Dont think they will climb this again ... Record Alpe d'huez

[Daideron]

This is a brutal climb, but not the hardest climb that they throw at the riders. What makes the Alpe d'Huez so hard is the sudden gradient that you are faced with as well as it being virtually consistently steep to the top. Typically by the first switchback the field is destroyed.

The pro's ascend at the end of long day of climbing, and I can imagine having to fight your way through the crowds in the corners must be hard.

I would love to see the data of guys like Contador and co for this climb.

 

I love the history that surrounds the climb. For years the French maintained the rider who finished second on the stage would win the Tour. That was part of the lore of the Tour until guys like Armstrong and Sastre proved it wrong. Stories of riders weeping and being pushed physically by spectators so that they can continue is just awesome!

I think any rider who see's the route and see's that they will be climbing the Alpe d'Huez, Superbagneres, Mont Ventoux or Luz Ardiden, it will give them sleepless nights!

[Polo]

Ah yes the 90's, the golden age of cycling! Sure, everyone was high on EPO, but it was definitely more exiting to watch than the current batch of guys.

Edited June 4, 2013 by Polo

[davem]

Please post more history, stats and stories.

 

I am planning on doing the Alpe d'Huez Triathlon next year. You just got me all excited again.

 

It is too big a challenge to resist.

[Daideron]

My suggestion Davem...wait for Chris Froome to come back here after the Tour and ask him for some pointers! I am hoping he will see the beast up close and in all her miserable beauty!

But seriously, compact crank and a nice ratio that is not too heavy on your legs. And a nice set of light aero wheels. I would also suggest watching Armstrongs TT for some pointers. The switchbacks are best ridden wide and steady, and learn to breathe through your ears as well! Enjoy it!

[Wez-O]

And a nice set of light aero wheels

There, fixed

[Wez-O]

Surely a decent amateur cyclist could get away with riding a standard crank with a 12/28 cassette?

[Daideron]

WezO...yes they could. In all honesty its not the toughest climb. There are many things to remember with regards to the Alpe, most importantly is that guys like you and I wont be racing this. Chances are we have some sort of pilgrimage there and ride it then. If thats the case, done at your own pace you could make it. But a cassette with a 28 is like having a soup-plate attached to the bike! You want to enjoy your experience. A compact crank with a nice spread on the cassette means you will have all the gears and (relative) comfort to enjoy the climb.

Remember that the climb is a destination, and many of the routes and rides dont start at the bottom of the climb. Usually you have to ride there, and the tarred roads in the area are very heavy and energy sapping. If you are there with a tour group, chances are you will be offered a chance to choose where your ride starts, but always remember you have to think of other roads in and around the area as well. So in my opinion a compact crank is the best tool for the job.

Also remember that if your are watching Le Tour, the road up the mountain is sheer chaos on the day of the stage. So if you are planning on riding it on that day you will be very disappointed!

Everyone should go at least once to ride it and to spectate. No one can say they were close enough to smell the sweat of David Beckham or Michael Schumacher in the heat of battle like you can watching the pro's as they tackle the Alpe!

[Wez-O]

WezO...yes they could. In all honesty its not the toughest climb. There are many things to remember with regards to the Alpe, most importantly is that guys like you and I wont be racing this. Chances are we have some sort of pilgrimage there and ride it then. If thats the case, done at your own pace you could make it. But a cassette with a 28 is like having a soup-plate attached to the bike! You want to enjoy your experience. A compact crank with a nice spread on the cassette means you will have all the gears and (relative) comfort to enjoy the climb.

Remember that the climb is a destination, and many of the routes and rides dont start at the bottom of the climb. Usually you have to ride there, and the tarred roads in the area are very heavy and energy sapping. If you are there with a tour group, chances are you will be offered a chance to choose where your ride starts, but always remember you have to think of other roads in and around the area as well. So in my opinion a compact crank is the best tool for the job.

Also remember that if your are watching Le Tour, the road up the mountain is sheer chaos on the day of the stage. So if you are planning on riding it on that day you will be very disappointed!

Everyone should go at least once to ride it and to spectate. No one can say they were close enough to smell the sweat of David Beckham or Michael Schumacher in the heat of battle like you can watching the pro's as they tackle the Alpe!

Good point...

So you mean to say I should infact take my mountain bike and a beer filled cooler box with me instead of a road bike with EPO and waterbottles?

[Wyatt Earp]

The sport has changed .

The cyclists have become prima donna's.

Gone are the days of the hard men who rode their hearts out to win.

 

Climbed and attacked each other in a battle worthy of watching on TV.

No holds barred, no calculated attacks, no 'pure climbers', time trialists' or 'echelon managers'

Just pure hard riders giving their all for the win.

Taking it to the last day with seconds between them.

[Daideron]

Dangle, I agree with you! This team setting the pace all day so that their leaders can attack whoever is left with 1km to go is no fun to watch!

Tours like '87,'89 where battles were waged far from the final climb were great to watch. It now almost feels too clinical, too rehearsed.

WezO, thats the best idea yet! And if you take said mountain bike with enough to share in your cooler box, you will be the hero on the mountain that day! You will make many crazy and international friends!

[Slowbee]

Is this little hill also not the one that you can do from 3 sides ?

 

The challenge being to ride up all three in one day or something silly like that ?

 

Did Linnega (the silent mod) not do something mad like this ?

[Wez-O]

WezO, thats the best idea yet! And if you take said mountain bike with enough to share in your cooler box, you will be the hero on the mountain that day! You will make many crazy and international friends!

The real "King Of The Mountain"!

[Daideron]

Slowbee is correct. There is more than one road up the Alpe. I have heard of that crazy challenge, not sure I would be up for that. Just to clarify, did this guy complete this challenge? Or is he still missing and now presumed a mental patient?

[Daideron]

Yes WezO, that is a certain coronation for you! If you want to be crazy and make lots of friends on the Alpe, make your own sign and wave it at the cameras as they pass! Just dont take enough beer to make you strip down to your undies and run alongside Alberto. Ok maybe its ok to do it to Alberto!

[Guest Kalahari ou]

Dangle, I agree with you! This team setting the pace all day so that their leaders can attack whoever is left with 1km to go is no fun to watch!

Tours like '87,'89 where battles were waged far from the final climb were great to watch. It now almost feels too clinical, too rehearsed.

WezO, thats the best idea yet! And if you take said mountain bike with enough to share in your cooler box, you will be the hero on the mountain that day! You will make many crazy and international friends!

 

Riders dont need to think/decide anymore....

 

The guy in the team car radios that the guy attacking the mountain is no thread to contention... escapees can go without notice as long as they get the splits via radio...

 

If the guy in the pink didnt know how far ahead the escapees were, we would have seen some more intense riding...

 

Maybe then the "truly talented" guy will win.... not only the guy with the most endurance, but also with the talent for good tactics!

[Daideron]

You could not have said it better Kalahari! It does spoil the magic of it for me to be honest. I know the riders of old were questionable when it came to being clean or not, but watching Thierry Marie ride over 200km in a lone break to win the stage and reclaim the yellow jersey was good intense racing.