18/08/2018

The perfect introduction to the Pyrenees: Haute Route Pyrenees Stage 1

The Haute Route Pyrenees 2018 got underway this morning at 7:30am as the international peloton of 350 riders pedaled away from the start line by the Palais Beaumont. Setting off for a demanding 148km stage with three cols and a total of 2800M of climbing, the riders rolled through the first 10km neutralised section to reach the first timing mat and the real start of their week.

Making their way through the foothills of the Pyrenees, the first 40km of the stage rolled up and down towards the foot of the first col, with no real climb but numerous short hills that began to split the large peloton into smaller groups. Everyone began to work together in their small groups, saving energy for the week ahead and riding faster in the meantime.

Heading through the town of Arette via the first feed station of the day, the Col de Labays loomed ahead, featuring 1029M of climbing over 17.7km for the first real challenge of the week. After a fast and technical descent off Labays and short ascent back to the summit of Bouesou riders crossed another timing mat to mark the end of the first timed section.

Sam Pickering of Australia was pleased to have ticked off the first two climbs of the week, and was looking forward to the Marie-Blanque later in the stage: “A good start to the day,” he said, “we don’t have climbs like that at home though. We have long climbs but nothing that is this steep, it’s different!”

After taking their time to refuel and refill their bottles at the top of Bouesou, riders regrouped into small bunches to descend off the col towards the next timing mat and foot of the Marie Blanque. The clouds cleared and the sun shone through into the valley, bringing a much welcomed wave of warmth as riders approached the final climb of the day.

Turning right out of Escot into the foot of Marie Blanque, a 9.7km climb awaited with an average gradient of 7.6% to reach the summit. The 7.6% average is somewhat deceptive, as the climb actually gets tougher and tougher all the way up, with sections getting above the 12% mark in the final part before flattening off again towards the summit.

Frenchman Julian Verlay was impressed with this final col of the day, “It was not easy,” he said, “the slope got steeper and steeper all the way. I tried to manage my effort and not race too hard, I think that’s vital to be able to enjoy the week and enjoy each day as we go along. It was great, I can’t wait to get back on the bike again tomorrow.”

Having crested the summit of the final climb of the day, only a descent and long false-flat downhill remained between the riders and the finish of the first stage. Most regrouped once again into small pelotons in order to conserve energy and reach the finish line faster.

Crossing the finish line in Pau next to the Canoeing stadium at the Parc des Eaux-Vives, Raoul Michoud of Switzerland was delighted with the first stage: “Perfect,” he exclaimed, “a great day in the saddle. I tried not to go too hard as I’m saving myself for later in the week. I remember from when I did the Dolomites in 2016 that it’s important to pace yourself over the week.”

“It’s time for some food, a massage and some cryotherapy now before I head back to my hotel for a nap,” he added with a smile on his face, looking forward to being able to benefit from all the services organised for the riders.

At the front of the race today it was Frenchman Nicolas Roux, a previous winner of the Haute Route Alps, who took the stage win 31s ahead of Ruari Grant and a further 3 minutes ahead of fellow Frenchman Pierre Carlet. In the women’s race it was Hannah Rhodes Patterson who took the first leader’s jersey of the week, in front of Sophie Poza and Corinne Waridel. In the Duo competition it was the Italian team Mik&Max who were the fastest on the day.

After taking some time to recover before heading to this evening’s safety briefing, riders were able to enjoy a Vélosophe beer and an aperitif offered by the city of Pau this evening. They will all be looking forward to a good night’s sleep tonight before tomorrow’s 121km stage to Hautacam.