La Velotoise - Figeac

dabber

Just a recommendation based on my first ever sportive that I did yesterday (24/8).

La Velotoise with its start/finish in Figeac in southwest France. Three routes - 55km, 110km and 138 km. I did the 110km.
http://www.lavelotoise.fr/traces-parcours-velotoise/
Very well organised, road closures in Figeac, well marshalled and no hint of having to stop at any of the (few) junctions.
Beautiful scenery and some nice climbs (cat3/4).

35 Euro entry fee which included a Velotoise jersey and a decent paella meal at the end. A nice atmosphere.
So if you're in that part of the world towards the end of August you may want to consider giving it a go.

goldsmith_robert

Entered this this year...just getting medical certificate etc sent over to organiser.

Looks great.

Can you remember how busy was the registration area on the day of the event?
Reason im asking is id like to register on the day as we are not staying that close to the event.

dabber

Last year I just turned up on the Saturday afternoon (you need to check opening times) and filled in the form, showed them my medical letter (they just photocopied that) and paid the fee. Got my number/timing chip and went over to another desk and picked up my jersey. All very civilised and relaxed.

Not sure if I'll be able to do it this year... was about to leave for France late last Saturday and had a call my MIL had just died.. so all plans currently on hold.

The routes are different this year. The Figeacoise route is a bit shorter and the Velotoise is partly different.
My French mate tells me it is high 30's at the moment so could be a bit challenging if that keeps up.

Edit... sorry, can't comment on registering on the Sunday. I never went in the building until after the event. Lots of people around (obviously) but whether it was hectic registering on I don't know.

HTH

jgsi

With this medical cert and all that.... is part of this sportive an actual mass start race with prize money?
I am intrigued by this need to prove you wont actually die on a bike whilst abroad just for a leisure ride...

dabber

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19638698#p19638698]JGSI[/url] wrote:

With this medical cert and all that.... is part of this sportive an actual mass start race with prize money?
I am intrigued by this need to prove you wont actually die on a bike whilst abroad just for a leisure ride...

I can only speak for this actual event but as far as I'm aware a medical certificate or some other medical related documentation is required for French events. I provided a one sentence letter (in French) with wording that my French riding mate had provided for me. I gave that wording to my Doctor who gave me a brief examination (charged me £25) and provided me with the letter on their letter head stationery with various rubber stamps over it. This was accepted without any question by La Velotoise organisers.

The event was mass start - an average width road and riders stacked all the way back. No prize money but an awards ceremony with the meal (very good last year) giving cups/medals for the top 3 in each of the various classes.

goldsmith_robert

Check Bc website...in Europe sportives are considered competitive events...legally speaking
In UK and Ireland they are not...legally.

Hence difference in insurance requirements and responsibilities of organisers.

dabber

Very hot in the Lot at the moment.... around 35+ degrees.

dabber

All over for another year... torrential rain on the Saturday after a drought pretty much for the last couple of months. Thought Sunday might be pretty horrible (according to the Meteo) but it stayed dry and the descents weren't too bad despite the warning of gravillons on the bends, Enjoyed it.