Etape du Tour 2013

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  • 56mph
    56mph Posts: 70
    bernithebiker wrote:
    Looks like it's gonna be hot, damn hot;

    http://france.meteofrance.com/france/me ... 07120000LE

    Maybe pack some salt/hydration tablets and your lightest, whitest top.....

    ...and some sun cream!
  • VilanovaRider
    VilanovaRider Posts: 38
    JS14 wrote:
    VilanovaRider wrote:
    Etape Start Times - have you seen this --> http://www.letapedutour.com/ET1/us/starting_areas.html

    "New for 2013, staggered start times based on your number"
    Something got lost in the translation as they get it right on the French version of the site. What they meant to say, was that this year pen closing times are staggered. In previous years, everyone had to be in their pen 30 minutes or so before the first riders set off at 7 am. The new system makes sense as the last riders to go won't have to hang around for 2 hours or so getting cold. It might also help with the traffic problems.

    Well, "departs ... entre 7h et 8h 30 pour les derniers" makes clear that the start times will be staggered too, which makes sense. The final batch of riders don't need to be in the pens until 8am.

    Agreed that this is sensible but a big change and raises questions about the broom wagon. The chances of being caught by it would seem to have receded for most people, assuming it leaves behind the final group?
  • spearmint_wino
    spearmint_wino Posts: 109
    As per the Marmotte thread - given that that temp is set to be in the high 20's on the day, are people going to be carrying with a windproof jacket / gilet / arm & knee warmers?
  • bernithebiker
    bernithebiker Posts: 4,148
    spearmint wino wrote:
    As per the Marmotte thread - given that that temp is set to be in the high 20's on the day, are people going to be carrying with a windproof jacket / gilet / arm & knee warmers?

    No way. If the weather is as the forecast says, no way will you need any of that clobber.

    Take it with you in the car/plane of course, as forecasts have a habit of being wrong, but I'm pretty confident it's staying in the suitcase.
  • dandrew
    dandrew Posts: 175
    I'll be taking a decent jacket for descending! It will also come in useful when waiting to start.
  • stueys
    stueys Posts: 1,332
    dandrew wrote:
    I'll be taking a decent jacket for descending! It will also come in useful when waiting to start.

    Recalling my hilly ride this Sunday when the temp peaked at 29 the descents were a nice relief to dry some copious sweat off. It took me a while to rehydrate when home.

    Don't think we'll need anything over than jerseys if the weather stays as forecast.
  • Smirf
    Smirf Posts: 123
    i'll decide the day before when they have a decent hour by hour forecast. Having one less thing to carry in your pockets would be nice.

    If worried about being cold, take a bin bag and cut a couple of arm holes and a head hole! looks naff, but will keep you warm whilst waiting
    Parlee Altum - "summer"
    Felt VR5 - "winter"
    Trek Triton Singlespeed - "commuter"
  • markwb79
    markwb79 Posts: 937
    What time do you think people will start to arrive at the start. I am in the first pen and want to get towards the front obviously.

    Asking so many questions, sorry if this is a duplicate post.
    Scott Addict 2011
    Giant TCR 2012
  • richa
    richa Posts: 1,632
    Markwb79 wrote:
    What time do you think people will start to arrive at the start. I am in the first pen and want to get towards the front obviously.
    At least an hour before if you want to be at the front of the pen. But if you are in Pen1, then expect the front guys to be going VERY fast... It may be better to be mid/vack of this pack.
    Rich
  • markwb79
    markwb79 Posts: 937
    RichA wrote:
    Markwb79 wrote:
    What time do you think people will start to arrive at the start. I am in the first pen and want to get towards the front obviously.
    At least an hour before if you want to be at the front of the pen. But if you are in Pen1, then expect the front guys to be going VERY fast... It may be better to be mid/vack of this pack.

    Thanks, hope an hour before is long enough, although I am a little nervous I will end up further back.

