Haute Route Alps 2018, an epic adventure
The Specialized Roval Mavericks swap Singapore for the mountains of France
Ben Arnott, a well-known figure in the Singapore and Southeast Asian road racing scene, recently completed the Haute Route Alps, a seven-day stage race that travelled down the spine of the French Alps. Ben, who was accompanied by four fellow members of the Specialized Roval Mavericks racing team, has been gracious enough to allow Flat Spoke Media to publish his account of what was a painfully glorious experience for the five Mavs. Here you’ll find Part 1 of the story, which covers the first three stages of this year’s Haute Route Alps event, while we’ll publish the concluding part tomorrow.
September 6, 2018
Disclaimer - The author has tried not to overuse the phrase “legendary cols” or the word “epic”, however, there may be sections of this report where these persist. Apologies to readers in advance for any rolling of eyes this may cause.
Four full-time Mavericks riders, and one of our regular guest riders, joined forces in late August to tackle one of the biggest challenges in amateur cycling, Haute Route Alps. First run in 2010, the event followed an iconic route through France, heading south from Megève to Nice, taking in some of the most famous alpine climbs and some equally challenging but lesser known cols en route. A seven-day event, with a total distance of 763km and ascent of 20,900 metres, it’s not for the faint-hearted, and every rider that completed the event on the Côte d’Azur on September 2 tested the very limits of their physical and mental fortitude.
Many of the testimonials published about the Haute Route events – for which there are a number dotted across the globe, with more planned for 2019 – highlight the incredible level of organisation and attention to detail offered by the event promoters. The Haute Route events attract a dedicated group of amateur road racers and sportive participants looking for an experience that brings them as close as most will ever get to a week in the life of a professional grand tour rider.
Disclaimer - The author has tried not to overuse the phrase “legendary cols” or the word “epic”, however, there may be sections of this report where these persist. Apologies to readers in advance for any rolling of eyes this may cause.
Four full-time Mavericks riders, and one of our regular guest riders, joined forces in late August to tackle one of the biggest challenges in amateur cycling, Haute Route Alps. First run in 2010, the event followed an iconic route through France, heading south from Megève to Nice, taking in some of the most famous alpine climbs and some equally challenging but lesser known cols en route. A seven-day event, with a total distance of 763km and ascent of 20,900 metres, it’s not for the faint-hearted, and every rider that completed the event on the Côte d’Azur on September 2 tested the very limits of their physical and mental fortitude.
Many of the testimonials published about the Haute Route events – for which there are a number dotted across the globe, with more planned for 2019 – highlight the incredible level of organisation and attention to detail offered by the event promoters. The Haute Route events attract a dedicated group of amateur road racers and sportive participants looking for an experience that brings them as close as most will ever get to a week in the life of a professional grand tour rider.
Right from the moment the Mavericks riders gathered in the square of the “grand depart” village of Megeve on the eve of the 2018 Haute Route Alps, it was clear that we were about to embark on the journey of a lifetime. It painted a very different scene to the races we’re normally involved in around Asia. Paired-down climbing bikes, wiry European competitors and cool alpine temperatures to boot, the registration area buzzed with excitement. We collected our race numbers, checked in our bike boxes and off we went to fuel up for the following day.
Stage 1 – Megève to Megève
Aside from the parcours which was challenging enough, 111km and 2,800m of vertical elevation, the main concern on the minds of competitors prior to the stage was the temperature; at just 4 degrees Celsius at the start, and predicted to stay below 10 degrees for much of the race, it was a case of putting on every bit of winter gear we could find. So, it was a group of well-muffled Mavs that entered the starting pen ready for the grand depart.
Megève has featured in every one of the eight Haute Route Alps events that have been staged and it’s easy to see why. There is some incredible riding to be found in the area although most people enjoying the spectacular scenery in the mountains surrounding the ski resort seemed to be on motor-assisted mountain bikes. No such mechanical assistance for the Haute Route competitors, although you could be forgiven for thinking some of the leading riders had engines, such was the pace at which the first climb of the day was tackled. The Col de Aravis was a 11.7km ascent, steep enough to blow the field to smithereens.
