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Stage Ten : Montmelian to Annecy
Distance : 130 km
Climbing: 2700m
Main climbs : Marocaz, Pres, Plainpalais, Mont Revard, Semnoz ( 6 cols in total)
After nine incredible stages, this is the day that I thought I might never make it to, the end of the first Cent Cols Challenge. And what an event it has been. We’ve ridden some of the finest Apline climbs before heading south towards the coast, had Mont Ventoux straight after breakfast and ridden some of the very finest and most inspiring roads that I most likely would never have ridden along if it hadn’t been for Phil Deeker coming up with this challenge.
When I first read about it, and digested the impressive route plan, I thought Phil was mad. I was proved wrong day after day however, and on this, the last day, nearly all the riders that started out on that day in Annency not so very long ago, were all present and correct. Sure, several riders have pulled out, but some brave souls who have experienced injuries have stayed with us and determined to finish, there’s more riders on the road today.
The morale has been incredible both on and off the roads and the team element has mostly worked beautifully, with stronger riders helping out less strong riders or those suffering from injuries or just the struggle against so much climbing. It’s been an honour to take part in this event and to see it work so well, to be run so smoothly by Phil and his support team, and to see the riders all battle against personal demons, broken bikes, injuries, saddle sores and aches and soreness to battle through to the very end.
So today was a celebration. But before we popped the champagne, there was the small matter of 135km and three long and steep climbs before the lunch stop at 100km which would mark the end of 10 stages. The day dawned chilly and with a thick layer of fog coating the countryside during the early stages. A long 9km climb almost straight out of the hotel reminded us, if we were in nay doubt, that the end wouldn’t be easily reached. Out the window then went my hopes of a flat stage to finish the event! However, to some relief, but really to some disappointment, a road closure at about the halfway point meant a couple of kilometres and probably some climbs were also missed. Oh well.
Before too long though, all riders were onto the very final climb of the day, and the event. I almost thought this moment might never come. Crete du Semnoz marked the final ascent, about 6km at a steady gradient with a load of hairpins to breakup the climbing. By now, and myself included, all were just spinning up the road coaxing the body up the last few kilometres, and enjoying what would be our final big climb of the 10 days. Breaking out of the trees and onto a barren summit, a five-star restaurant and hotel was awaiting us, and marked the very end of the challenge. A finish line and tape had been hastily erected and I rolled over the finish – after some good humoured sprinting with room-mate for the week Nick Amlot – to much applause. Drinks all round then.
Cent Cols has been an incredible experience. It’s pushed my body to the limit and I’ve was frustrated at how quickly my body struggled under the duress of so much climbing and so many hours in the body. But I’ve also felt the strength that has come through, and the mental resilience that has matured after some really very long days in the saddle and the highs and lows that have been experienced. As much as I was glad to finish, it was also a sad moment when the realisation that it was over sank in, for I’ve enjoyed the company of some really nice people, enjoyed the roads and the countryside, the mountains, the descents, and the eat, sleep and ride routine. Here’s to next year…
