Some tips to help you survive the Etape du Tour]



The Etape Tips: June

| June |
18. If you are with an organized group and you have some spare people consider setting up your own food stations along the route.

19. Try to get as high a start number as possible -- even if you're useless.

20. South of France, hot and sunny. Not necessarily. Last year it pissed down with rain for the whole day. It was brutal. The last time up Ventoux they had to cancel the event because of snow... in July! Take some wet weather gear just in case.

21. South of France, hot and sunny. Maybe too much for us with fair skin from the northern latitudes. Remember to pack on the sun protection, especially round the back of your neck. I recommend Factor 45.

, via Twitter, says "Cream up - there's nowhere to hide on Ventoux". Especially from Chalet Reynard to the summit. Thanks for that Graeme.

, via Twitter, says "Over-heating on Ventoux? Green water hydrant at Chalet Reynard spews coooollld water". Thanks for that Ted.


22. Keep up-to-date with the progress of other riders in the Etape.

Here are some blogs:













me if you want your blog added.


23. If you're not competitive, not going for a time and you’re doing well, consider stopping in at a cafe in one of the villages along the way for a 5 minute espresso, toilet trip and top up your bidon.

24. See if you can borrow a bike box from a friend or rent one rather than buying one.

I just came across these who use the . Might be a cheaper solution for some people.

Talking of renting or borrowing, do as did, “Get to know your local bike repair man who'll rent you his superlight wheels (1200g the pair!)”.

25. Two guest tips from via Twitter:

1. Think about those deep aero wheels....it can get very windy on those summits....

2. Invest in some new brake pads. The descent down Le Ventoux is long and steep.

26. Don't take WAG's (Wives and Girlfriends) or HAB's (Husbands and Boyfriends) or PAP's (Partners or Partners). They'll get bored and you'll get distracted. Meet up with them after. That is, unless they are a key part of your support team.

27. If you have access to a car while you’re there try and drive sections of the course in the days before to give you a feel for the landscape. Better still ride sections of the course. I guess it really depends on where you are staying.

28. It's Ventoux Day today at Etape Tips. Get into the history of it all.

Buy this Rapha book as a momento.

Also, here are some interesting factoids about Ventoux from Cyclefit in the UK.

29. If you are in the area 3-4 days before definitely try to climb Ventoux from Bedoin. Once you’ve done it the fear will be gone on the big day.

30. Everybody has a different physiology but in general you can only really process about 200-300 calories an hour... don't bother stuffing more down as you will regret it later on. From via Twitter.

31. Read this fantastic preview from Rapha of this year's Etape du Tour:

32. Print out this fantastic course profile and use it as a guide for feed stations and cut off times.



To print it either download the graphic to your computer and do it from there or click on it to get the full-size image.

(Source: , who tells me she got it from .

33. The Etape is as much a psychological challenge as a physical challenge. Next time it’s disgusting weather outside and you don’t want to go out. Go anyway. Slay those demons.

34. Think about using a product like this to improve your psychological edge: .

35. Take a bin liner (garbage bag) to the start and use it as a disposable gilet. It will help you stay warm while you're in the pen. From via Twitter.

36. If you’re a weekend warrior then I recommend you get a compact (50 X 34) installed on the front and at least a 25, possibly 27, on the back. The first few km up Ventoux it’ll be worth it.

37. A special tip from our "roving correspondent" in France, . Mike went on a special recce on July 21st and 22nd, 2009 and rode the last 65km from Sault via Bedoin and up Ventoux. His fantastic report is . Enjoy!

38. This is bike maintenance week. Take it to the shop, or do it yourself, but get your bike checked out this week so you have a couple of weeks to ride it, post check-up, before the big day.

39. Carry two inner tubes on the day. One taped to the seat post.


| June |
 
----------------------------------
Copyright 2009 Lux Holdings Inc.