The true nature of the Haute Route Alps was revealed to the riders today during the 164 km marathon stage, linking Val d’Isรจre to Serre Chevalier. To overcome this third stage, participants pushed their physical limits and tested their mental resources.
Today’s agenda: some of the highest and most challenging passes of the route, cold temperatures at altitude, breathtaking landscapes, an unprecedented foray into Italy, and memorable descents.
The 164 km stage took the 550 riders over 3 passes and 3400 meters of positive elevation gain. Being one of the marathon stages of the week, this day forced riders to push their limits with bodies and minds already being well tested after two days of racing. The leading athletes delivered exceptional performances by crossing the finish line well ahead of schedule, while some participants spent more than 10 hours on their bikes.
At the starting line in Val d’Isรจre, riders were nervous thinking about the day ahead. Right from the start, the Col de l’Iseran loomed before the riders. Made more challenging by altitude than by elevation, the climb surprised many riders who reached the summit breathless, but a bit earlier than expected. At 2770 meters above sea level, the temperature hovering around one degree Celsius did not prevent the riders from enjoying the descent towards Lanslebourg, offering them spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks and the Vanoise National Park.
The various groups of riders then took turns to cover the kilometers in the Haute Maurienne valley until the foot of the Col du Mont Cenis. The roads shielded the riders from the wind and higher temperatures during the ascent. At the summit, the riders were greeted by the turquoise waters of the lake and the characteristic rocky peaks of the Alps at the Italian border.
The town of Bardonecchia welcomed the Haute Route Alps riders for the first time in its history. Spectators lined the roads to cheer for the riders before the last climb of the day, the splendid Col de l’Echelle.
Champion Peter Pouly and his runner-up and teammate Ariya Pounsavath arrived in Serre Chevalier, averaging over 30 km/h on the day’s stage and covering 428 km since Saturday. Finishing third in a tie, David Polveroni and Jurgen Pansy crossed the finish line hand in hand. Among the women, Tatjana Ruf continues to dominate the race, finishing in just under 5 hours. Amelie Laurendon and Marg Fedyna complete the podium.
