Best time for Ditchling Beacon?

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

I don't think there is much between the gradient of Ditchling and sections of the Croix de Fer, and the ramps on Alpe D'Huez at times equal that gradient, but the length of them is relentless.

Don't believe Stu, there are NO flat bits - ask Adam....

[Stu Merckx Man]

on the col du mente, half way up theres a 500m section of down hill, and on the col du pyresourde there was a mile or so of level ish road, probably 1 or 2%....but i spose that might still be a struggle you sprinters ....im looking forward to the up hill finish at hillingdon

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

There is a drop on the Col de Croix de Fer, but you end up climbing higher anyway, so hardly costitutes a "rest".

Where exactly is uphill at Hillingdon?

[Stu Merckx Man]

thats it paul, if denial stops the fear stick with it

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Oooohhh errr, have I touched a nerve there?

[Stu Merckx Man]

no no, im just trying to gain the psychological edge before the race

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

No worries then, I'm in with the 4ths

[-Adam-]

I can confirm there was a slightly downhill section on the Col de Ramaz, about 400m or so, theres a bend that tests your concentration somewhat! But all the climbs i did in the Northern Alps were generally uphill all the way, except the descents of course

The thing to remember is, because they're long, the gradient often changes.

I.e The Col de la Colombiere, climbed from Scionzier (sp?) is about 16km. First few KMs are tough, between 7 and 10% then about half way up you get this bizarre almost flat section of 1.5/2% before the last third kicks back up to 8% then the final 3 KM are 11%. You can see the top from 3km away, so imagine how soul destroying it is seeing the top while grinding 39*27 at 40rpm for the last 10minutes!

By the way young Stu, although both Paul an myself are Sprinters. Lets be clear, if you and Paul H climb like rockets, I climb like a sopwith camel. Paul however climbs like the Hindenberg

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

[quote]Paul however climbs like the Hindenberg

[adrian]

I was thinking more Mitsubishi Zero

[-Adam-]

[quote="adrian"]I was thinking more Mitsubishi Zero

[quote="Seanieh_LanterneRouge©"][quote="AJC_Prima Donna Sprinter"][quote="adrian"]I was thinking more Mitsubishi Zero