Special Edition: Racing the Haute Route Alps - STAGE 1 - Nice to Cuneo
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Welcome to day two of our Haute Route Alps coverage and the opening stage of Matt’s 7-day journey from Nice, in the Côte d'Azur, to Megève, in the Mont Blanc massif.
Matt and his team, the Drunken Donkeys, take to the hills above Nice before taking on the Col du Saint-Martin, followed by the Col de la Lombarde as they cross the Italian border.
Unfortunately, the team encountered some difficulties with the internet connection and Matt’s rundown of the day died in Cuneo.
Luckily, we received Matt’s notes and plenty of photos and clips of stage 1. Check it all out in our video summary of the day.
Be sure to check out our daily video breakdown of the day, every day, and follow us on all of our social media platforms for coverage of Matt's Journey.
We'll have plenty of insights and observations from Matt along the way.
courtesy of hauteroute.org
MATT’S NOTES:
185 km dominated by two major climbs. The first more than an hour. The second lasted what felt like two and half weeks, or maybe three.
We had an early start in Nice. Breakfast at 5 and a bit of hydration. Thanks to Andy at Precision Fuel and Hydration. Absolutely Amazing!
We rolled along the promenade like peacocks in our Pet Shop Boys blue and enjoyed the buzz of excitement.
To start, we focused on 11 km of neutral riding. We climbed out of nice for 10-15 km but it didn’t count as a climb. I was feeling good and pressed it a little too much. Then we hit the Col de St Martin.
We had a welcome stop at the La Fuga feed station for a little fuel and hydration - not on the clock.
We then basked in the amazing views on the descent, a nice calm before the 6-8 mile climb through the valley and a 20-mile climb in the hot temperature on the Col de la Lombarde.
3 times folks were in need of some calories and I happily shared.
Many seemed to be working too hard some even blowing up, including Martin. The gang did an incredible job. Peter and Simon were strong all day, and Panos and Chris managed it well.
It was a long day.
Tomorrow we hit stage 2. I will get a report from the team and grab some insights.
Big lesson of the day:
FUELING AND HYDRATION: Beyond massive. Early, often and more.
Stay tuned for more including the coveted Rider of the Day.
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