Sep 2, 2011
730km, 7 Stages, 15 Alpine Cols, 17000 M to Climb.
Last week I rode in the 1st edition of the Haute Route race from Geneva to Nice. Running over 7 timed stages including an individual time trial it is probably as close as an amateur can get to experiencing the reality of a Grand tour.
It is organised by the team behind The Etape and clearly aims to take over from it as the ‘must do’ event of the summer – by the time you consider the travel time and costs, bike packing nausea etc a week of racing instead of just one day sort of makes sense. This years event was very professionally organised and ran as a loss leader to promote the event for the future.
With a Peloton of 300 international riders the atmosphere was unlike anything I have ridden in the UK. Most days started with a neutralised zone of up to 30km. When the traffic was stopped and traffic jams formed the people in their cars all waved or got out and cheered in England they would be throwing tacks. As you go through tiny villages random pedestrians would cheer-cycling is definitely more of religion in France (than in Plymouth at least).
The rolling race support was great; apparently lots of the motorbike outriders were ex-Gendarmes which showed in the uncompromising way they protected the riders from traffic. A few of the bikes were filming which adds to the fun of descending alpine Cols-being filmed certainly makes you try and take those corners just a little faster than otherwise.
Mechanically fully supported by Mavic both during the stages and before/after (spares and repairs all free). Massages at each stopover and full race briefings and with an inclusive and surprisingly good pasta party each night (with loads of free Heineken-that sadly you couldn’t face drinking)
Daily prize ceremonies with yellow jerseys to be worn on the next stage add to the atmosphere. (The ski resorts are keen to host to event for publicity so give out skis and lift passes etc as stage prizes.) I raced the event in a 4 man team(8 can ride-best 4 count) with my brother and 2 college mates as the Black Widows CC (in full Giro pink strip) We came 4th overall but after the Individual time trial (where I blew my doors off for the next 2 days) got up to 3rd place for the day.
Overall a really slick event that I predict will take over from the Etape on most cyclists bucket list. The fact it can be raced as Solo, Duo and Teams really adds to the atmosphere of the event and I am sure there will be some hard fought club rivalries played out in the team event in the future. Take a look at the video clips on the website to get a feel for how much effort has been put into making the event a success.
Peter Chapman
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