Etapes 2012

MaxCap

3 of us are heading out to Acte I on Thursday. We are stopping for the week in the Medieval Square in Albertville and using it as a base for some Col climbs Mon, Tue, Wed, Thurs. Is anybody else staying out afterwards? If you are, PM me and I'll share our plans.

I got a crack in my frame last week which is not ideal preparation, so heading to Derby tomorrow to get her fixed - Trek said it wasn't covered on the warranty

I'm looking forward to the heat I live in Phoenix the rest of the year so my body is acclimatised to 40 degree heat.

davidof

You will enjoy it if current temperatures continue. Around 35 degrees yesterday and quite humide. Personally too hot for me to ride after about 11am at the moment.

xscreamsuk

Another Acte 2 peep here. Last big week this week of 250 ish, then taper down and fly to Biarritz the weds before.
First time so just completing is the goal, would be nice to get under ten hours though.
Also looking forward to the first beer, been about 5 weeks without one now, hope they have Adelscott in Bagneres

gavinbay

Now looking at the forecasts and hopefully this current hot spell will be well gone by the 8th July - could even be cold up top :?

click here for La Toussuire forecast

I'm also hoping to get some skiing in on the Tignes Glacier on this trip so am looking at the forecasts for colder weather anyway !

Should hasten to add that forecasts will change and do not take this as reality just yet - best to just keep an eye on how it's developing - two to three days ahead will be far more accurate!

davidof will be able to give us a much better picture nearer the time won't you :P

davidof

That looks like good news, is that snow they are showing ?

gavinbay

I didn't want to mention the S word :roll:

I can see you now in a week or so relishing the thought of all these "Brits" battling up three Cols in similar weather to last year sitting there very smugly

Least it's looking better for skiing on the Glacier

davidof

GavinBay wrote:

I didn't want to mention the S word :roll:

I can see you now in a week or so relishing the thought of all these "Brits" battling up three Cols in similar weather to last year sitting there very smugly

Least it's looking better for skiing on the Glacier

4 cols :shock:

js14

GavinBay wrote:

Now looking at the forecasts and hopefully this current hot spell will be well gone by the 8th July - could even be cold up top :?

I prefer the Meteo Consult website, http://montagne.meteoconsult.fr/meteo/la-toussuire/alpes-du-nord/prevision_meteo_la-toussuire_alpes-du-nord_station__188_0.php, which if I am not mistaken uses data from the UK Met Office's supercomputer rather than the Meteo France's Pentium 4 . You can't get the detailed forecast without subscribing but at least you can see the min. / max. temperatures up to a couple of weeks ahead.

cyclingsheep

I know my preference is for cooler weather for Act2. I tend to boil in the heat no matter how little I wear (and I'm pretty sure ASO would have something to say if I tried riding naked) so secretly have my fingers crossed for a change in the weather.

mattpage

If anyone is looking for a lift between Act 1 & 2 let me know, I might be able to help.

jackfeeder

Ok, here's a massive cry for some help.

Just been informed that I've won 2 places on Etape II. However I've got to organise and fund the following;
flights, food(not really a problem), airport transfers, race start&finish transfers.
I have never ridden in France before and am seriously wondering if I can get myself sorted in time, seems like a lot to do, especially as I haven't a clue where to start.
Training wise only done a few 100milers this year plus commuting, but I did do the 132mile Dragon Ride a few weeks ago.
Have to let them know tomorrow morning.....................gulp :shock:

Any help/info that will make me decide one way or the other will b great.

Thanks,

davidof

Some info on completing the Etapes

Longer than Acte I: 201 km and 5000 meters of climbing with 4 cols plus the Col de Soulor for free on the descent of the Aubisque with a finish after 15 km of descent to Bagneres de Luchon.

http://www.trainingloops.com/etape-du-tour-2012.htm

201 km in the mountains is a lot of cycling if you've not trained. Long way to go if you get eliminated early on. Even so, you can still cycle elsewhere in the Pyrenees.

mitchventoux

jackfeeder wrote:

Ok, here's a massive cry for some help.

Just been informed that I've won 2 places on Etape II. However I've got to organise and fund the following;
flights, food(not really a problem), airport transfers, race start&finish transfers.
I have never ridden in France before and am seriously wondering if I can get myself sorted in time, seems like a lot to do, especially as I haven't a clue where to start.
Training wise only done a few 100milers this year plus commuting, but I did do the 132mile Dragon Ride a few weeks ago.
Have to let them know tomorrow morning.....................gulp :shock:

Any help/info that will make me decide one way or the other will b great.

Thanks,

im doing act 2 this year ,i did the etape in 09 so have some experience ,this time im driving down on the tuesday before on my own ,i have a night ferry booked ,im booked with frenchcycling holidays for the 3 nights and had to pay extra for single supplement .dont know if i can change things this late but can offer a lift

jackfeeder

Thanks for the offer Mitchventoux but there's no way I can travel that early. Looking like I'll have to pass on it. Good luck with your ride though.

canoas

I have Bib Number 89xx looks like I'm starting in the last pen! Anyone from experience, does that mean a slow start and loads of traffic. Done a number of European Sportives but never an etape. I registered on the 1st day of opening online last year, I can't remember a questions asking about how experience you are as rider someone mentioned to me if you ticked experienced rider you start near the 1st pen? Can't remember seeing that question!

comments welcome!

cyclingsheep

During registration you were asked your time/placing on previous etapes or other hilly long sportives. This is my first Etape so can't tell you about congestion at the start. I gave my time on the Etape Cymru last year and got bid number 4898 so guess it worked.

mitchventoux

canoas wrote:

