The Climbs: Col de la Ramaz; Morzine-Avoriaz
First real mountain day today as we left Station des Rousses and headed for Morzine-Avoriaz. The day started with a long descent almost to the shores of Lake Geneva that took in some fabulous views.
The focus of the day was the two Cat 1 climbs at the end of the stage, but first we had to pedal 130km+ on a route that was getting steadily lumpier. Again we were blessed with the weather (although cycling in the baking heat does mean that drinking lots of water and taking on electrolytes is really important and a lot of people were suffering by the time we got to lunch).
We had lunch at a lovely spot by a lake right at the foot of the Alps as we all prepared for the next 70-80km that was going to take in the Col de la Ramaz and a final climb up the Avoriaz from Morzine (and then an additional descent back down to our hotel in Morzine). The Ramaz was going to be the harder climb of the day with a steep and narrow ascent, the first third being relatively straightforward (except for the suffocating heat), but the middle four were relentlessly steep kicking up to 10.5% for the last km into Summet and then flattening out a bit.
A cheeky little climb into Les Gets preceded the final climb from Morzine. On arriving for the final stop in Les Gets we were told that there was a surprise waiting for us at the bottom of the climb.... on arrival we were told that we were being chip-timed up the climb. Not a particularly pleasant surprise as what was going to be a gentle climb up the last hill of the day now turned into something that it was at least necessary not to embarrass yourself on. With 185km already in the legs people really struggled up the hill. I tried to push a little and hopefully put in a respectable time... On arriving at the top the heavens opened and I hid in the van until it calmed a little before attempting the 14km descent back down in the rain. The descent back down took me past a lot of people on the way up...I was met with lots of vacant/pained looks.
Even as the first person up the last hill, I didn’t get down to the bottom until 1945... some people didn’t get back down until very late, others had a lift down from the top and some people even weren’t even allowed up. Fortunately all of the 15 that are doing the whole thing got up and down.
Once again, we had a few extra kms compared to the real Tour...
Amusing story of the day was Williams climbing into Les Gets when some old French dude flew up behind and then slowed to a tenth of his speed to engage in conversation. He asked Williams what was going on and he told him that he was heading to Morzine, the Frenchie seemed unimpressed. Williams then told him he had cycled 160km so far today; still unimpressed. We are cycling the whole Etape 8 today; nothing. We are cycling the whole Tour; ‘Whatever’. Williams was aghast and asked what the deal was... apparently the old guy had cycled the thing for real some forty years ago. Sure the tassels on the bike didn’t help with Williams’ credibility!!
Afforded myself several pints last night, the first drink I have had for some time. Deserved it!
Thank god it is a rest day tomorrow.
S
Time: 9hrs 25mins
Distance: 213.6km
Av Speed: 22.7km/h
Total Ascent: 3703m
Av HR: 131bpm
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