TransAlp stage race
Discussion
Stage 6 from Kaltern to Trento. 125km and just over 2000m ascent.
A pan-flat 30km start in a group of 30+ ticked off the kms in rapid succession before hitting a short climb which instantly split the group apart. I crested the top towards the front and spun along on my own until the remnants caught me and I rejoined.
The day was a series of up and downs, each climb taking maybe 30 minutes. They were up to 15% and surprisingly my legs were feeling fine. The heat though...my god, this is the hottest day I've ever had on a bike. I drank far more than I've ever done and was constantly squirting water onto my head and legs in an attempt to cool down. The 'hosepipe man' at the feed stops was a very welcome sight.
This day more than any other was about counting down the kilometres on my Garmin. I don't cope well with the heat and today was just too hot to enjoy the ride. Even the descents provided little comfort.
Anyway, tomorrow is the seventh and final stage, taking us to Arco on the shores of Lake Garda. They've been kind and given us just 90km to cover, although they've managed to pack over 2000m of ascent in.
Today's ride:
https://www.strava.com/activities/338241357
A pan-flat 30km start in a group of 30+ ticked off the kms in rapid succession before hitting a short climb which instantly split the group apart. I crested the top towards the front and spun along on my own until the remnants caught me and I rejoined.
The day was a series of up and downs, each climb taking maybe 30 minutes. They were up to 15% and surprisingly my legs were feeling fine. The heat though...my god, this is the hottest day I've ever had on a bike. I drank far more than I've ever done and was constantly squirting water onto my head and legs in an attempt to cool down. The 'hosepipe man' at the feed stops was a very welcome sight.
This day more than any other was about counting down the kilometres on my Garmin. I don't cope well with the heat and today was just too hot to enjoy the ride. Even the descents provided little comfort.
Anyway, tomorrow is the seventh and final stage, taking us to Arco on the shores of Lake Garda. They've been kind and given us just 90km to cover, although they've managed to pack over 2000m of ascent in.
Today's ride:
https://www.strava.com/activities/338241357
I made it!
Stage 7 from Trento to Arco. The organisers were kind and plotted a short 90km final stage; although they still packed in over 2000m of ascent.
It was another hot day but fortunately the climbs had a decent amount of shade. My form was continuing to build since the disaster of stage 2, but I rode fairly conservatively again. I pushed it a bit on the climbs hitting 1000 VAM but was still well below my threshold climbing effort.
No idea on my final placing, but my partner pulled out on stage 2 so our team didn't finish. I had no lofty ambitions; my aim was to get round and enjoy the race. Which I did.
Some general comments on the race. The organisation was super-efficient (unsurprising as it is run by Germans), the standard of bike handling was far higher than any UK sportive, as was the level of fitness. I finished in the top 10% at the Fred Whitton this year, I'll be surprised if I'm in the top half of the TransAlp.
There is a rumour that Schwalbe may be pulling out as the main sponsor due to falling numbers. I'd hate to see this event finish. Hopefully the blog on Cycling Weekly has drummed up some potential entrants for next year.
Stage 7 stats: https://www.strava.com/activities/339735760
Overall race stats:
Stage 7 from Trento to Arco. The organisers were kind and plotted a short 90km final stage; although they still packed in over 2000m of ascent.
It was another hot day but fortunately the climbs had a decent amount of shade. My form was continuing to build since the disaster of stage 2, but I rode fairly conservatively again. I pushed it a bit on the climbs hitting 1000 VAM but was still well below my threshold climbing effort.
No idea on my final placing, but my partner pulled out on stage 2 so our team didn't finish. I had no lofty ambitions; my aim was to get round and enjoy the race. Which I did.
Some general comments on the race. The organisation was super-efficient (unsurprising as it is run by Germans), the standard of bike handling was far higher than any UK sportive, as was the level of fitness. I finished in the top 10% at the Fred Whitton this year, I'll be surprised if I'm in the top half of the TransAlp.
There is a rumour that Schwalbe may be pulling out as the main sponsor due to falling numbers. I'd hate to see this event finish. Hopefully the blog on Cycling Weekly has drummed up some potential entrants for next year.
Stage 7 stats: https://www.strava.com/activities/339735760
Overall race stats:
Edited by nammynake on Sunday 5th July 18:32
A nice documentary of this year's race. If you're looking for a challenge for 2016 then look no further.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYFvvaDryDU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYFvvaDryDU
nammynake said:
A nice documentary of this year's race. If you're looking for a challenge for 2016 then look no further.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYFvvaDryDU
That looks awesome but I've already spent 2016s brownie points according to Mrs pablo.....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYFvvaDryDU
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