Etape 2009

FransJacques

was it really 40C degrees? I don't remember it being *that* hot...but the climbs were killer - long /non-stop. The pictures I have from '98 show I started in arm warmers and kept them on most of the day, down around my wrists, but pulled them up on the descents from the Galibier etc. I remember people with hoses spraying us on the telegraph and sitting down under a tree at the top of the telegraph cuz I was so bushed.

I also hazily remember riding a flat tire up the last 2 kms of Les 2 Alpes - couldn't be asked to change it over the last 2000 meters...

At the finish I swore never to do another one. The next day after good food and sleep I couldn't wait....that was 11 years and 8 etapes ago. Ah the memories...

itisaboutthebike

It was carnage with the heat on the telegraph and galibier.

I remember being hosed down by people at the bottom of the Telegraph

Can't remember where i read it , but I think about a 3rd of the field didn't complete the ride.

lochindaal

A bit late but not long back from France

i now have a report with some photo's on my website that's in my sig.

Much the same as most I think. Great to Bedoin and hell on Ventoux.

Well done to all those who finished

popette

Just read your account Lochindaal - I remember that enormous widgey on the road too. It made me laugh out loud at the time :-)

skiingsimon

The photos from Maindruphoto (the official Etape photographer) are disappointing. I saw loads of photographers en route taking loads of pics, but there are only 5 pics of me on their website. Anyone know of any other photographers who took pictures on the day?

normanp

Does anyone know the number of starters for the 09 Etape? Starters in each category would be useful.