event banquets are a vital part of any bike fest here. 3 or 4 course meals with wine are standard fare. Meeting up again with Macpuppy and Luke after their exploits, was a great back slapping affair. We agreed to go back and ride the high plateau again at a more leisurely pace to appreciate the beauty of the region and to bring back some photo memories. Not just yet guys, please !

Former Olympic Downhill Champion, & local celeb Carole Montillet put in an appearance as prize giver. The issue of a pair of Nordic racing skies was most welcome accompanied by a basket of local produce which soon got shared out among friends.

Would I be riding the Transvercors in 2007? Maybe just the 60km next time. I have a lifetime of MTB’ing exploration ahead of me here in the years to come. In the meantime the season is going to rounded off with the Roc d’Azur MTB festival down on the Med coast in October. Even the Roc’ though would not top this event.

For further information on the Transvercors MTB event please contact, Ed Nicoll
e.mail info@bikeandski-vercors.com
www.bikeandski-vercors.com

With snot and sweat plastering my face, no gels left, combined with the exhaust fumes from the support vehicles I didn’t need my HRM to inform me that my time with the lead group was soon to be over. We were on the Col de la Chau (1337m) the six major climb of the event with about 120km completed and still the Col de Bataille yet to get over in this, the 12th Vercors-Drôme.

Around 1200 riders had set off that morning from Romans-sur-Isère south west of Grenoble, on a choice of three courses 83km (1350m), 140km (2170m), 183km (3266m). Good organisation and closed roads through the neutralized first 10km’s ensured the security of the race, which stayed together until the top of the first climb from where the riders diversed onto the different circuits. This can be slightly distracting at first as you are not aware of who is doing which distance as the race numbers do not help distinguish the riders.

This was my second Vercors-Drôme 183km ride, having given the event my favourite “French Sportive” mantel after last year. Although not on the scale of the more popular sportives this is indeed a welcome attraction. The region of the southern Vercors has stunning scenery with the area around Die having a particular Provençal flavour as the course goes through the lavender fields of the Col de Rousset.

Having managed to make the split at about 38km a group of a dozen riders worked to make a break which established a lead which was to stay away for the rest of the race. The course rolls on quiet mountain roads through idyllic French villages and past remote farms that haven’t changed in centuries. Having ridden some of the course the week before I was aware that some of the descents could be dangerous as the tar often melts in the heat of summer. Due to the early start and the slightly overcast skies this was not going to be a problem today.

Due to having ridden the World Champs MTB Marathon in Oisans just previous to this event I knew I should have reasonable form but had a lot of respect for the company I was riding with. So, I just sat in with the group without doing too much and conserved some energy. I knew I was going to need it before long. Sure enough once out of the town of Die, we turned up towards the major climb of the Col de Rousset. At 21 km’s long and the sun now burning down this would mark a decisive point on the course. A couple of hitters were now making their mark and doing some damage as the group of 12 began to split up. Getting low on water I managed to get a bottle from a support car. Then as another rider was collecting a drink a car slammed into my rear wheel nearly taking me over the edge. This caused a quick lesson in English obscenities followed by a swift rebuke from one of the excellent motorbike marshals.

Reaching the tunnel at the head of the Col saw the lead group reduced to seven as I crammed gels and solid food down on the short downhill section and gentle climb to Col de St Alexis. This lead onto the Resistance memorial site at Vassieux-en-Vercors before turning up the Col de la Chau where I finally went out the back of the group as the pace finally proved too much. As the vehicles came by I tried to jump into their slipstream as desperation took over as I looked for any advantage to claw my way back to the group. It was not to be though, so I struggled on and took heart from the sight of other riders coming back from the front.

Onwards and upwards through the pine forests of Lente in the heart of the Vercors massif I laboured knowing that I still had to get over the Col de Bataille. After a short descent the course rejoins the 140km event which comes over the 2004 Tour de France route from the Col de l’Echarasson (1146m). From this point, the final stages of the event remain the same for everyone in both the 140km & 183km event. I managed to take some heart from this as I overtook others who were also struggling towards the Col de Bataille (1313m). Not stopping to admire the view this time across the Isère valley the route plummets down to Léoncel and the final drinks station. There remained one short climb of the Col de Tourniol (1145m) before the final flat section of the race before the finish in Bourg de Péage. Despite the split start/finish this is not really an issue as they are adjacent to one another, split only by the river and well sign posted.

The finish area was the same venue that hosted the Dauphiné Libéré Time Trial earlier in the year. Race report: http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=4071

Typically French, the organisation had laid on a banquet of post event food with a choice of wine, beer or soft drinks to wash it down.

