(Article published in the magazine BB n.38. Photo Sergi Ros)
A good debate paved the highest port in the Alps ... Only a few details to conclude that this is indeed the Iseran, with its 2,770 meters. The Col de Restefond rises to 2,762 meters and Bonette loop goes up to 2,802 meters, but can not be considered strictly a port. The same applies to the Solden glacier in Austria, which reaches 2,829 meters. No one can speak of the highest climbs in the Alps without referring to the mythical Sommeiller, reaching no less than the 3,009 meters and is accessed by a door partially unpaved from Bardonecchia in Italy. And being a mythical name unpaved ports in France is to do another big unknown as aa Parpaillon 2650 meters, the other with two sides ... So many names and only some of them conquered. There is so much to do ...
The marathon is a port Iseran by the two sides, both north of Bourg Saint Maurice (35 km from Ste Foy Tarentaise, overcoming a drop of 1,710 meters, an average of 5% gradient) as the south side, from Lanslebourg (33 km, an average of 4.2%). We ascended the north side. The first installment of Val d'Isere approach road is very wide, four lanes. Also in this section we with several tunnels, bright but always make you alert. Incidentally, Terradiversions Angel told us to take the obligatory rear lights on the bike for the passage of the tunnels, since otherwise the French gendarmes could fine. Obviously, we fully listen to their recommendation and finally got some lights that are placed on the handlebar cap perfectly fulfilled its function. I have not taken me since then, always welcome, and not the weight ... In an ascent
so long, seven miles of false flat which is the step by Val d'Isere is truly appreciated. We must save our strength for most dramatic increase: a very long horseshoe curve at its highest point offers a spectacular view of Val d'Isere and the first part of the climb. The slope in this section is hard and sometimes get to 7 and 8%, but at no time is so hard not to appreciate the splendid scenery that opens to our right.
Iseran is just awesome. We are fortunate that time with us, and how. Only a week before our visit to the Alps, in this same port, the top temperature reached -5 °. When we went up we had a superb summer day because, well, we enjoyed the presence of snow, not only at the curb, but that in many parts of walls of snow that we found were higher than 2 meters.
The truth is that Iseran up on Saturday and on a day so wonderful, we have a great atmosphere, and many cyclists during the ascent. Of any kind, form and level. Many wore jerseys of companies riding routes through the Alps stages. English, Italian, Australian, Belgian, French course, and that group of English people who were enjoying more than anyone I believe. Once arrived
up a lot of people admiring the scenery. It's time to look in all directions, watching the snow still abundant in the vicinity, enjoy cycling and mortar environment that breathes. What enjoyed the Iseran is the culmination of the Alps, is a destination in itself. And we are privileged, enjoying it all in one place, at almost 3,000 mtros not forget where it is easy for the weather gets rough.
Iseran is also in the typical shop at the top where you can buy souvenirs. Not too many riders motif (although we did find the typical T-shirt with the words "Le plus haut d'Europe et al), but in particular for bikers. In addition, this Sabbath was held some sort of rally vintage car that gave color to the rise and also provided some risk because some of the drivers of such classics also seemed to try to drive a Formula 1. Top
find a brochure announcing "L'Iserane" road cyclists test which took place on July 11 that includes the ascent to Iseran, but only from Val d'Isere. Of course, with the road closed to traffic. Val d'Isere - Iseran-Bonneval sur Arc, a distance of 60 km and 924 meters. A nice excuse to raise the Iseran as quickly as possible ...
The Tour de France has been included in the tour, Iseran on several occasions, particularly seven times less than they deserve an alpine giants of this magnitude. These were the years 1938, 1939, 1949, 1959, 1963, 1992 and the last one in 2007. Notably, in 1996, Indurain's defeat, a Tour that is remembered for the bad weather was also expected to pass through the Iseran but was suspended over the port due to bad weather (you remember, the month of Julio!). In 2007, the Tour of Rasmussen and Contador, the Val d'Isere etapón-Briançon, of 159 km, including the day you will climb to Iseran, Telegraph and Galibier, with final victory of the Colombian Mauricio Soler.
For our part, that day in the Alps completed the stage with a beautiful and lengthy decline that leads to Lanslebourg. And Mont Cenis was the perfect complement to Iseran ascension to complete another stage worthy of a Tour de France. Only 107 km, but with a cumulative altitude of 3,000 meters. Mont Cenis is unique in that its top is a vast plain and a large dam which translates into more than ten kilometers of flat before starting the descent towards Italy. Tremendous drop in the Italian side of Mont Cenis, and lasts much longer that way. Per
the big star of the day is Iseran. One of those ports that a cyclist worth his salt has to have in your particular curriculum. And if you decide on that fortune smiles you, accompanies you time and allows you to enjoy that mountain in all its glory, enjoy it the most because it will be one of your top moments as cicloescaladores.
0 comments:
Post a Comment