    How fast is 'VERY' fast?
    Scott Addict 2011
    Giant TCR 2012
  • bernithebiker
    bernithebiker Posts: 4,148
    Markwb79 wrote:
    RichA wrote:
    Markwb79 wrote:
    What time do you think people will start to arrive at the start. I am in the first pen and want to get towards the front obviously.
    At least an hour before if you want to be at the front of the pen. But if you are in Pen1, then expect the front guys to be going VERY fast... It may be better to be mid/vack of this pack.

    Thanks, hope an hour before is long enough, although I am a little nervous I will end up further back.

    How fast is 'VERY' fast?

    There will be some ex-pros and some almost pros - I hear Julien Absalon (spelling?) will be there, so I wouldn't be surprised to see average speeds above 35km/h. If I can get above 28, I'll be chuffed to bits.
  • markwb79
    markwb79 Posts: 937
    bernithebiker wrote:
    Markwb79 wrote:
    RichA wrote:
    Markwb79 wrote:
    What time do you think people will start to arrive at the start. I am in the first pen and want to get towards the front obviously.
    At least an hour before if you want to be at the front of the pen. But if you are in Pen1, then expect the front guys to be going VERY fast... It may be better to be mid/vack of this pack.

    Thanks, hope an hour before is long enough, although I am a little nervous I will end up further back.

    How fast is 'VERY' fast?

    There will be some ex-pros and some almost pros - I hear Julien Absalon (spelling?) will be there, so I wouldn't be surprised to see average speeds above 35km/h. If I can get above 28, I'll be chuffed to bits.

    28? Where do you think that would get you in placing terms?
    Scott Addict 2011
    Giant TCR 2012
  • bernithebiker
    bernithebiker Posts: 4,148
    No idea. Top 1000 maybe? But I'm sacrificing my 604 number to ride with my mate who's 9009, so that'll be some time lost there.
  • markwb79
    markwb79 Posts: 937
    Hmm. Can't find the results from last year. But I am thinking that 28km avg will get you top 200.
    Scott Addict 2011
    Giant TCR 2012
  • bernithebiker
    bernithebiker Posts: 4,148
    Markwb79 wrote:
    Hmm. Can't find the results from last year. But I am thinking that 28km avg will get you top 200.

    Don't forget that speeds should be higher all round than last year's Etape 2. There I was 25km/h ish.

    Faster 'cos, a) dry descents, (I went down at about 25km/h i/o 50+!!!), b) not freezing your nuts off, c) almost half as long.

    No way I'll be in top 200 though.
  • markwb79
    markwb79 Posts: 937
    bernithebiker wrote:
    Markwb79 wrote:
    Hmm. Can't find the results from last year. But I am thinking that 28km avg will get you top 200.

    Don't forget that speeds should be higher all round than last year's Etape 2. There I was 25km/h ish.

    Faster 'cos, a) dry descents, (I went down at about 25km/h i/o 50+!!!), b) not freezing your nuts off, c) almost half as long.

    No way I'll be in top 200 though.

    Comparing last years alpine etape I meant. I think 28 will get you top 200

    Dry decent will make up time, but not that much.

    I think 26 was enough for top 200 last year over 170 (?) vs this 130
    Scott Addict 2011
    Giant TCR 2012
  • white_cannondale
    white_cannondale Posts: 9
    Boys and girls, it's 3.5 days to go ... less actually!!

    Anyone know what the parking setup will be like in Annecy? We'll be staying in Geneva and drive down (very early) sunday morning. At least we're coming in from the north and the route is south of Annecy so hopefully there won't be closed roads to deal with. Just a bit worried we won't be the only ones doing that so not sure what to expect in terms of traffic.
    Shut Up Legs!
  • bernithebiker
    bernithebiker Posts: 4,148
    Markwb79 wrote:
    bernithebiker wrote:
    Markwb79 wrote:
    Hmm. Can't find the results from last year. But I am thinking that 28km avg will get you top 200.

    Don't forget that speeds should be higher all round than last year's Etape 2. There I was 25km/h ish.

