Stage 2: Megeve to Val D'Isere
113km - 3,150m climbing Strava Link
Today was another tough day but at the same time more spectacular Alp views as we went from Megeve to Val D'Isere up over the Cormet De Roselend that reached a high point of 1,967m. The Cormet De Roselend is one of the famous climbs in the area and was the highlight for the day. A long not too steep climb that I climbed with Roberto, Ramon and a few others from the team, but that is jumping in front a bit.
I forgot to add last night that the place we stayed in upstairs, was for the intellectually handicapped, more than we bargained for is all i will say. Made for interesting dining room interactions. Enough on that.
The first 9 km today was neutralized as we worked our way to the bottom of the first climb, and here we were able to see just how fast the fast guys climb, as they must have been a minute in front very quickly. The climbed was a short 10km, and that was the warm up for the Cormet De Roselend which was 20km which was followed by a great 1,200m vert downhill. A true alps downhill, as it had everything from rough narrow, twisty roads, a heap of hairpins, to long straight fast sections. A fun downhill, and I was following Roberto and one of the others and they can really downhill. We were also chasing and trying to catch Ramon, as he did not stop at the aid station, but with no luck. He was like the fish that got away today!
The last climb up to Val D'Isere was cut short by 6 km, so instead of 22km, it was only 16km, but what they did not say last night is that they managed to get all the climbing in before the finish. It had been cut short as there were some pretty significant road works with traffic lights and it made sense. I started the climb pretty well, and managed unplanned, to ride Roberto and the other team mate off my wheel. Not the plan at all, and it meant i had a long lonely climb up to the finish. In the end Roberto got his second wind and was coming back strong and would have got me if there was more climbing, but i managed to stay away. Ramon had another good day today and managed to put 5 minutes into us from his skipping the aid station and riding with another group. A good effort and is riding well.
Overall everyone is very surprised at the level of riders here. The general comment is that the filed has improved a lot from last year, when there were a lot more slower and not so fit riders. This year it is a different story.
Results from the day, 4hr 17mins for I think around 90th. Overall after two days I am 87th, almost 2 hours behind the leaders! Roberto is in 73rd and Ramon is 65th. As those two are in the top 75, they get to start with the fast boys tomorrow.
Tomorrow is the marathon stage. 163km, and 3,400m climbing and we go from the start straight into the Col D'Isere, one of the highest roads in Europe at 2,770m. Then we venture into Italy, for not doubt a steep and nasty climb, before the monster 35km ad 1,200vert m climb. That is big is all i will say. Not steep but long. Another factor is that it is going to be cold, but dry. 3 degrees at the start, and then 1 degree at the top of the climb and about the same again later. The discussion now is what to wear.....