The Haute Route events are known to be the ‘highest and most difficult cyclosportives in the world’, and although a 23-kilometer time trial might be considered an easy stage compared to the previous days, the reality was quite different.
With the Cime de la Bonette as a backdrop and under a bright sun, the tension was palpable at the starting line as each participant stepped onto the starting ramp.
Throughout the morning, the riders set off every 20 seconds in reverse order of the individual general classification, with the fastest of the first 4 days starting last. With 4 days of cycling and 13,200 meters of climbing in their legs, many felt the accumulated fatigue since the beginning of the week, worried about whether their bodies would hold up to the summit.
The Haute Route Alpes riders tackled the ascent of the Cime de la Bonette, the highest paved road in Europe (2802 meters above sea level) from Jausiers. With 1562 meters of positive elevation to manage, the riders battled against the clock and faced a challenge as much physical as mental through wild and breathtaking landscapes.
Starting from Jausiers, the cyclists took an initial part of the ascent sheltered by vegetation up to 2000 meters in altitude. After 6 km, some riders were already exhausted with 17 km still to go! Before the start, others planned to climb at their own pace and just enjoy the scenery.
As the landscapes opened up to alpine pastures, the riders who managed to take their eyes off the handlebars discovered the magnificent views of the Mercantour National Park.
The last two kilometers of this 23 km time trial are known to be very difficult. As the pastures are replaced by lunar landscapes, the gradient percentages increase. The lack of oxygen at high altitude made the challenge even more difficult, probably making today’s stage the highest and most difficult time trial in the world!
Temperatures had warmed up by midday when the top 10 in the general classification were called to start the time trial.
Encouraged by the residents of Jausiers and the participants already descended from the summit, the time trial offered the competitors the opportunity to jump up the general classification. Peter Pouly delivered a very fine performance today, finishing more than 8 minutes ahead of his rival and teammate Ariya Pounsavath.
Between the 2nd and 10th places, 5 minutes separate the male amateur cyclists. Among the women, only 2 minutes separate the top 3, with no change in the general classification compared to yesterday’s stage.
