Cycling DVDs by Cyclefilm

 

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Tour de Etape

 



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The event that every cyclist should experience at least once in their lifetime. One full stage of the hardest endurance race in the world, the Tour de France. But be warned, it's not all espressos and podium girls. The 15th edition has already been dubbed the hardest L'Etape ever. So be prepared, and make sure you know exactly what lies on the 196km road ahead. Join Michael Cotty - 1st British finisher and 22nd overall in L'Etape 06 - as he discovers the route deep in the French Pyrenees.

FULL ROUTE COVERAGE (37 min Recon - all climbs & descends)
CULTURAL INSIGHTS (local specialities, sights & attractions)
RIDE GUIDE (tips on training, nutrition & riding technique)
BULLET CAM SEQUENCES (all climbs real time & uncut)
OUTTAKES & BONUS FEATURES (another hour of footage)

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Special Thanks

 

 


MICHAEL COTTY (Producer / Recon Rider)
Cannondale

CANNONDALE UK
Website

LISA STONE (Photography)

PLANET STONE PRODUCTIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Just 16KM into the route, Mike takes on the first of 5 mountain passes, the Col Du Port (11.4KM @ 5.3%) Cresting the the Col (27KM), we get a first glimpse at the spectacular Pyrenean autumn scenery. A quick stop to send a souvenir picture to Mum. :: Then starting the long descent followed by a valley road to St. Girons (65KM). 92KM from the Start in Foix :: We set off on Day 2 in St.Lary where the road kicks up sharply onto the Col Du Portet d'Aspet (5.7KM @ 6.9%) Before you know it, you tag the 2nd Col of the route at 98KM. The fast and furious :: The fast and furious 4.5KM descent which follows should not be taken lightly. Olympic Road Race Champion Fabio Casartelli lost his life on one of the last corners! Col De Mente :: You can literally take some speed from the descent into the 3rd climb of the route the Col De Mente (11.1km @ 7%) as it kicks up immediately after the last corner of the Portet d'Aspet. The climb proper (7KM@ 8.1%) starts after 4KM and a short downhill section. Alp d'Huez style switchbacks and some of the steepest gradients of the route can be found on this climb. 114KM after setting off, you will bag Col#3. Without much ado, you will whistles down the long, snaking descent, re-energizing yourself to tackle the BIG one... Brand new road signs at 1KM intervals on a narrow forest road will guide you safely to the top of the monster Port De Bales (19.2KM @ 6.2%). Peaking at 1775m above sea level, you reach to highest point of the route (159KM). Almost there! This is the last 200m stretch where the views are breathtaking (if you still have some!) Tagging Col#4 at 159KM, you can almost smell the finish line... It's lonely at the top! Take care again on the Port De Bales descent as it's narrow, fast, steep and without crash barriers! Gather your breath, 1 more to go! :: Towards the bottom of the descent a stunning view of the valley opens up. Gather your breath, 1 more to go! A quick check of the map confirms that we are on course. The final climb of the route looms about 12KM into the distance... Long, sweeping switchbacks :: Long, sweeping switchbacks and a steady gradient characterize the last 3 kilometers of the Col De Peyresourde (9.7KM @7.8%) Bagging Col#5 at 1563m above sea and 184KM from the start. :: You can be proud of your achievement! This is one to tell the grandchildren... Enjoy the views one last time :: Then heading off into the valley and the finish line. Although the descent is not very technical don't overcook it or you will end up head over handlebar like Jan Ullrich in the 2001 Tour De France. Cruising into Loudenvielle should feel fantastic. Call yourself a 'Giant of the Road' and kick your legs up!

Cycling DVDs by Cyclefilm