The Big Question for 2013

alanp23

Now that we have got the big European Sportives out of the way, here is the big question for 2013....

Having done the Marmotte and the Maratona in the last two years, what should I be thinking about for next year?

In my mind, I was considering one of the Etapes, but I am wondering if there is anything better out there. I must admit to being a little put off by the constant threat of the Broom wagon. I have no idea at the moment how much it would threaten me, but I do think that its constant presence in the back of my mind will spoil the enjoyment.

I know that there are cut-offs in both that I have done, but I always get the feeling that cut-offs in the Etape are more aggressive.

Anyway, just interested in knowing what might be out there...

Tfund1

Snap! - Done Maratona this year, Marmotte last. Was thinking of the Vuelta Etape for next year. Looking forward to seeing some reviews after the first running later this year.

t5nel

Tfund1 wrote:

Snap! - Done Maratona this year, Marmotte last. Was thinking of the Vuelta Etape for next year. Looking forward to seeing some reviews after the first running later this year.

Quite interested in this myself - have some colleagues/friends in Asturias so could probably get a little gang together.

prawny

The spanish unpronounceable one? Quebreuandnebanandos or whatever it's called? That's meant to be pretty good.

Or the tour of flanders

ugo.santalucia

prawny wrote:

The spanish unpronounceable one? Quebreuandnebanandos or whatever it's called? That's meant to be pretty good.

Or the tour of flanders

Flanders is very busy... the route is very nice though, but I would do it any other day, when you can actually ride the cobbled climbs, rather than walking up them. Best is to do it on the monday after the race, so you have the course signed and no hassle. Let me know if you are planning to do cobbles...

Alain Quay

It sounds like you're ready for ....Etape Caledonia

Norway has some great ones, e.g. http://www.tacxvr.com/products/videos/b ... 93-voss-en

ugo.santalucia

Alain Quay wrote:

It sounds like you're ready for ....Etape Caledonia

Norway has some great ones, e.g. http://www.tacxvr.com/products/videos/b ... 93-voss-en

The Etape Caledonia is hardly a challenge for somebody who has done Marmotte and Maratona... it is not very long and probably the flattest course one can pan out in Scotland. A club mate who is no faster than me averaged 18 mph on this

prawny

ugo.santalucia wrote:

prawny wrote:

The spanish unpronounceable one? Quebreuandnebanandos or whatever it's called? That's meant to be pretty good.

Or the tour of flanders

Flanders is very busy... the route is very nice though, but I would do it any other day, when you can actually ride the cobbled climbs, rather than walking up them. Best is to do it on the monday after the race, so you have the course signed and no hassle. Let me know if you are planning to do cobbles...

Stop trying to sell me more wheels you!

And yes, will do. Although I reckon the open pro's would cope with Flanders, not sure about Roubaix though!

flamite

anyone heard of/done "La Pyreneenne"??

Tourmalet, Aspin, Ancizan finishing in Hautacam sounds Marmotte-esqe, but only 1,500 riders, could be a good one?

contemplating it... now to go about getting permission from the mrs...

alanp23

Thought of the Spanish unpronouncable one this year, but Maratona sounded better. The Dreilander sounds good. I'm going to avoid the Tour of Flanders, too much cobbles and hot sunshine for the day is mandatory.

I am thinking of applying for the Fred next year, never done it before - but that would just be an appetiser for the big European trip. I've got loads of little events planned as well in the UK for next year - But they all need me to have a big challenge to focus the training for...

Any more suggestions?

bigpikle

I'm thinking possibly...

late spring - Bergen Voss http://bergenck.no/defaultBV.aspx?pageId=263

summer - Drei Lander Giro

late summer - Barcelona Andorra http://www.letapebcn-and.com/

I reckon there's something in there for all tastes

simona75

Alain Quay wrote:

It sounds like you're ready for ....Etape Caledonia

Norway has some great ones, e.g. http://www.tacxvr.com/products/videos/b ... 93-voss-en

That Bergen-Voss event looks fantastic, have you done it?

Alain Quay

Alain Quay wrote:
It sounds like you're ready for ....Etape Caledonia

I was joking, ok!

No, I've not done the Norwegian sportive but have heard it's good.

prawny

What's the name of the South African one, that looks good, cape classic or something?

How about Evans ride it Cannock, that's a toughie

mbrooke

I did the Maratona this year and 2013 will do the Pyreneen. I think it will be going from Bagneres de Bigorre this time (they alternate each year with Argeles and St Lary) and hopefully they will not throw in the extra climb like in 2012 to the Hautacam. Expect the Tourmalet, Aspin and Horquette in that order. Cannot find the date yet but 1st July would be great as it looks like the tour will go through shortly afterwards. I have done it about 5 times in the last 8 years and it is always very hard but good fun. Cycling weekly covered it a couple of years ago. Great place for a holiday. Michael

derek48

But you really need to do at least one Etape for your check list. I did the Marmotte this year, will be doing the Maratona next year and did the Etape two years ago when I was 63 years old. I wouldn't worry about the broom wagon as I was at least an hour ahead of it. Once you reach the first cut off point and realise just how far ahead of it you are, then you forget about it for the rest of the ride.

KKB

flamite wrote:

now to go about getting permission from the mrs...

Permission?
What is this word you speak of? 8)