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Tagged With: mountains

2015 Tour de France stage 10

Every morning before sign on begins, the biggest race sponsors put on little shows for the crowd. Vittel asks Tour/Vittel related trivia questions and the prize for a correct answer is a ride for you and a friend in the publicity caravan and passes for the VIP area just before the finish line.   Wouldn't … Continue reading »

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2015 Giro stage 19

I’ve been lucky enough see some truly beautiful places but I was not at all prepared for today’s Giro stage. Studying the map, I knew that the Matterhorn was just over the Swiss border from stage 19’s arrival in Cervinia, Italy, but I hadn’t realized that the Matterhorn would be plainly visible, let alone looming … Continue reading »

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2015 Giro stage 18

For the Giro’s final day in Switzerland, the 170km stage started in Melide, just a short drive from yesterday’s sprint finish in Lugano. Andrea and I are planning to catch the rest of the race on the climbs and at the finale in Milan, so I got my banner our for our last sign on. … Continue reading »

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2015 Giro stage 15

Three categorized climbs over a 165 kilometer route awaited the peloton ahead of the rest day. Even though the stage started in the town where we spent the night, Andrea and I were more interested in seeing the riders do what they do best–ride!–rather than just make small talk and gather autographs, so we put … Continue reading »

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Tour de France stage 18

For the final mountain stage, the organizers have made it a serious one with 2 cat 3 climbs followed by an ascent of Col du Tourmalet and then finally a summit finish at Hautacam.   At over 13 kilometers, I had a long hike ahead of me to find Liesa and Fien at the top … Continue reading »

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Tour de France stage 13

Right before stage 13 would hit a hors categorie climb for an uphill finish, the peloton would cross Col de Palaquit, a 14.1 kilometer climb averaging 6.1%. My goal for today was to hike up the mountain and find a good spot.   The first 3 kilometers were steep, mostly 10%, so there were plenty … Continue reading »

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Tour de France stage 10

I've seen mountain stages in the sun and I've seen mountain stages in the rain. I prefer the sun. Today it was rain. When I woke up at midnight to the thudding of rain on the roof, all I could think about were the poor crew members probably slopping around a muddy mountain in the … Continue reading »

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Tour du Mont Blanc day 3

The last day of our trip promised to be the longest and hardest yet. Each morning I’d wake up with stiff calves but after 5 minutes of hiking, my legs relaxed and felt fresh and new again.   Morning mountains.   In the sun, it was warm but in the shade, it was awfully cold! … Continue reading »

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Tour du Mont Blanc day 2

Yesterday’s hike concluded with a steep climb up from Trient to Col de la Forclaz. We took a trail rather than hike on the road, but in case you’re wondering what I mean when I say “steep,” Col de la Forclaz is the penultimate climb in this coming Saturday’s stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné. … Continue reading »

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Tour du Mont Blanc day 1

My ears perked up.   “…And coming up after the break: travel tips from Matt Lauer,” came the voice from the TV.   “Oh this could be good,” I thought.   It’s been a bit of a while now, but here’s what I remember of Matt Lauer’s travel tips. 1. If you think you’ll get … Continue reading »

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