Alpe d'Huez Continues it's Legend!
Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 05:31PM Wow! The stage to Alpe d'Huez did not disappoint! From the gun, the race seemed like it had been transformed from the Dauphine into the Tour de France. The speeds were incredible, as every rider was dreaming of winning on Alpe d'Huez.
We had one category 3 climb six miles into the race that blew the field apart, and before you knew it, a large group had escaped. Team Footon had missed the break and was driving the pace so hard to bring it back that the field was stretched to the limit for the next 10 miles.
When we hit the cat 2 climb that was almost 12 miles long and only 20 miles into the race, riders were everywhere. Some tried attacking, coming right back one after another to the field as teams that missed the break each time chased hard, only to reshuffle the deck time and time again. Finally no one had any energy left to chase, and three groups escaped on the climb. They were chasing each other until they finally became one large breakaway of around 20 or so riders.
Right away, Astana and RadioShack got together and started driving the pace, since there was no time for chess games if we were to have any chance of keeping the break close. On the twisty descent, the pace was incredible, and when we hit the flat section before the HC (hors categorie – or top category) climb of the Glandon, the field was still single file.
The pace eased for only a bit at the start of the Glandon, as the guys driving the pace on the front needed a little time to recover. But, at 12 miles and 7.2% grade, they weren't going to get much of a rest. With 5 or 6 miles to go to the top, Alberto put his climbers to work. I was doing almost 400 watts and at my limit, while trying to give Jani any extra draft I could by riding just a little to the side of Alberto. With the wind changing direction with each switch back, I had to change my position behind Alberto with each turn to give Jani the best draft possible.
Over the top of the climb, Astana continued setting a crazy pace on the descent. As we flew into one corner at 50 mph that was followed directly by a left hairpin turn, I hit the brakes hard. The wheels locked up on me as I hit a bunch of bumps on the road. Meanwhile, Jani was right in front me and slowing down three times faster. I went flying past him, yelling something to the effect that this might be it for me! But, somehow, I got the bike under control just in time to not go flying off the edge – not to mention saving the race organizers some money on a memorial plaque in my honor, with something like “Kids, Daddy loves you” on it!
At the bottom of the climb, Paulino returned to the front, and was once again riding all out with the Astana boys. We had only 12 miles of flat roads before we hit the legendary Alpe d'Huez. In that time, I went to the car twice for drinks, gels, snickers, and of course Cokes for Jani, Paulino, and myself. As we neared Alpe d'Huez, there was a little fighting in the bunch for positioning before we hit climb, but in all honesty, the Glandon had destroyed most of the legs so the fighting was pretty half-hearted. I did one big jump on the left side of the field, and was back on Jani's wheel for the start of the climb.
Alpe d'Huez hits hard right from the bottom and gets steeper in every turn. The heat at the bottom from the sun wasn't doing anything to make me feel any better as Astana was driving on the front with every rider they had left, trying to destroy the field and set Alberto up for the win. With only a few riders left in the group I was just about to blow up and drop off the pace. I went up to Jani and gave him my last water bottle and told him to keep it - it would be last thing I could for him until tomorrow.
After leaving the front group in the wrong direction, I latched onto AG2R's rider, Christophe Riblon, with a QuickStep rider who didn't stick around too long. I was on the limit to stay with Christophe, when the wind finally started blowing a little harder, allowing me to recover in his draft. Sanchez and few others caught us from behind, and the pace went up again.
Somewhere on the climb, in one of the switchbacks, I could see Jani up the road in front of us, holding onto Contador’s wheel as he was attacking him to try to gain some time and the win, but Jani was hanging tough. Meanwhile, Sanchez was riding on the front of our group, as close to the side of the road as possible. We were passing within inches of every RV and spectator that was on the road – his tactic for trying to drop us all. At times I had spectators jumping off the road as we came straight at them.
