Stage 3: Val D'Isere to Serre Chevalier

163km - 3,500m climbing Strava link

Day 3 update. Post Marathon stage, sitting in hotel trying to recover.

Todays adventure started in a chilly 3 degrees Val D'Isere after a 30 minute bus trip from Tignes where our budget accommodation was. It was a bit of a mad rush to get to the start as the bus got in at 635 and it was a 7am start, but we all made it. I started a lot further back than planned but as it was a climb first up it really did not matter so much. The first climb was up to the top of a even colder 1 degree Col D' Isrean (another famous col). I looked back as i started the descent and was a little annoyed that i did not get a picture it it was bleak and at the same time beautiful. High above the tree line, an old stone building and then all of the support cars and tents for the race. A little surreal but at the same time kinda cool as you feel pretty pro with all the support.

The drop down was one of the best downhills I have done for a while. A long sweeping, but very cold downhill, and to add to the spice we descended through layer of fog, that managed to coat the glasses and at high speed this is not what you want. After finally dropping into the valley, we then climbed up into Italy and dropped down a very steep twisty downhill into Sasa. Leah and I may need to come back here as it was very pretty. Old castle, old town, and plenty of places to drink coffee. No coffee today as we had a 35km climb in front of us and I was in a group of about 20 riders. No messing around today. We were also cautious as we knew that a nasty climb, the Italian climbs seem to be steeper, and then a 35km deceptive valley climb into a headwind lay in wait. The good thing was that the group stuck together over the short steep climb, then all the up the valley. I think this really saved me today as some others got pretty beat up battling into the wind in the valley. I also suspect that most of the group may have been working harder than me as well as we rolled to the last aid station just before the next headwall climb, and they took their time. That was the end of the them, and i only saw them at the end after the climb then a fast 35km gentle downhill into Serre Chevalier for the finish. All up 163km and 3,500m climbing in just under 6 hours.

Roberto and Ramon started 3 minutes in front of me, and i think i finished 3 mins and 30 seconds behind them having not seen them all day. They kept expecting me to catch them from behind, but not today.

I am happy with today as felt good, and was able to put in a good last climb. My strategy of going a little easier the first two days may pay off, as i was able to climb at a steady rate today, and did not hurt. Lets see how tomorrow goes.

Tomorrow is an easier day, on paper.... Only 119km and 3,000m climbing... `another typical day on the Haute Route as we conquer the Col D'Izoard, and another climb before a little kicker 700m climb up to Pra Loup. My plan is to ride with my Mexican team mates. They are also on the home page of the Haute Route at the moment.....

I thought I would finish todays update with a day in the life of a Haute Route cyclist, (this was today)

5am - alarm

5:30 breakfast

6am - 6:30 bus to start line (This was a little unusual)

7am start (either 7 or 8 depending on how long they think the stage will take)

1-2pm arrive at finish

Post finish.

Recovery drink
hot lunch which the organizers provide. Pasta and a salad

Then find the sign up sheet for 15 minute massage. (Follow the disneyland maps, as everyone gets lost. The signage has got a lot better as a lot of compliants as we walked around the small ski village looking for some random building)

Shower, in gym where massage is
15 minute massage

4pm or so - find hotel. This can take 5 mins or 15 mins as they are not signposted very well. Today it was a 4km ride away.

- sort out stuff for next day. Pin on number etc, and maybe do some hand laundry. Sort out food for next days ride

6pm - 6:30 race briefing for the next day

6:30 - 8:30pm - dinner. A lot of food

8:30- hitch hike back to hotel, (basic place), as no taxis

stretch and foam roll for a bit. Email

9:30pm bed, and hope that your room mate(s) do not snore and go to bed about the same time as you

Repeat.....