LEtape 2004

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by dunflying
Hi all,
I am looking for the best way to enter for the above. Has anyone done it/ have any advice?

Hey man

Log onto this site 28/1 and join
http://www.letapedutour.com/2004/us/index.htm

You will need 43 Euro

Have a look at course what cogs do you think we will need?

S😕

Spragger, Just seen the profile. I suggest very small cogs on the front and large ones at the back!!
Thanks for the info. I hear that there are thousands of people wanting to enter so I was wondering who/what decides who gets in? Cheers

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by dunflying
Spragger, Just seen the profile. I suggest very small cogs on the front and large ones at the back!!
Thanks for the info. I hear that there are thousands of people wanting to enter so I was wondering who/what decides who gets in? Cheers

From bitter experience last year - Pot Luck

Its first come first served!

Did the 2003 Etape and it was extremely tough : get your application in ASAP, if you wish to register.
If you're lucky enough to register for it, I suggest that you get
as much climbing training in as possible because 03 was very very tough.
In fact the profile supplied last year didn't do justice to the reality
of tough the course was.
It was very, very demanding and because there are a lot of people doing it with you, it can be quite hazardous descending especially when you're tired (and you will be tired !).
I wish I could say that it was an enjoyable experience while I was actually doing it - it's not.
But the feeling when you finish is like nothing else !

[Thanks for info' as painful as it was!!

Seriously - any advice on gearing for the ride did you carry a spare differently geared wheel for the climbs?

S😕

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by spragger
[Thanks for info' as painful as it was!!

Seriously - any advice on gearing for the ride did you carry a spare differently geared wheel for the climbs?

S😕

Spragger, I normally ride a Pinarello.
However for soem reason I brought both my Pinarello and my
Raleigh R200 with me to France for the L'Etape.
I had gone out a couple of days before the event and I quickly realised that the R200 was more suitable for this event.
Why ?
Because it had a triple ring on it !!!!
This means I could cycle at 32/21 on some of the steeper climbs,
if I need to (and I did need to use it !)
OK, I felt a little bit self concious at the start line but it quickly became evident that my self conciousness paid off because a lot
of people were in trouble early on in the course.
Even with this low gearing, it wasn't exactly easy because the temperature that day was warm (low 30's).
So my advice is, bring a selection that allows a lot of low gearing,
get as much climbing in beforehand and just try to relax when you're doing it.
Resign yourself to having to struggle for some part of the course because the gradient's are steep (far steeper than any TV image could convey).
Finally, just be careful descending - because steepness plays it's part here too.
Also be aware that thousands do this event - so make sure to get in a group operating at a comfortable pace.
And try to consider it as an event and not a race as such.

Good luck with it !