Three Thirds to ride

stats of the week: run 12 km, cycled 123 km, gym 3 h

When I discovered this year’s L’Étape du Tour Femmes, I could not resist entering the event. Unfortunately, I was not aware of the final route that had been designed. I had assumed we would start in Vaison and head straight towards Beaumes-de-Venise before climbing up to Suzette.

I have since realised that there is an initial loop taking riders over the Col de Propiac. With 3,000 metres of climbing, it is far more demanding than I had expected. On the other hand, this makes it even more appealing to me, as the route passes through our home village of Mollans and follows one of the most beautiful roads in the region.

To familiarise myself with the course, I divided the route into three sections, each of which I can ride directly from home. I completed the first third, the easiest section with 60 km and 700 metres of climbing, on Thursday. This was followed by the second third on Sunday: 62 km with 780 metres of ascent, including the steep climb to Suzette.

The final third, of course, will be Mont Ventoux. I shall certainly need to put in more training if I am to be properly prepared for this challenge.