Alpe D'Huez Triathlon
Fri 21 Aug 2009
With a weeks Alpine mountaineering and very little sleep perhaps not being the best preparation for an Olympic distance triathlon ascending Alpe D’Huez, it was with low expectations that I arrived at he start line at Verney Barrage (on the descent from the Col d Croix de Fer).
A quick look at the 700 entries revealed a quality field and over 100 elite competitors. There was in addition a worryingly large proportion of tri clubs from Alpine towns!
The big day had a typically French feel with a leisurely 2pm start and people chomping on bread, wine and smelly sausage in the holding pen. In a health and safety nightmare that would only be ok in France all 700 athletes were set of in the swim together. The first 500m was more of a battle to stay afloat than to move forward. Initially I lost ground but at around 800m things thinned out and I moved up to a respectable position.
Either way I was not too concerned as this was not going to be won or lost in the pool. I was pretty certain a one hour climb of Alpe D’Huez would be the deal breaker.
After a swift transition I set out on the bike and was pleased to be in a bunch with several Elite men around me, which meant I couldn’t be going too badly (or at least they were doing as badly as me).
The 10 miles to the Alpe passed easily enough but having reached the base all that changed; as soon as the road went up. My legs seemed to turn to lead; with every passing hairpin more people seemed to pass me and disappear up the road. With sun and white rocks it felt akin to be being baked alive only the 'Tour De France' like crowds gave me any relief from the suffering.
On the lower steeper sections I contemplated my three mistakes I had made.
1. Living in Hertford and not the hillier valleys of Wales
2. Using a 39/23 lowest gear
3. Not being 9 stone and eating too much for the whole of my life!
However as the top approached the gradient lessened and I started to pick up some places. At this point an over enthusiastic GB spectator tried to give me a push around a hair pin bend, however I calmly pointed out that I would be DQed as this was triathlon not a bike race! With 2k to go I caught a young German elite athlete who I had been tussling with from early on. I managed to find some national pride and got out of the saddle to burn past him. This ten second "attack" cost me as the lactic burn afterwards nearly reversed all my gains, but not a moment too soon the second transition appeared and the run could begin.
I was told the run was scenic but all I saw was a pair of Asics racing flats. My mountaineering meant I was well acclimatised and so I went quite well on the 7.3km course held at 2000m altitude. I picked up places all through the run and even managed a sprint finish to come home in 96th place.
I cannot recommend this event highly enough. The support on the road is unbelievable and the organisation slick. If you are into multisport or just like suffering, try it. But remember; loose weight and move to Wales!