I have Bib Number 89xx looks like I'm starting in the last pen! Anyone from experience, does that mean a slow start and loads of traffic. Done a number of European Sportives but never an etape. I registered on the 1st day of opening online last year, I can't remember a questions asking about how experience you are as rider someone mentioned to me if you ticked experienced rider you start near the 1st pen? Can't remember seeing that question!

comments welcome!

i have bib no 8501 ,no big problem really just means lots of riders infront of you ,just ride your own speed ,the first mountain is far enough from the start so hope fully no bunching and walking up the abisque .dont worry about the broom wagon as you gotta be real slow to get swept up ,my advice is carry your own food and use the feed stops just for water as its chaos .

willy b

canoas wrote:

I have Bib Number 89xx looks like I'm starting in the last pen! Anyone from experience, does that mean a slow start and loads of traffic. Done a number of European Sportives but never an etape. I registered on the 1st day of opening online last year, I can't remember a questions asking about how experience you are as rider someone mentioned to me if you ticked experienced rider you start near the 1st pen? Can't remember seeing that question!

comments welcome!

Last year on Act I I had bib 9000 something! There were alot of riders and I was passing them all, which then made me slow down a little as I thought I was going to blow up Anyway, finished 1,490 so I don't think it will hamper your finish time.

Only thing is you'll be waiting in the Pen longer so you'll get cold. One thing it take it a jumper and a pair of trousers that you don't mind stuffing in a bag and leaving, I haven't done that but thought it might be a good idea.

canoas

ok, I did the Marmotte last year in 8 hours. I think I put that down in my entry. I'll try and change at registration a friend of mine did this last year and it worked.

Good result coming 1490 from 8,000 start - good effort. I think it will just pound it on the first climb and hopefully won't bonk after! passing lots

js14

willy b wrote:

Only thing is you'll be waiting in the Pen longer so you'll get cold. One thing it take it a jumper and a pair of trousers that you don't mind stuffing in a bag and leaving, I haven't done that but thought it might be a good idea.

A cheaper option is a large bin liner with holes for the head and arms. Seriously, I've often seen people wearing bin liners before sporting events in France.

xscreamsuk

I shall be taking some pre weight loss trackie bums and sweatshirt, ready to leave behind in the pen if it's really that cold,

canoas

I don't think it will be that cold, probably 10-14C if it's a sunny day 6am, if not could be 7-10C from my experiences in mountains sportive, just a Gilet and some arm warners is enough if its not raining or a light jacket, if its raining well that's different preparation you'll need everything.

js14

Any tunnels on the Act 1 route?

dandrew

Not sure about tunnels this year. Rapha & Cyclefit don't appear to have done their usual pre race seminar.
Anyone know of any accommodation for the Saturday night in Albertville?
I've not been able to book anything and am still searching for a room.

ck99

oneof1982 wrote:

Pen numbers and how they relate to bib numbers now on line. Click on THE RACE and then START ACCESS. This shows plan and lists which numbers are in which pen.

Really helpful tip. From Albertville, I am in pen 5 (4301 to 5800) and there are 8 pens in total. Does that mean that I start at 7:30ish? I am planning to print out the route map and add the Broom Wagon cut off times to it and Sellotape it to the Top Tube to keep me focused.

js14

dandrew wrote:

Anyone know of any accommodation for the Saturday night in Albertville?
I've not been able to book anything and am still searching for a room.

Have a look on the tourist office site's special Etape /TDF page http://www.albertville.com/fr/il4-actualite_i21_p31-l-etape-du-tour-et-le-tour-de-france-albertville-la-toussuire.aspx. They are still showing one Chambre d'Hote (B&B in someone's house) 4 km from Albertville. If that's no good, ring the tourist office directly and see if they can come up with something.

Smirf

with regards nutrition. Will you all plan on carrying enough food / drink supplement for the entire ride? or hope to pick up extra gels / bars on route?

I took stock of what i thought i will need for the ride and it looks like I need a Tesco bag to carry them in!!

does anyone plan on using one of those top tube food bags?

oneof1982

ck99 wrote:

oneof1982 wrote:

Pen numbers and how they relate to bib numbers now on line. Click on THE RACE and then START ACCESS. This shows plan and lists which numbers are in which pen.

Really helpful tip. From Albertville, I am in pen 5 (4301 to 5800) and there are 8 pens in total. Does that mean that I start at 7:30ish? I am planning to print out the route map and add the Broom Wagon cut off times to it and Sellotape it to the Top Tube to keep me focused.

You can assume it will be something like that. In terms of the the route map, you will get a card when you register, but some prep as you suggest is useful. The times of the broom wagon at key stages is very useful, not least when you realise you are one hour ahead, and can begin to enjoy yourself

DavidCr

dandrew wrote:

Anyone know of any accommodation for the Saturday night in Albertville?
I've not been able to book anything and am still searching for a room.

If you are unable to find anything suitable in Albertville I can offer you an ensuite room in our chalet but it is approx 30 mins away from the start.

skippa76

So with a little over 10 days before the start of Act II the great British weather is doing it's best to scupper my training!

The past couple of months have been horrendous in the North West and the forecast for the next 10 days looks no better. I can't remember the last time I did so many summer miles on my indoor turbo trainer. Looks like it'll the be old turbo again this week too.

Fortunately when I have managed to get out I've been able to put in some good hilly miles, that said, other than the 100 mile Polkadot challenge a few weeks back most of my rides have been limited to around 70 odd solo miles. Hopefully, with good conditions, the euphoria of the occasion, and the support of the crowds and other riders, I'll get around!

Any one else had their training compromised/adjusted because of the terrible weather? Or are you all hardcore... riding the UK roads come rain or shine?