    Faster 'cos, a) dry descents, (I went down at about 25km/h i/o 50+!!!), b) not freezing your nuts off, c) almost half as long.

    No way I'll be in top 200 though.

    Comparing last years alpine etape I meant. I think 28 will get you top 200

    Dry decent will make up time, but not that much.

    I think 26 was enough for top 200 last year over 170 (?) vs this 130

    OK, maybe 28's a bit optimistic then.....! 26 maybe!
  • js14
    js14 Posts: 198
    white_cannondale wrote:
    Anyone know what the parking setup will be like in Annecy? We'll be staying in Geneva and drive down (very early) sunday morning. At least we're coming in from the north and the route is south of Annecy so hopefully there won't be closed roads to deal with. Just a bit worried we won't be the only ones doing that so not sure what to expect in terms of traffic.
    Have you seen the parking info on the Etape site under The Race -> Starting Areas ? Having seen the traffic queuing to get off the motorway and into Issoire a couple of years ago, I think with double the number of riders you can expect major traffic jams. Might be worth getting some advice from the organiser's help desk when picking up your race number on Friday or Saturday.

    Good luck to everyone here who're taking part.
  • spearmint_wino
    spearmint_wino Posts: 109
    Is the Etape officially classed as a 'race' ?

    Or is it officially a 'participation event' ?

    For insurance purposes basically - my travel policy would cover the latter but not the former.
  • bernithebiker
    bernithebiker Posts: 4,148
    spearmint wino wrote:
    Is the Etape officially classed as a 'race' ?

    Or is it officially a 'participation event' ?

    For insurance purposes basically - my travel policy would cover the latter but not the former.

    Not sure, but the French class it as a 'race' (thereby necessitating a medical certificate) as soon as it's timed.

    I'm off to catch the plane to Geneva now - good luck to everyone and remember; the important thing is not your time or speed or did you finish it; it's did you enjoy it and have a good time, that's the biggie!
  • white_cannondale
    white_cannondale Posts: 9
    Thanks JS14 ... I'll have a look on the website and check with the officials when we pick up our numbers.
    I'm flying out early tomorrow morning, good luck to all, enjoy the ride and stay safe.
    Shut Up Legs!
  • markwb79
    markwb79 Posts: 937
    bernithebiker wrote:
    Markwb79 wrote:
    RichA wrote:
    Markwb79 wrote:
    What time do you think people will start to arrive at the start. I am in the first pen and want to get towards the front obviously.
    At least an hour before if you want to be at the front of the pen. But if you are in Pen1, then expect the front guys to be going VERY fast... It may be better to be mid/vack of this pack.

    Thanks, hope an hour before is long enough, although I am a little nervous I will end up further back.

    How fast is 'VERY' fast?

    There will be some ex-pros and some almost pros - I hear Julien Absalon (spelling?) will be there, so I wouldn't be surprised to see average speeds above 35km/h. If I can get above 28, I'll be chuffed to bits.


    I think it was a lot tougher than people was expecting now I see the times.
    Scott Addict 2011
    Giant TCR 2012
  • stueys
    stueys Posts: 1,332
    Markwb79 wrote:
    bernithebiker wrote:
    Markwb79 wrote:
    RichA wrote:
    Markwb79 wrote:
    What time do you think people will start to arrive at the start. I am in the first pen and want to get towards the front obviously.
    At least an hour before if you want to be at the front of the pen. But if you are in Pen1, then expect the front guys to be going VERY fast... It may be better to be mid/vack of this pack.

    Thanks, hope an hour before is long enough, although I am a little nervous I will end up further back.

    How fast is 'VERY' fast?

    There will be some ex-pros and some almost pros - I hear Julien Absalon (spelling?) will be there, so I wouldn't be surprised to see average speeds above 35km/h. If I can get above 28, I'll be chuffed to bits.


    I think it was a lot tougher than people was expecting now I see the times.

    Yep, there wasn't much that was flat! Good day out, I enjoyed it. I managed a shade under 24kmh (moving time), Semnoz ascent was narrow and busy so got held up there but truth be told I'm not entirely sure I would have added much on that climb.

