Etape du Tour Ride Report

First Etape and was with two guys who have done seven before.

Light drizzle at the beginning was nice, though did think that would make the down hills carnage.

First climb Madeline was good, and descent was great, though did get some lessons on how to descend as people were flying past me. Sean went past me, which was a good sign as he set off two pens ahead of me, so managed to stay with him as we climbed Gladon where in fact we caught Johny Bridges, then at one point all three of us were together.

Legs started to cramp even on the Glandon and a bit of stretching and a rest and I had a second wind, and was cycling well going past people walking towards the top, then over the Croix de Feu and as a great descent down, where I past my Johnny.

Little climb up to the fourth col had a sting in the tail, but once over that was happy and descent was fast back down to St Jean.

Started the final climb and was not too bad and then body started packing in, major nausea and cramps. This was around 800m so only 800m to go, next couple of kms and 200m I was so bad, I shut my eyes and went straight to sleep I think...... anyway cut a long story short I still had 13km to go and 600m vertical (at around 10:15) and the way I was I reckoned that could take another  two to three hours and thought was not fair on the people that would be waiting for me in St Jean and the fact that there was a very good chance I would not make it anyway!

So called it a day......... 4100ms of vertial

Looking back made all the classic mistakes, not enough water, as I didn't want to stop with all the crowds, and I had heard stories about how they run out, so did ration myself.....then was using the new Hi Five Zero Caffeine tabs and that upset my stomach, plus took some gels which I don't usually do, should have just kept to what I do in  the UK!

Also felt as if I did not have enough gears, couldn’t quite work that one out?

And then there was the heat, low to mid 30's on the final climb, which always does for me, plus did not exactly have the best prep four weeks before with a sleep loosing bronchial cough, now any more excuses  L

Obviously very gutted having got so close - see on the results that only 4200 finished out of 10000 - bet I was the only idiot that packed so close to the finish!

Both Johny and Sean said that was by far the toughest Etape they had done, sub 11hrs and 11:45

And to add insult to injury my Garmin has thrown a wobbler and can’t connect so can’t upload to Strava L

Andrew Lea
Posts: 6

Next year
Reply #6 on : Sat July 14, 2012, 02:20:23

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Unlucky I had a similar experience on the Ventoux four years ago. Body just packed in brain telling me it was okay to stop etc. The following year got my training right did about 10 sportives before as part of a fundraiser for Help for Heroes, on the Tourmalet I was finished but thinking about our boys with their legs blown off put my pain into perspective and I finished. The following year Alpe Duez was a piece of cake (in my mind I knew I could do it.)

Some tips
Use the same energy foods you use in your training
Eat every 30 minutes at least (half an energy bar)
Use nuun rehydration tablets in your water bottle
Drink regularly
Get in the food stations and grab and go or your body will seize up.
Have a cause - puts the pain into perspective and gives you a focus when your brain starts asking 'what the hell are you doing on the last climb'

Final bit of advice and this is critical do not go off to quick on the first climbs leave your best to the last climb.

Oh yes apply again and do it next year - you know you can

A

Jon
Posts: 6

Re: Etape du Tour Ride Report
Reply #5 on : Wed July 11, 2012, 15:55:20

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Great to hear guys... good on yer JB!

Andy
Posts: 6

How hard?
Reply #4 on : Wed July 11, 2012, 08:11:24

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Someone sent me this link: http://mobile.podiumcafe.com/2012/7/5/3134330/2012-tour-de-france-mountains-preview

Really puts that ride in perspective.... Two of the three hardest climbs of this years tour, and three in the top 10... plus the second hardest Cat 2 climb for good measure. Looking forward to see the pro's do it now.

admin
Posts: 1

Well done Andy !!
Reply #3 on : Mon July 09, 2012, 22:49:59

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Really well done, did let Jes know of your success!

Just think you must have "cycled" pass me as I was crashed out by the side of the road!

Andy
Posts: 6

Bad luck
Reply #2 on : Mon July 09, 2012, 17:49:33

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Bad luck Gav! I know it must be gutting to have got so close. In my group of 16 only 8 made it, and even the guy who organised it didn't make it. The bloke who invited me was the last one to be let through on the final climb but then had the gendarme in a car following him a few metres behind which eventually encouraged him to give up. Chuffed I made it but if I ever get on that bike again I'll buy a new cassette first. Enjoy the rest of your week. Andy

Bing
Posts: 6

Yiiikes!
Reply #1 on : Mon July 09, 2012, 15:58:07

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Sounds even worse tham my Mountain bike ride on Sunday in the wettest conditions I have ever seen the trails in, plus I got scratches from all the overgrown bushes.....

Sounds like you were nearly dead maybe a good job you stopped when you did!

Bet Wheeler would have continued!!!!

Any news from Andy?????

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