It was quickly apparent that climbing prowess was the only thing that mattered in this race. Sure, superb descending skills can get you back to a bunch, and nutrition/hydration/recovery are important, but the men were well and truly separated from the boys as we tackled the second col of the day. The 12.7km Col de Columbiere rises to 1,618m with some nasty 10 percent pitches at the start and finish of the climb. And this was Day 1!
A great feature of the Haute Route events is the presence of non-timed sections, usually designed to reduce the pressure on riders to race down dangerous descents or traverse the odd busy main road section. One such untimed section came between 60km and 80km and it provided welcome respite from the hot pace; time to get some food on board, and time to really enjoy the ride down from the Columbiere. A really beautiful valley over to the right stunned us as we flew down through the glades, navigating the hairpin bends and reaching near warp speeds on the open sections.
Stage 1 – Megève to Megève
Aside from the parcours which was challenging enough, 111km and 2,800m of vertical elevation, the main concern on the minds of competitors prior to the stage was the temperature; at just 4 degrees Celsius at the start, and predicted to stay below 10 degrees for much of the race, it was a case of putting on every bit of winter gear we could find. So, it was a group of well-muffled Mavs that entered the starting pen ready for the grand depart.
Megève has featured in every one of the eight Haute Route Alps events that have been staged and it’s easy to see why. There is some incredible riding to be found in the area although most people enjoying the spectacular scenery in the mountains surrounding the ski resort seemed to be on motor-assisted mountain bikes. No such mechanical assistance for the Haute Route competitors, although you could be forgiven for thinking some of the leading riders had engines, such was the pace at which the first climb of the day was tackled. The Col de Aravis was a 11.7km ascent, steep enough to blow the field to smithereens.
It was quickly apparent that climbing prowess was the only thing that mattered in this race. Sure, superb descending skills can get you back to a bunch, and nutrition/hydration/recovery are important, but the men were well and truly separated from the boys as we tackled the second col of the day. The 12.7km Col de Columbiere rises to 1,618m with some nasty 10 percent pitches at the start and finish of the climb. And this was Day 1!
A great feature of the Haute Route events is the presence of non-timed sections, usually designed to reduce the pressure on riders to race down dangerous descents or traverse the odd busy main road section. One such untimed section came between 60km and 80km and it provided welcome respite from the hot pace; time to get some food on board, and time to really enjoy the ride down from the Columbiere. A really beautiful valley over to the right stunned us as we flew down through the glades, navigating the hairpin bends and reaching near warp speeds on the open sections.
The start of the second and final timed section took in a sharp 3.6km climb over the Côte de Domancy then a long uphill drag back to Megève and a finish 11.5km outside the town up at the ski station. Famous for a world championship winning ride by Bernard Hinault in 1980, the Côte 2000 was the final nail in the coffin for some, while others used it to assert their climbing superiority. Again, bunches and alliances were splintered on the last 400m ascent, the best riders crossing the line in a time of just over three hours (excluding non-timed sections).
So, to the Mav shake-down after Stage 1. Bastian led the way in 19th place, putting in a fantastic ride to stay with lead bunch on the final climbs of the day. Basti will start in the elite pen for tomorrow’s stage. I stand in 40th place, after getting detached on Côte de Domancy but sit 9th in the 40-49 age group. Sasha lies in 43rd, finishing just ahead of me on the day but marginally slower on the early cols. Wilfred suffered a puncture at the base of the final climb but recovered well to take 159th spot. Matt lies just behind in 177th place, from a total of 383 male starters. And we do it all again tomorrow!
Stage 2 - Megève to Valloire
We were graced with slightly warmer temperatures this morning, but not by much. The earlier start time of 7am and clear skies made it an ice-cold neutralised section. But once we hit Col de Sasies after 10km it was race on; and no-one could complain they weren’t warm on the first ascent of the day. Climbing 703m over 13.2km it was a real wake up col. The pace was hot at the front as we rode up into the woods, and we soon had the trademark splinters in the peloton, persisting right to the crest of the climb. The descent from Sasies was long and extremely pretty, taking us up to the 50km mark, one third of the way through today’s stage.
