“Difficulty attracts the man of character, for it is in confronting it that he realizes himself.” This quote by Charles de Gaulle perfectly describes the finishers of the Haute Route Alps, who just completed their extraordinary challenge yesterday in Nice.
For seven days, they tackled the legendary cols of the French Alps, against the clock and in sometimes very challenging weather conditions. The Haute Route is a true test of self-surpassing, both physically and mentally.
After a very intense week of racing, it was with immense emotion that the riders saw the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean upon arriving at the Promenade des Anglais.
With the welcome from their families and friends, the emotion was palpable and tears could be seen on many faces, marked by effort and tanned by the sun, before the riders plunged into the Big Blue:
Finishing is a real accomplishment, and for many riders, it represents the greatest achievement of their lives.
Every stage of the Haute Route Alps 2014, whose course was 90% renewed this year, is now laden with history… The Cormet de Roselend, the highest point of the Haute Route Alps crossed during the second stage (1,967m), the Marathon stage of the third day under torrential rain, the Individual Time Trial at Alpe d’Huez, or even the legendary Ventoux.
Haute Route Alps 2014
Men’s General Classification
- Peter Pouly (FRA) 24:24:33
- Florent Pelizzari (FRA) 24:54:39
- Cédric Paluello (FRA) 24:59:26
Women’s General Classification
- Véronique Fortin (CAN) 28:20:14
- Chrissie Wellington (UK) 29:23:18
- Erica Fogg (UK) 31:20:35
Team General Classification -
La Toussuire les Sybelles 74:58:16
- Froça Nice – Le Café du Cycliste 79:16:02
- Col de Parquetout 83:18:27
