elstoof wrote:I know quite a few people doing the Marmotte this year and most of the tour operators locally fill up really quickly. I know AlpCycles is already fully booked. There are others I know at the bottom of Alp Duez near the start-line, or about half way up the Col De O'rnon which is also near. You really need to get your plans sorted this year or at the latest, Jan next year. Otherwise you'll struggle to get in anywhere. Plus, if you know you're booked in it'll give you added motivation to train. It really is a tough ride and being as prepared as much as possible is key. The amount of people I've seen both times really struggling. Especially going up Galibier and Alp Duez at the end. Loads of people off their bikes or walking. For events like the Etape or Marmotte the climbs are long and on occasions, especially if you're not a strong climber, you can be climbing constantly for 2hrs. Completely different to anything in the UK and you need to train accordingly. You won't be able to replicate the climbs in the UK but there are things you can do, and if you have a turbo trainer there are sessions that will really help. What you do in training will obviously depend on your current fitness but I would definately include some 1hr sessions at high heart rate, plus threshold sessions to help your legs deal with the lactic acid. Power to weight ratio is key for those events so depending on your current weight I would look to get as light as possible (without over-doing it and losing power). I've been going for times and plan my Marmotte route accordingly. I'll try and stay within certain heart rate zones on all 4 mountains and descend as fast as possible. Also make sure you take on enough food and drink as it's a long time in the saddle.. Edited by pistol at 11:42:08 05-12-2013 Edited by pistol at 11:43:13 05-12-2013 |
#10028620, By pistol The cycling thread
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pistol 13,018 posts
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