With just about 2 miles to go, we caught up to the young American, Tejay van Garderen, who is having an incredible Dauphine. Keep your eye on this kid for future! He had been in Contador’s group for most the climb and was just now coming off the back. He is fighting for a podium place in the Dauphine, so I opened up a space in line for him to get out of wind. From there to the finish, the road stair-stepped up to the summit. Personally, I was happy to see the last corner arrive - with Jani at the finish, and yes, still in yellow!
Tejay and Chris after the finish. Photo courtesy of Graham Watson (http://grahamwatson.com)
Jani and Chris at the finish. Photo courtesy of Graham Watson (http://grahamwatson.com)
Reader Comments (39)
Thanks for these race updates. I wonder where you find the energy to write them! That was super what you did for Tejay.
Classy! Pure Class. Thanks again for the great report!
You did more than just open a gap for Tejay...dropping back and pacing him the last couple k was super classy. You kick ass! keep the updates coming as it's the best reading around.
Not only have you been doing an amazing job for Jani all week but what you did for Tejay was a sign of a true athlete. Classy.
I really hope to see you on the TdF squad, keep up all the great work; writing and riding!
You are AWESOME! What you did for Tejay today speaks highly of you as a person and cyclist! But how do you find the energy do give us these incredible reports! Get some rest to defend Jani's yellow jersey one last time tomorrow...
I think we need to have some Fresh Mickey D's and bowl of Cold Stone waiting for you at the finish tomorrow!
Have to agree with the other posters, I thought the assist you gave Tejay was a very classy move. Thanks for taking the time to provide the update, good luck tomorrow!
Thanks for giving us glimpses of what's going on in the peloton. Great job with Jani and Tejay! Hope to see you in the TdF!
Chris - you are amazing... what you did for Tejay today is yet another sign of your character ... you are so giving and are a superb team player. Classy is an understatement ... I can't wait to see you riding in the TdF again and helping team Radioshack and Lance get on the podium. I love reading your blog! Thank you for taking the time to write it each stage - it's a true glimpse into what it's like to ride in the peleton. I'm soooo glad that you managed to get your bike back under control - scary!
In-cred-i-ble. Acts like that will be adding to your fan base, for sure.
Nice job Chris, hope Lance or Levi can keep up with you at the Tour.
You are the man!! Power to the pedals!
A ditto to the comments about your efforts for Jani and Tejay and what a class act you are as a team player. I also enjoy your writing style and the way you give a thorough report with just enough detail to "paint the picture" without rambling too much...then the added humor is awesome.
All of the Team Trek guys seem to have great chemistry and a willingness to ride for each other...you all ride hard and appear to have a great time! I hope you are on the TdF team! Can't wait to see you guys taking on Astana! ...and the rest ;-)
"Open up a space for him [Tejay] in the line..." Hahaha. Yeah, right. You're being a bit modest. I saw it on tv. You dropped back 20 meters to him and paced him up the hill. Even the British announcers commented on the veteran helping out the youngster. You're a class act, Horner. After seeing what you did for Tejay today, you are now officially my favorite pro cyclist (sorry, Chechu!).
Chris. If Johan doesn't select you for the Tour after today's ride... someone from Astana is paying him off. Complete class out there man. Inspiring. You deserve that In and Out burger!!
p.s. You look completely hammered. Get some sleep!!! :)
Chris your selflessness is an inspiration to us.
Thanks for a great ride and a great up date.
Bravo Chris...You're in a class of your own! Keep inspiring and thanks for the amazing and detailed updates.
class, pure class (tejay grewup 25 miles away) If your ever in montana, burgers and beer on me.
I just wanted to ditto all the above comments. You're writing makes me feel like I was part of the action, and I'm in awe of how much you are able to give to keep your teammates out of trouble. Seeing you drop back and help Tejay today was incredible, and a thrill to see. Keep up the great riding and great reports, and I'll be cheering you on the whole way!
Once again you put on a good show helping Jani. Thank you, as always, for the great writing. And also what you did for TJ was awsome. :)