PYRENEES TRIP 2013

Post date: Nov 22, 2013 9:24:22 PM

June Bank holiday 2013, saw fifteen club members make the trip to the Pyrenees to take on some of the famous HC tour de France climbs. Soulor/Aubisque, Borderes, Cambasque, Luz Ardiden, Tourmalet & Hautacam were all on the doorstep of La lantern Rouge the cycling lodge in which the group based themselves in the Luz valley.

The lodge is run by Irishman and keen cyclist Paddy Sweeney along with his wife Olive,who welcome cyclists from all over the world that make the pilgrimage to this region of southern France which is steeped in cycling history.

With Europe having one of its coldest spring's in recent times the snow on the high cols was a topic of much discussion before the group left. Tourmalet and Aubisque were covered in snow and were unlikely to open. Nevertheless some quality climbs were still on offer with Paddy pointing out that 36 challenging climbs were on offer from his doorstep. Similar to what the pro peloton had experienced for much of the spring campaign, wet and cold conditions greeted the group who were well prepared, having packed for all conditions and were well accustomed to a bit of rain, having trained all spring in typical Irish conditions.

The scalps of Hautacam,Borderes,Solour,Pont d'Espagne,Luz Ardiden and some challenging but less famous climbs were claimed by the group on a memorable trip.The Tourmalet was ascended to within 5 km from the summit with snow blocking the eager group from claiming another big col(better luck next time!!) The summit of Hautacam will be long remembered by all,more so the descent which proved harder than the ascent of this legendary climb.

With sleet starting to form on the tarmac 2km from the summit (1,635metres) on this 15km climb, with a 6.9% average gradient, conditions really turned for the worse with driving snow and a temperature of -2 degrees with a bitter wind chill. Undeterred all members made the ascent and descent on this day that will live long in the memory of all. When we feel the cold by Dromana on a winter spin it will be nothing compared the conditions experienced by all on that epic day.

Over the four days the group covered 335km in the Luz valley(mostly uphill!!) and climbed 10,555 metres in challenging conditions. Chapeau to all YCC members.

Hopefully the riders of stage 18 of the 2014 Tour De France will experience more favourble conditions when they tackle this famous HC climb.