Trans Alp Challenge
John & Tim taking on some of the highest peaks of the Tour de France
John Workman and Tim Williams riding on behalf of Footprints taking on some of the highest peaks of the Tour de France. Arrived yesterday in Morzine a popular ski resort. Temperatures spring to 36 degrees Celsius turned in the evening to a massive thunderstorm and got drenched on our way to the hotel.
A bit cooler start but temperatures still in the 30s (C) they cycled up to Col de Joux Plne (6,000 feet) INCREDIBLE. Onwards and downwards then a further 60 kilometres with a further 15km climb in the middle
Starting with an immediate climb out of La Clusaz quite a hectic start to another significant day of hills mountains and then more.
Weather a little kinder with 27 degrees at 11:00am but looking at 30+ all afternoon with an immense 26km climb up Col De La Madeleine (1993 m). Nothing here for the faint hearted.
A small panic with Tim Williams hitting a pothole and having our first change of inner tube. Or was he faking a 15 minute break. No resting sorry.
With the temperature being 26c at nearly 10am and owing to the previous 2 gruelling days where descents have been skipped due to the lateness of the finish (8pm). The decision was made to allow the guys to rest up a bit with an easier route to Col du Galibier (2642m), with the decent to Valloire (1922m) afterwards. During the decent the heavens opened, this provided an opportunity to rest and maintain the equipment.
The day started with a 2 hour journey to La Bourg-d’Osains. Today’s challenge started a few kilometres away from the base of Alpe d’Huez (Alt. 1815m). With a staggering 21 hairpins and with the temperature in the high 30s the guys had a tough task ahead of them which they passed with flying colours. They even stopped to fix a flat tyre of a fellow cyclist. Their reward was the descent back to the base Aple d’Huez then a very late lunch. Well done guys! Onto Ventoux!
Little cycling challenge today but big preparation for the final day of Les Alps challenge. Starting with a 4 hour drive to Bédoin. The rest of the day was spent restocking supplies and maintaining equipment (both bikes and support car needed some tlc after a tough week) as well as physically and mentally preparing for the last peak. An early start tomorrow morning awaits to avoid the intense heat of the afternoon.
A fantastic effort from Tim and John!