Having finished 7th overall and winning my age category I was going to hang around for the prize giving. This again typically French, was going to be many hours later. Due to being still wrecked, even after the post race shower I fell asleep under a tree until being awoken by the PA for the chance to win a bike in the raffle. Post event proceedings were then delayed as the heavens burst open, although further free food was then supplemented to everyone who had stayed on which was gratefully received.

Next year I shall have a go at the 140km event as I am yet to race up the Tour de France route of the Col de l’Echarasson. Also as the Vercors-Drôme is only a week before the Transvercors 100km MTB event, two 5 ½ hour events on consecutive weekends is becoming a little too demanding.

If anybody out there wants to join me for next year’s ride, please see www.bikeandski-vercors.com or contact me, Ed Nicoll, email info@bikeandski-vercors.com.

Pictures of the ride and the course profile can be viewed at www.vercorsdrome.com

Results :

183km
1. L.Genthon 5:22
2. O.Buisson 5:25
3. R. Hilaire 5:26
7. E. Nicoll 5:33
100th 7:05
157th 9:26

140km
1st C. Pinede 4:22
100th 5:09
200th 5:09
291st 8:17

80km
1st N. Durin 2:10
100th 2:34
322nd 3:40

Attention coureurs! les derniers 5km’s sont trés, trés difficiles. The commissaire announced as we received our final instructions before setting out on this, the very first Cyclosportive from La Mure on 24th June 2006. He should also have warned riders about the first set of hairpin bends which caught some people out resulting in an early crash.
We had set out that morning for the short drive south from Grenoble on the ‘Route Napoleon’ with the prospect of a scorching day’s riding in the Matheysin region of the French Alps. Ahead of us lay 141km through some breathtaking scenery overlooked by the pinnicle of Mont Aguile, and the Grand Veymont, the highest mountain in the Vercors. The major discussion within our group at the start was how many bottles to take with us on the course. Most went for two large on the bike with a third in the jersey.
Team riders from organising club GMC38 in Grenoble soon hit the front as the first climb approached at 12km’s soon followed by the Col Malissol which spilt the field early on. I managed to hang in with the second group and planned to ride within my limits until the late stages. The course then followed a northery loop from La Mure around the lakes at Laffrey before heading towards the tough balcony roads overlooking the gorges and lakes formed by the Drac river.
The roads were very quite throughout the event and we were well escorted by motorbikes who passed up drinks to riders as we began to suffer in the heat during the latter stages. As the course wove it’s way through to La Mure again, half of my group split off as they were completing the shorter 75km course. At this point we were unsure of our overall positions or how far down the lead group was. However, I was just content with having a good ride and enjoying the day at this stage.

With about 100km completed our group of 8 riders passed through the final feed/ravitaillement at Les 4 Chemins before heading towards Mens. The course profile was rolling with some big ring climbs as we weaved through the towns and villages, where the locals came out of either the churches or the café’s to give their support to the athletes as we sped by.

Our group picked up riders who had been out in front who then either managed to stay with us or went out the back and it was tempting to make a break for the finish. The commissaire parting words however still warned me stay with our small peloton. I knew from experience that the demanding nature of these events usually makes a natural selection, not any tactical move.

Consequently this proved to be correct as we dropped down from the final climb at the Col Accarias. What now faced us was a very narrow stone bridge where riders had to single out before the final assault on the climb up to Cognet. At 15% this devastating hill was a reminder of Ventoux coupled with the heat. At the second corner disaster fell to the Fontaine rider who pulled his foot out of a pedal bring himself and a Voiron rider to a stop. Thankfully I managed to avoid both and stuggled up on my 39×25 wishing I had something lower. As the hill went up this narrow road with my only thoughts focused on finishing. I hung onto the wheel of rider whom I had completed the Megève-Mt Blanc event a few weeks before and between us we overhauled a couple of riders who had almost come to a standstill. Once through the village of Cognet we at last rejoined the main road which was to take us back into La Mure. I recovered enough for a final sprint taking 7th overall but really didn’t care by this stage. Just give me some water!

Well that was it, finished. Will definitely be back with another group next year. After a quick shower in the sports hall I enjoyed the post race massage, gratuit. In usual French fashion there was the free lunch laid on for riders. I couldn’t really face the offer of steak and couscous so snacked on prepared sandwhiches, fruit and fluids before falling asleep in the minibus.

The storm that had been forecast threaten to washout the prizegiving but didn’t spoil the occasion. Former domestique to Jacques Anquetil and local celebrity Anatol Novak, was on hand to pass out the trophies. I picked up a cup for my efforts along with a token of a free pass for an hour on a Pedalo on Lake Laffrey, great!

Our crew climb back in the minibus and headed back to Grenoble swapping stories of their experiences of the race. At this stage we had almost forgotten how hard bike racing can be as we plotted our next campaign of the Vaujany and the Marmotte events. Bring it on.

Ed Nicoll