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36 riders including RCUK’s correspondent departed on the inaugural stage of the Cent Cols Challenge on Monday 14 September for an event boldly described as the ‘Ultimate Sportive’. And, after nearly nine hours of riding and 4700metres of climbing, few riders taking part will argue with that claim.
A excellent route was laid out for us, with the highlights including the col du Joux Plane, which was made more interesting by the low cloud clinging to the higher slopes. This in turn made the descent just a little more dicy. Following a sumptuous lunch stop (an enforced 30 minutes), the next big climb of the day lay in the brutal col de la Colombiere, made all the more difficult by the high temperature of the early afternoon. The 2009 Tour de France went over this very climb just a couple of months earlier and reading the graffiti-scrawled pro cyclists’ names splattered all along the roadside gave a little extra boost and briefly distracted the mind from the climbing.
To sum up, it was a slickly organised day, impressively so considering this is the first time the event has been held. There was a great atmosphere within the group and a great sense of camaraderie present at all times. Yes, the group split up into smaller units early on as everybody found their own speed and rhythm, but there were plenty of opportunities for regrouping at the two feedstops. It was tough, though, make no mistake, and with tomorrow’s stage posing an even greater challenge, this tired rider for one is going to get some much needed snooze time. But only when bags are packed, musettes loaded and clothes picked out.
Oh yes; they’re predicting a possibilty of snow on the col du Galibier, the final ascent of tomorrow’s ‘Queen’ stage. Should be interesting…
Coming up in stage 2
Stage Two : Albertville to Briancon
Distance : 215 km
Main climbs : Madeleine, Glandon, Croix de Fer, Mollard, Telegraphe, Galibier. (10 cols in total)
Description : A classic, covering most of the Marmotte route and more. Those who survive this stage stand a chance of getting to Annecy.