So, to the Mav shake-down after Stage 1. Bastian led the way in 19th place, putting in a fantastic ride to stay with lead bunch on the final climbs of the day. Basti will start in the elite pen for tomorrow’s stage. I stand in 40th place, after getting detached on Côte de Domancy but sit 9th in the 40-49 age group. Sasha lies in 43rd, finishing just ahead of me on the day but marginally slower on the early cols. Wilfred suffered a puncture at the base of the final climb but recovered well to take 159th spot. Matt lies just behind in 177th place, from a total of 383 male starters. And we do it all again tomorrow!
Stage 2 - Megève to Valloire
We were graced with slightly warmer temperatures this morning, but not by much. The earlier start time of 7am and clear skies made it an ice-cold neutralised section. But once we hit Col de Sasies after 10km it was race on; and no-one could complain they weren’t warm on the first ascent of the day. Climbing 703m over 13.2km it was a real wake up col. The pace was hot at the front as we rode up into the woods, and we soon had the trademark splinters in the peloton, persisting right to the crest of the climb. The descent from Sasies was long and extremely pretty, taking us up to the 50km mark, one third of the way through today’s stage.
Finding allies on the road was critical on such a monster stage. Aside from three huge climbs, there were long flatter sections in between which meant sharing the workload was the name of the game. The total distance of 155km wasn’t to be sniffed at and you just can’t ride at pace solo for that kind of distance.
With smaller groups formed in the valley, at 70km we hit the biggest climb of the day, the mighty Col de Madeleine. Vertical ascent of 1,520m over 25km, it’s just not possible to gauge your effort exactly over such a distance. Some riders seemed to excel on the earlier steeper sections, others on the flatter middle section. But by the time we were within 4km of the summit every rider was in their own personal hurt locker.
The first timed section of the day stopped at the top of the Madelaine so there was time for a welcome breather, a good feed and a jaw-dropping, 360-degree view of the gigantic Alpine scenery.
On we went. Lightening fast descending even though we weren’t on the clock. It’s difficult not to speed down through the rhythmic open corners, breaking hard on the grippy tarmac for each of the many hairpin bends.
Riders gathered at the base of the climb, just long enough to gather a group of 8-12 riders and thereby ensuring a fast passage through the next valley floor section. Riders swapped turns well for 30km, until we turned right over a highway and on to the final climb of the day, the Col de Telegraphe.
With smaller groups formed in the valley, at 70km we hit the biggest climb of the day, the mighty Col de Madeleine. Vertical ascent of 1,520m over 25km, it’s just not possible to gauge your effort exactly over such a distance. Some riders seemed to excel on the earlier steeper sections, others on the flatter middle section. But by the time we were within 4km of the summit every rider was in their own personal hurt locker.
The first timed section of the day stopped at the top of the Madelaine so there was time for a welcome breather, a good feed and a jaw-dropping, 360-degree view of the gigantic Alpine scenery.
On we went. Lightening fast descending even though we weren’t on the clock. It’s difficult not to speed down through the rhythmic open corners, breaking hard on the grippy tarmac for each of the many hairpin bends.
Riders gathered at the base of the climb, just long enough to gather a group of 8-12 riders and thereby ensuring a fast passage through the next valley floor section. Riders swapped turns well for 30km, until we turned right over a highway and on to the final climb of the day, the Col de Telegraphe.
Stretching 12km at an average of 6.6 percent gradient, the Telegraph is a wonderful wooded climb, mercifully shady in the tree-lined sections and north-facing escarpments. But when it comes at the end of such a brutal stage, it’s a question of counting down the kilometre markers and surviving to the finish. Again, it was ones and twos on the climb but immense satisfaction when we crossed the line, just 5km outside the town of Valloire.
The Mavs put in a sterling effort today, in temperatures ranging from 5 degrees to 31 degrees. Bastian was again quickest taking 22nd place. I hung on grimly to take 35th place. Sasha was not far behind in 55th place. Wilfred had a puncture-free day, crossing the line in 84th place. Matt Le Cornu was the final Mav finsher in 149th place.
