dracs Posted October 24, 2014 Posted October 24, 2014 That would be the logical decisionHowever, the Tour is still the highest priority for the wealthy GC teams. Let's see...That's true. Sky would want a realistic contender in his absence and I can't think who that could be. Hard for them commercially to go to the Tour to just make up the numbers...
tombeej Posted October 24, 2014 Posted October 24, 2014 A closer looks at the 18 'lacets' of Montvernier... The final image with the lady with the pink top gives a good impression of how vertical that climb is.
'Dale Posted October 24, 2014 Posted October 24, 2014 "The kind of terrain Froome will have to face is not at all favorable for him. They've taken away the long individual time trials, and there are a lot of very steep ascents, sometimes finishes which - as a rider who does better on long, steady uphill climbs - won't be to his liking either." "That said, I don't think it would be wise for him to reject doing the Tour, because sometimes the route will be better for him, sometimes worse, but it's still the Tour." Delgado, 1st TdF winner on a Piña
Wez-O Posted October 27, 2014 Posted October 27, 2014 Meanwhile, Belkin becomes LottoNL-Jumbo: image.jpgReally glad that the team have found a new sponsor, but not happy with how everyone is going for the whole yellow kit thing. In this years tour, the yellow jersey was already somewhat hidden by the Tinkoff Saxo Bank kits, and now this bunch of canaries...
tombeej Posted October 27, 2014 Posted October 27, 2014 The Marienne Valley – arguably the world mecca for road cycling I’ve already mentioned my excitement about the fact that we’ll be seeing the Lacets de Montvernier for the first time this year. And I think it’s now a perfect moment to look at what many roadies consider to be the greatest place on earth: the Marienne Valley. In this single 80-km long valley lies some of the world’s most legendary alpine climbs:Col du GalibierCol de la MadeleineCol du TélègrapheCol de la Croix de FerCol du Glandon And these are just the well-known ones. Looking at Google Earth, there are bags full of other completely unknown and unnamed climbs that zig zag up crazy mountainsides, just waiting to be discovered. Over and above that, there are just as many district dirt road passes like Sani Pass in the area, not to mention the summertime singletrack. I wouldn’t be surprised if in a year of regular riding in the area (both road and mtb) there'd be no need to repeat the same pass twice. “The Maurienne Valley is fast becoming a Mecca for road cyclists. It is known as “World’s largest cycling area” and few could argue with that claim. A multitude of cols and climbs are scattered along the valley, enough for even the most hardened mountain-climber but within the grasp of regular cyclists too. Climbs of 15 or 20 km abound; 1,000m or more are common place. And how civilised, a café at the summit to replenish those hard burned calories! With small, friendly towns along the length of the valley, quiet roads, considerate motorists and encouraging road-graffiti en route it is a delight to explore on two wheels.” From: freewheelingfrance.com. This is just one valley. You’ve still got the next valley to explore, and then the next one, and the next. For example, Alpe d’Huez is about 3 valleys away on a 66km stretch of tar road that looks like cycling nirvana. Here’s an example of just one of the passes in the area that we’ve never seen in a race: the Col du Chaussy. Chaussy is directly above the Lacets de Montvernier. Once you’ve completed those 18 mad lacets, the road climbs further along the vertical cliff face. Dizzy views of the Marienne Valley lying below, and then on to the final section of the climb through alpine meadows. Total distance = 14km @ about 7%. Pics that just make you want to ride!
Frosty Posted October 27, 2014 Author Posted October 27, 2014 Really glad that the team have found a new sponsor, but not happy with how everyone is going for the whole yellow kit thing. In this years tour, the yellow jersey was already somewhat hidden by the Tinkoff Saxo Bank kits, and now this bunch of canaries...Just as well my club isn't chasing a spot on the Tour - yet ANOTHER team club with yellow jerseys
Frosty Posted October 27, 2014 Author Posted October 27, 2014 Meanwhile, Belkin becomes LottoNL-Jumbo:Who's he checking out?
rattlesnake Posted October 27, 2014 Posted October 27, 2014 The Marienne Valley – arguably the world mecca for road cycling to the final section of the climb through alpine meadows. Total distance = 14km @ about 7%. Pics that just make you want to ride!Your post will now be the basis for my itinerary for my 1st trip over there..... thanks tombeej
tombeej Posted October 27, 2014 Posted October 27, 2014 Your post will now be the basis for my itinerary for my 1st trip over there..... thanks tombeej The town of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne seems to be right in the middle of everything, looks like the place to stay if exploring the area.
mon-goose Posted October 27, 2014 Posted October 27, 2014 Him maybe? kj.jpgmaybe just checking out the competition
tombeej Posted October 27, 2014 Posted October 27, 2014 OK this is the last one about the Maurienne valley and then I'll shut up, I promise. Don't forget to take your mtb as well. A pic of the singletrack above Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne:
arendoog Posted October 27, 2014 Posted October 27, 2014 Got my flights and hotel booked for the first 3 days in Holland and Belgium
ScottCM Posted October 27, 2014 Posted October 27, 2014 Got my flights and hotel booked for the first 3 days in Holland and Belgium Go brag somewhere else........... Jealousy makes me nasty, seriously though, hope you have the time of your life.
'Dale Posted October 27, 2014 Posted October 27, 2014 Got my flights and hotel booked for the first 3 days in Holland and Belgium Sweet...I'm due to be in and around Le Tour in the final week.Looking forward to the big adventure.
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