It was very warm for May, even by 9:30am, when we set off from Eluchon it was 22 degrees. Under trained and over eaten as usual we escorted two groups of Etappers around the route to prepare body and mind for the big day in July.
The scenery is beautiful and the roads quiet; the ride to the Ventoux takes in ancient hilltop villages linked by small cols and valley roads……unfortunately though for the Etappers that big lump at the end visible throughout the ride is going to dish out some pain after a 130km.
The first bit - Montelimar to Nyons
It will be a fast start out of Montelimar, follow in the wheels and avoid the street furniture. Do not make any dangerous manouvres and keep a straight line. I magine that anyone near you could fall off at any time and be prepared for evasive action. Slpstream the riders in front, if they are going to slow wait for a faster group to come past and jump on; too slow? Don't try and hang on and go in to the red, drift back and tuck in to a group you feel more comfortable with.
The first climb the Cote de Citelle is just over 5k long with about a 5% gradient this will be a bottle neck as riders bunch and fill the road. The descent is pretty straight but the road surface is rough, almost corrugated. Make sure your bottle cages are tight losing a bottle now could be disastrous.
Be patient and make up the time on the descents and in the valleys, ride with a group if possible to share the pace.
Roads are narrow in placeS so steady riding and concentration will be needed, when riding in thw wheels be aware of the road surfaceas there are lots of potholes and cracks for wheels to drop in to.
Second climb the Col d'Ey is about 3% - 5%,a lovely ascent, enjoy the scenery. Another big long descent but one you need to pedal down to keep the speed up. In the town square of Nyons there is a large water fountain of drinking water, fill your bottles here and throw in a couple of Nuuns.
Hydration will be the key to survival in this Etape.
The Cole de Fontaube is similar to the Col d'Ey in gradient but slightly shorter urging you to ride faster and slingshot out of the hairpins, hold yourself back.....after the descent the valley gradually climbs to Aurel and the legs start to feel the pace, there is a little kick before Sault. We had three riders climb in the van here from dehydration it gets very hot, it went up to 38 degrees during the ride.The Ventoux is looming over your right shoulder as the route circumnavigates the mountain.
You will note from the Etape's profile that the route gradually climbs all the way to the Ventoux.
The second bit - Sault to Ventoux
A shorts descent out of Sault and we start climbing again to the Col de Notre Dame at 1000m ..it is the steepest climb so far as it traverses the side of the escarpment and it does go on for a bit. You think you are at the top and then the road drops away and it is a roller coaster to the summit which is quite draining. It does not feel like a mountain though it is like riding over an escarpment.
This is going to catch a lot of riders out, big open roads, it is going to be hot and it may be windy; and it is still about 50k from the finish. Off the top there is a big open descent down to Villes-sur Auzon, the route turns right just past here to Bedouin via Mormoiron. A gradual uphill again on small back roads.
Take on food and fluids here before Bedouin to digest before the climb proper starts. After Bedouin (lovely market here on a Monday) the straight road climbs gradually out of the town through vineyards and orchards. A zig zag sign heralds the start of the climb proper through the forest, turning left the road kicks up and another sign confirms the average gradient at 9.1% some time after your legs have already told you.
Nothing to see here but trees and the tarmac, it is steep and a little boring here but once you get to Chalet Reynard the road flattens slightly, thre trees dissappear and the mountain welcomes you with a cooling breeze. Have an energy bar here just to make sure you don't pop before the top. Allow about an hour for the 'forest' section.
After Chalet Reynard the road climbs again but the gradient is easier and you can see the summit and it looks just like the photos. There was only a light wind when we were the but the weather can change dramatically, Warrick's experience was a little different. Watch out for crosswinds, say hello to Tommy when you pass his memorial, imagine you are a pro, lift your knees and go for the summit - no whinging - it was your idea!
Link To Darren Barclay's Etape Nutrition Guide ..more
Link to Form 2009 Etape Hydration Guide ..more
Link to Form Nutrition Website ..more
Link to Alex Fugallo Etape Osteopath Guide ..more
Official Etape du Tour 2009 Route info is now available ..here
View more photos ..here 