    Seemed to be a lot of crashes on the descents.
  • richa
    richa Posts: 1,632
    How did everyone get on? I thought it was a good'un. Conquered in 5h26.

    Annecy made a great host town, the weather was glorious (if a little hot), the route very scenic, the final climb a sufficient sting in the tail to make it an epic day out.

    I flew out Sat am, had a great ride and flew back Sunday evening. What a cracking weekend. Not so much fun being at work right now...
    Rich
  • bernithebiker
    bernithebiker Posts: 4,148
    It was a good'un, if a bit hot!

    Sacrificed my 604 start number to ride with my mate in the 9000 to 10600 pen. Left almost an hour and a half after the first lot, so the sun was well up.

    My mate was less trained up than usual so he wasn't as quick as we'd hoped over the first few climbs. He started slowing quite a bit on the Revard, so I left him (amicably!) 3km from the top (about 75km into the ride) and started giving it some more welly. Was hitting 30'C at the base of the Semnoz, and I was suffering from the heat, but did 5h30, which was 23.5km/h. I thought the Semnoz was tougher than Alpe d'Huez - maybe the heat?

    In retrospect, 28km/h was wildly optimistic, I guess I hadn't factored in the high finish, as last year's was down in the valley. But 25km/h (5 hours ish) should have been realistic at full pace in an early pen. (HR averaged only 142 over 1st 75km).

    Excellent organisation, great ride, saw quite a few nasty crashes on the descents though, many were taking completely the wrong line into bends. We overtook over 8000 riders apparently...!

    Best comedy moment; riding into Annecy down the cycle path to the start in the morning, a rider about 20m up to our right, just goes completely arse over tit for no apparent reason - bottles, tubes, etc. go flying everywhere - he took out 3 other riders! All quite low speed, noone hurt, but not how you want to start your day!
  • stueys
    stueys Posts: 1,332
    My comedy moment was passing a guy in arm warmers and 3/4 bibs whilst moaning about the heat. No idea where he was from that he felt cold, clearly not the UK :D
  • dal105
    dal105 Posts: 31
    Enjoyable day for me and, as a first-timer very happy with my 6:59:50 - just creeping under the 7 hour barrier. I probably stopped too many times and drank too much water and maybe took it a bit easy - kept my heart rate below 150 for the whole ride - so maybe could have gone faster, but finishing was the priority! I heard a few tubes/tyres popping on the descents - probably the cause of some of the accidents.

    The organisation was mostly excellent - I would criticise the final 10k though. By the time I reached Quintal, there just wasn't enough room for everyone going up on half the road, especially with the number of people pushing and walking. You were almost forced to follow the pace of the guy in front, as there were not many chances to get past. I thought it also made the descent back down to Annecy a bit risky - again there were too many people and not enough road. I found myself on the brakes a lot - increasing the risk of tyre/tube explosion!
    ________________________________________
    Rides:
    1) Specialized Langster (green one, SS) - FCN 5
    2) Giant TCR Alliance- FCN 4

    3654186546_76b76e8851.jpg
  • 56mph
    56mph Posts: 70
    It was a superb Étape over a really beautiful route with some very exciting long descents. Less an epic sufferfest than in some previous years - fewer than 1,000 of the 12,000 who rolled across the start line failed to finish; and the staggered start made for much less nervous riding in the first few kilometres - but certainly not an easy ride. I just failed to finish inside 6 hours and really felt the pain in the heat up Semnoz.
    The organisation was superb and putting the start/finish village in the middle of town worked really well.
    Where next year...? Yorkshire?!?
  • I am the god of hell fire
    I am the god of hell fire Posts: 326
    Really really great day all round and a great party atmosphere

    Highlights were the man with the enormous horn (fnarrr), wine in the final feed station plus the regional cheese

    Anyone who thought it looked too easy needs to ride the Semnoz, tougher than Alpe d'Huez in my opinion

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