DVD: The Road to Tourmalet

Every year we are asked about L’Etape du Tour and we regularly receive question from riders who want to attempt Century rides or Audax, Randonee or Grand Fondo’s. Luckily Cyclefilm has sent us their DVD of this year’s L’Etape recognisance, great for any one considering taking part, but also the DVD has lots of tips for riders aiming at taking on a long ride.

The film follows top British sportive rider Michael Cotty on the course of the 18th L’Etape du Tour from the start town of Pau and into the Pyrenees crossing the Col de Marie Blanc and the Col du Soulor before finishing on the leg-breaking Col du Tourmalet after 4,000 metres of climbing and 174 kilometres.

The climb of the Tourmalet was first used in the Tour de France in 1910, “assassins” was the word spat at the organisers of the Tour by French rider Octave Lapize as he crossed the summit of the Pyrenean giant.

Our rider, Michael, describes the flat start route from the race track of Pau through the vineyards and small villages towards the first big obstacle of the Col Du Marie Blanc at 1035 metres altitude. Top tips on the road surfaces and conditions to Escot for the base of the climb, conserve energy and take drinks on board before the battle of the mountain.

The Marie Blanc starts off fairly gently (2%) on narrow roads before rearing up to nearly 13% for the last kilometres to the summit. Michael takes us through how you should tackle this early climb with valuable advice on pacing your effort and the possible gearing you would need to undertake a ride of these dimensions.

With the first climb out of the way, the descent is shown at exaggerated speed from behind the rider and on board, but with some more good advice on riding on a twist, shadowy drop into the treeless valley with its cattle grids.

More advice on rehydration as the course hits a short sharp climb, when to eat and how to find out what your body needs is very important, Michael tries his best to get this over to us before he hits the next mountain of the Col du Soulor at just over the half way point.

The Soulor starts gradually with a low gradient until it hits the 20 kilometre to go sign and then the climbing proper kicks in. As Michael tackles the 1,000 metres of climbing he stresses the importance of riding within yourself and working with others to save precious energy along with caring for your body with sun block, useful knowledge for all rides not just L’Etape.

How to climb efficiently is a skill we all need and Michael gives us many pointers to finding the style to suit you as he attacks the Soulor (1470m) with its stunning views over its gradient of between 7% and 9% with the Pyrenees in the back ground.

The technical and fast descent is worth taking twice, which is what Michael does, once in the evening and then again the next morning for the film, as he says “an amazing descent!” Through the valley to the Tourmalet we have a gorge on one side and a rocky cliff on the other, time for more drink and food for the hard road ahead.

The monster climb of the Col du Tourmalet crests at 2114 metres above sea level, here you need to listen the Michaels advice on gearing and pace to handle the daunting ascent. For those of you who are riding this year’s L’Etape du Tour then this part of the film will be priceless. We see the fullness of the mountain road, the gradients, the bends and where the elements could make all the difference with rain or wind taking its toll.

The Tourmalet has varying degrees of gradients of around 8% to 10% and the last 5 kilometres are a very dangerous place to be when the distance starts to be felt in the legs. The beautiful mountain is one of the highest in the Pyrenees and is a legend of the Tour de France, so even if you are going for a personal ride or L’Etape forewarned is forearmed!

The ride over its time to recap on the course, Michael Cotty is aided with local knowledge from Chris Balfour of Pyractif who lives in the area, lots of advice, not just on L’Etape but on long rides in general, if you are up for a Grand Fondo you need to see this DVD for loads of tips, advice and necessary knowledge, do it!

July 18th 2010, don’t dream it; do it!

Liz Hatch-Come ride with me.

We also received from Cylefilm the “Come ride with me” DVD of a day in the life of top pro woman rider; Liz Hatch. This film gives you an insight into the life of a rider who has battled adversity to be at the top of her game. The video mixes her favourite ride along the coast of California with her views on life and bike riding.

Very interesting look at the inside line of a Professional athlete at her work, the Californian sights are well worth seeing and Ms. Hatch is also kind on the eye! (And the music is very cool!)

Check out Cyclefilms web-site.