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#hauteroute : Stage 3 Overview – Val d’Isère/Serre Chevalier

by Jean-Baptiste WIROTH

The third stage, between Val d’Isere and Serre Chevalier has three key points : a ride at 2770m above sea level (top of the Col de lIseran), few km in Italy (first time on the Haute Route Alps), and a marathon distance with an overall distance of 164km.

In my view, therea are two main difficulties for this stage
– First you will not have time for a warm-up since the bottom of Col de l’Iseran is on the start line. After a first night at high elevation in Val d’Isere (1850m), this climb will be a hard one .
– Second, the long climb between Susa to the top of the Col de l’Echelle (1250m of climb for 42km).

My advices
– Do a short warm-up (15min) before the start of the stage. At the top of Iseran, pull on a jacket in order to stay warm during the long descent.
– At the top of Col du Mont Cenis, make a more substantial meal for the second half of the stage.

Escort Coaching
WTS offers an escort coaching service for those who need to be coached during the race.
I’ll be there throughout the race to specifically coach few riders.
To benefit from this service : http://www.hauteroutealps.org/en/training

Actu WTS

#hauteroute : Stage 2 Overview – Megève/Val d’Isère

by Jean-Baptiste WIROTH

The second stage will bring the riders to high alpine mountains with a passage at nearly 2000m elevation (Cormet de Roseland). Unlike the first day which included flat or hilly sections, the second stage has only big climbs. The participants will find a 111km race course, 3 climbs and 3500m of ascent.

A stage is always harder when it includes a finish at the top. The main difficulty of the day will be the final climb to Val d’Isere, especially during the last 6 km (7.5 to 10%).

My advices
– Warm up in Col des Saisies. Stay on the granny gear.
– Feed with liquid food on the climbs (energetic drink, gels). Eat solid food at the top of each climbs (bars, fruit).
– Enjoy the view in Cormet de Roseland.
– Stay focused on the descent to Bourg Saint Maurice.
– Be mentally strong on the final climb !

Actu WTS

Haute Route : Stage 1 Overview – Geneva/Megève

by Jean-Baptiste WIROTH

Sunday, August 18 will start the Haute Route Alps in Geneva. We will use the last 10 days before D-Day to decrypt each of the 7 stages.

Stage 1
With a 4 stars ranking (out of 5), the first stage will be difficult to manage with 153km, 3 major climbs and 3300m ascent.

The main difficulty of the course will be two manage successively the two main climbs : col de l’Encrenaz and Col de Joux Plane, 28.5 km cumulative ascent with almost no recovery time.

My advices
– Be carefull with the “euphoria” of the start, you have 25km untimed to warm up progressively before entering the timed section.
– Save energy for the second half of the week. Stay in your endurance zone (less than 90% of maximum heart rate), even in the climbs.
– Feed yourself regularly (water, energy drink, solid food) to avoid glycogen depletion.
– Be carefull with the Heineken booth after the finish line.
– Enjoy this unique moment 😉

Tag: <span>alps</span>

#hauteroute : Stage 3 Overview – Val d’Isère/Serre Chevalier

#hauteroute : Stage 2 Overview – Megève/Val d’Isère

Haute Route : Stage 1 Overview – Geneva/Megève

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