Stage 3 – Valloire to Les 2 Alpes
I have to admit, I have a recollection of writing a lengthy report about Stage 3 of the race but there has either been a severe technology failure, or more likely I was so exhausted after the stage that I fell asleep at 8pm and only dreamt I wrote it. What can I say? It was a massive day, we immediately came face to face with the Col du Galibier; a monstrous 18km climb rising to an elevation of 2,642m. The famous climb features several long sections well in excess of 10 percent gradient, including the final kilometres to the summit which are barren and exposed, only adding to the other-worldliness and general mental anguish that riders encounter. It’s well over an hour of climbing for mortals like us although the best climbers in the pro ranks (Bardet, Barguil, etc) can get up it in 50 minutes.
The Mavs put in a sterling effort today, in temperatures ranging from 5 degrees to 31 degrees. Bastian was again quickest taking 22nd place. I hung on grimly to take 35th place. Sasha was not far behind in 55th place. Wilfred had a puncture-free day, crossing the line in 84th place. Matt Le Cornu was the final Mav finsher in 149th place.
Stage 3 – Valloire to Les 2 Alpes
I have to admit, I have a recollection of writing a lengthy report about Stage 3 of the race but there has either been a severe technology failure, or more likely I was so exhausted after the stage that I fell asleep at 8pm and only dreamt I wrote it. What can I say? It was a massive day, we immediately came face to face with the Col du Galibier; a monstrous 18km climb rising to an elevation of 2,642m. The famous climb features several long sections well in excess of 10 percent gradient, including the final kilometres to the summit which are barren and exposed, only adding to the other-worldliness and general mental anguish that riders encounter. It’s well over an hour of climbing for mortals like us although the best climbers in the pro ranks (Bardet, Barguil, etc) can get up it in 50 minutes.
After cresting the Galibier and a superb but cold descent, we tackled another biggie, the Col de Sarenne, then an unwelcome unclassified uphill drag to the back side of the ski station at Alpe d’Huez where a welcome feed station awaited. The descent down through the famous 21 bends of Alpe d’Huez was thrilling if only to see the legions of riders coming up the famous climb in the opposite direction; clearly a rite of passage for any road cyclist. Last but not least, the final climb of the day was a 608m rise from the Chambon Dam to Les 2 Alpes at an average of 6.2 percent. Beautiful mountain views greeted us and a vibrant ski station that is very much ouvrir through the summer months. We lined up fondue, raclette, and all things warm and cheesy. Maybe that’s why we’re not climbing the Galibier in 50 minutes?!
I can honestly say that I had doubts whether I could complete seven days of the Haute Route Alps after this stage. The freezing cold conditions in the mornings, the brutal climbs which come one after another, the extremely rapid pace needed just to maintain your GC standing, and then the requirement to back it up day after day after day. It’s tough and if you are the sort of person that hits the snooze button and dives back under the covers when you are feeling a bit tired – please, just don’t bother with Haute Route. It’s not for you.
Anyway, for the brutal Stage 3, the Mav quintet came in 35th (Bastian), 39th (me), 46th (Sasha), 115th (Wilfred) and 194th (Matt). I even managed to put my wheel in front of Bastian’s at the summit of the Galibier because, unbeknown to Basti, I had a little bet going with the driver of our support vehicle, Glen.
The concluding part of Ben Arnott's Haute Route Alps 2018 adventure can be found by clicking on this link.
I can honestly say that I had doubts whether I could complete seven days of the Haute Route Alps after this stage. The freezing cold conditions in the mornings, the brutal climbs which come one after another, the extremely rapid pace needed just to maintain your GC standing, and then the requirement to back it up day after day after day. It’s tough and if you are the sort of person that hits the snooze button and dives back under the covers when you are feeling a bit tired – please, just don’t bother with Haute Route. It’s not for you.
Anyway, for the brutal Stage 3, the Mav quintet came in 35th (Bastian), 39th (me), 46th (Sasha), 115th (Wilfred) and 194th (Matt). I even managed to put my wheel in front of Bastian’s at the summit of the Galibier because, unbeknown to Basti, I had a little bet going with the driver of our support vehicle, Glen.
The concluding part of Ben Arnott's Haute Route Alps 2018 adventure can be found by clicking on this link.