Tourmalet training tips

[wilko49]

Hi

A group of me and five other work colleagues are having a long weekend in the Pyrenees at the end of September. The big aim is to try and do the Tourmalet. Nothing crazy beforehand in terms of distance - the plan is just to get to the top and enjoy the view!

I'm a keen but intermittent cyclist, usually managing to cycle home (20 or so miles) twice a week in rural Leicestershire (rolling countryside).

Can anyone give any tips as to what sort of training I need to be doing so as to not embarrass myself at the end of September?

Cheers

Andrew

 

[Rob3rt]

Ride your bike more.

 

[cyclewick]

Practice hill climbs, go to a local hill and cycle up it whenever you feel like it, work on climbing technique and breathing technique. And just generally be fitter

 

[Lard Armstrong]

The Tourmalet is a beast. Best ridden from Luz St Saveur, IMHO. Long steady climbs are best for preparation, don't attack it, use a HRM, and stay out of the red zone. Hydrate and eat properly beforehand. The best bit is the descent afterwards.

BTW don't overdo it early on, keep something back for the higher climbs. Once you get past the ski station you have done a lot of climbing, but the hard stuff comes next. The road at the top is quite narrow, exposed, and more hairpins, so make sure you have your wits about you.

To be honest, I managed to ride up Mt Ventoux a couple of weeks ago, without any training other than the daily commute. I didn't break any records though :-)

 

[HLaB]

At the start of the month I done the Marmotte my training technique was just to get out and ride more. Perhaps hill Eastern England bump reps would have helped but I find them boring and never particulary went out of way to find or avoid hills. As a warm up though I went to see friends up north and done the Cairmgorm Sportive.

 

[bornagainst]

See if your bike will accept a bigger rear cassette.. 28 / 30 with a 34 on the front will really make the difference if you start to struggle..

I've only ridden it once, and it's a beautiful, long, stunning ride...

And don't even think about chasing one of the faster blokes who will come past you. Tourmalet attracts some very fast dudes!!