La Marmotte 28/06—03/07/2017

Riding La Marmotte, reputedly Europe's toughest cyclosportive. 175km, 5100m+ of climbing, and ascents of the Cols du Glandon, Telegraphe and Galibier, before a final ascent to Alpe d'Huez - for those who make the time cut!
IMG_0233 Bonza Bike Box hire put to good use
IMG_0235 View from the chalet hotel
P1000001
P1000002
P1000003 Weather not so good on arrival day!
P1000004
P1000005
P1000006 Sunnier weather on the other side of the valley
IMG_0238 Recce ride of the first 12km, followed by the
IMG_0239 Getting warmer
IMG_0240 On the Pas de la Confession, a stiff but quiet climb to Huez village. My first experience of alpine climbing!
TON37198 Working hard on the final hairpins to Alpe d'Huez
IMG_0241 Almost there!
P1000010 Registration day
P1000011 Very professional looking service trucks, straight from Le Tour
P1000012
IMG_0244 The 50 grand ski boot room
IMG_0245 A short spin on the Col de Sarenne to keep the legs fresh
IMG_0247 Team photo!
IMG_0249 And another