PROFILE OF THE RACE: 62 KMS OF CLIMBING NOT COUNTING THE 14 KMS
ROLLING HILLS BETWEEN THE TWO FIRST CLIMBS. NOT THAT EASY...
The race will start with a 9 kms flat course to get out of Annecy. This is going to be a nervous start because of the short distance of the stage. A lot of riders will ride for a good time (or a target they have in their heads) instead of saving energy for survival like it happens in stages of more then 180kms. Another lot will be carried away by the excitement and you will see them back soon enough if you stay in control of your effort and your goals and don't get into silly accidents.
Stick to the right side and to your speed and be aware of what is going on in front and at your side. Shout "attention" every time some gets to close or there is something slowing down the group in front to alert the guys behind you. Soon enough you will see that people around you will start doing the same and the vibe becomes more friendly and you can even make some race friends and talk to people. I always meet interesting people in races like this or find old colleagues. It's what make them extra especial.
PROFILE OF THE COL DE LESCHAUX FROM THE WEBSITE ALPES4EVER.COM.
ONE OF THE BEST PROFILE REPRESENTATION I'VE EVER SEEN. WORTH CHECKING OUT.
COL DE LESCHAUX - After this 9 kilometers things will start to change gradually into the first climb of the day, the Col de Lexchaux. Although the profile above shows 14kms, it is in reality 13.4 kms climb (ok, I've rounded to make look better, don't get mad). It is one of the variants from the north side of this mountain, starting from the village of Saint-Jorioz.
Looking at the profile you see a first kilometer of false flat of 2.5% gradient followed immeditelly by 3 kms between 6.5 and 7.5%. Nothing major but good to really wake up your climbing muscles. After that the climb easy up a bit and you even have a little descend in the middle. Be careful there. That is in the La Chapelle St Maurice where you will find the first refreshment area from the organization. Only water at this point.
The second half looks easy with only 2 kms around 6 and 7 again. This is the type of climb that most people will enjoy as it isn't over killing and you have the feeling of a job well done if you keep your pace. Reading on the web about this climb didn't show anything difficult and the major remark is that you will be flanking the edge of lake Annecy. What should offer great views if the 7:00 am morning weather allows it.
SECOND CLIMB: COL DES PRES OUT OF LESCHERAINES.
COL DES PRES - Between the top of this climb and the beginning of the next one the riders won't have the gift of a descend. In the profile it looks like rolling hills all the way. I've checked the distances on the Google maps and it is a 14 kms strecht. Keep your pace on the small climbs that shouldn't be too steep but keep an eye to not overdo it. This type of terrain usually sucks a lot of energy and you will need it.
The second climb of the day, Col des Pres is not a very tough again. Before you start you will find the second refreshment area on La Motte en Bauges, this time with food. With a total of 14.6 kms distance it start with a short kilometer of 5 kms but then followed by 12 kms of false flat before you reach the second part of the climb. At the end of this area, in Aillon de Jeune there will be the 3rd drink only refreshment area.
From there will take the last kilometers to the top with a first kilometer of 4% and that the wake up moment when you face 200 meters at 9.5% gradient followed by the last 2.4 kms around 7.5%. For what I read on the Internet, open grass fields and incredible visuals wait for your at the top.
THIRD AND FIRST REAL CHALLENGE OF THE DAY: MONT REVARD.
GET GEARS READY FOR STEEP START AND DON'T GET CAUGHT BY SURPRISE
GET GEARS READY FOR STEEP START AND DON'T GET CAUGHT BY SURPRISE
MONT REVARD - After the 8.3 kms of descending the south side of Col des Pres, you will start immediately climbing the biggest mountain of the day: Mont Revard that has 22kms and beautiful views of the Alpes and Lake Bourget. You will finish with a steep descend of 8.5% gradient and right away start with a 9% incline for 800 meters kilometer before you get a "rest" of 3.5% for 2 kms and then continue the rest of the mountain with average of 7%. In the village of St-Jean D'Arvey, in the flatish area before the big climb start you will find another refreshment zone for drinking only.
WORD OF ADVICE: Get your gears ready during the descend and don't get caught by surprise: I will keep cassette on 23 and just change the front ring to inner when hit the climb, going to 23, 25 or 27 as the tempo settles. I usually have little cramps on situations like this, long descend followed by steep climb. The trick is not to despair and just push thru until muscles are warm enough. After that start the real climb: 11 kms climb around 7% with some hot spots of 9%. No big remarks and just sit and find your cadence and enjoy the views. Around 3 kms to the top one more food refreshment zone will be place in the village of La Féciaz.
FROM ANNECY TO SEMNOZ: THE LAST CLIMB OF THE DAY AND THE BIG CHALLENGE
ANNECY-SEMNOZ - OK, you see a lot of reds on the picture above. But lets first talk about what is before that. After you climb Mont Revard, you will have a 24 kms descend (with another drink refreshment zone in the village of Montcel) followed by 12.2 kms of flat terrain after Cuzy. That is perfect to eat and drink, especially the flat area. Drink and eat as much as possible and spin your legs to get ready to a proper tough climb.
The Etape route will be climbing the mountain from the most difficult side: west side starting on Quintal. It is a 10.7 kms of average of 8.5% gradient. The last drink refreshment will be place right after Quintal when the gradient goes down to 4%. Use it as this is the last chance to get some water and that is important if the weather is hot.
But as we know, averages means nothing when you have 120 kms already in the legs. There are five areas of 10% and a total of 700 meters above 11% in two sections. Can't find much about it on the web but it looks a tough cookie. But, I reckon if you are there, just seat down put on the small gears and enjoy the views of the Annecy lake eventually. It's going to be hard but it's going to be great!
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