World’s Best Climber + 3kg Bike = Alpe d’Huez KOM? with GCN
Source: GCN Youtube Channel: World’s Best Climber + 3kg Bike = Alpe d’Huez KOM?
Video World’s Best Climber + 3kg Bike = Alpe d’Huez KOM? with Global Cycling Network
Video World’s Best Climber + 3kg Bike = Alpe d’Huez KOM? with Global Cycling Network YouTube Channel.
World’s Best Climber + 3kg Bike = Alpe d’Huez KOM?
Global Cycling Network: Conquering the Legendary Alpe d’Huez
Introduction to Alpe d’Huez
Alpe d’Huez, often revered as a crown jewel in the cycling world, is synonymous with the grueling tests of endurance and skill faced by professional cyclists during the Tour de France. Nestled in the French Alps, this famed ascent poses formidable challenges, making it a magnet for both amateur and professional cyclists seeking to etch their names in the annals of cycling history.
The Challenge: Attempting the King of the Mountain
In an audacious bid, the Global Cycling Network teamed up with Andrew Feather, noted as the best amateur climber globally, to tackle the Alpe d’Huez climb. Feather aimed to eclipse the current King of the Mountain (KOM) record, previously set by Sept Kus at 39 minutes and 54 seconds. Setting out with a specially designed lightweight bike weighing merely 3.6 kilograms, the stakes were high.
Weather Woes and Climatic Challenges
Weather can play a vital role during challenging climbs, and in this instance, a relentless headwind plagued Feather’s initial attempts. Despite being backed by a top-notch team of amateur hill climb champions, the conditions seemed to conspire against them, causing Feather to fall agonizingly short of the prestigious KOM title.
Understanding the Climb: Alpe d’Huez’s True Length
There exists a notable conundrum regarding the actual length of the climb. While some ambitious cyclists have claimed faster times, they often confuse their routes, finishing at the wrong segment. The authentic climb extends 14 kilometers and includes 21 hairpin turns leading to the true summit.
Setting the Record Straight
Many have mistakenly posted rides on platforms like Strava, proclaiming to have bested legendary cyclists like Marco Pantani and Sept Kus. However, the actual finish point is 2 kilometers beyond popular segments, making the comparison unfair. Understanding this detail is crucial for anyone attempting to claim a record on this challenging route.
Equipping the Climber
Equipped with state-of-the-art cycling technology, Feather relied on a meticulously crafted bike built by Jason Wnik and his expert team at Fairwheel Bikes. Each detail, from the ceramic bearings to ultra-lightweight tires, showcased the pinnacle of bicycle engineering aimed at performance-driven climbs.
The Electric Assist: A Game Changer for Domestiques
Human assistance plays a crucial role in the competitive landscape of professional cycling. The Global Cycling Network introduced an e-bike as a domestique to support Feather. The Canyon Endurace Race Onfly, featuring a TQ HPR40 motor, provided essential assistance, ensuring optimal pacing and a significant drafting advantage.
Why Domestiques Matter
In professional cycling, domestiques are unsung heroes, working tirelessly to support lead riders. They provide essential tools like pacing, hydration, and shelter from wind, allowing the primary racer to conserve energy for critical moments. The presence of a domestique can vastly improve the chances of a successful climb.
Overcoming Mechanical Challenges
Before setting off for the ascent, mechanical troubles threatened to derail the entire attempt. Feather’s initial chainring, crafted from carbon fiber, delaminated during warm-ups. Adjusting to setbacks like these tested the team’s versatility and problem-solving skills as they pivoted to alternatives.
Plan B: Adapting to Setbacks
After securing a second chainring, the team faced further complications as yet another made from a carbon-aluminium mix also began to fail. In a quick change, Feather adapted by riding a slightly heavier yet comfortable Orbea Orca bike. This cunning plan demonstrated the team’s resilience and preparedness to face unforeseen obstacles.
The Climb Begins: A Theatrical Journey
With the challenges of technical difficulties behind them, Andrew Feather embarked on the climb, emboldened and driven. He commenced steadily, pacing himself through the steepest portions of the ascent. With power metrics displayed in real-time, the team maintained a rhythm that exalted both effort and strategy.
A Triumph Against Time
Midway through the climb, Feather’s metrics revealed that he was consistently pushing an extraordinary average of 395 watts. With each pedal stroke, he defied the odds, showcasing the potential of human endurance combined with cutting-edge cycling technology. The excitement was palpable as they carved through the famed hairpin turns, each yielding not just uphill but a battle against gravity and fatigue.
Unexpected Interruptions: French Markets and Cycling Misfortunes
No journey is complete without some unexpected twists. In a shocking moment, the team encountered a market obstructing the path, forcing them to dismount and navigate through vendors. The disruption threatened to derail their effort, adding complexity to an already demanding climb.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
With a sense of urgency, Feather remounted his bike after deftly maneuvering through the market, racing toward the finish line with newfound determination. Every second counted, and despite the unplanned stop, the determination to overcome adversity shone brightly.
Final Analysis: A Remarkable Performance
In a stunning twist of fate, Feather completed the climb, averaging 397 watts at a remarkable speed of 19 km/h, showcasing elite-level performance even under adverse conditions. At 66 kg, this translated to a weight-to-power ratio of 6 W/kg, placing him in the ranks of world-class athletes.
Reflections on the Attempt
Post-ride discussions illuminated the resilience shown and the invaluable lessons learned. Feather acknowledged the role of excellent pacing, hinting at potential improvements that could be made in future endeavors. While the KOM title may not have been secured this time, the experience forged bonds and insights that exceeded mere numbers.
Conclusion: The Spirit of Cycling
This experience encapsulates the essence of cycling—resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As Andrew Feather continues to push boundaries and set ambitious goals, the Global Cycling Network remains dedicated to chronicling and celebrating such inspiring journeys.
What’s Next?
The cycling world eagerly awaits what comes next for Andrew Feather and the Global Cycling Network. Whether through record attempts or exciting biking innovations, one thing is for certain: the journey continues, with many more mountains to climb.
The opinions expressed in this space are the sole responsibility of the YouTube Channel Global Cycling Network and do not necessarily represent the views of Bicycles4ever Cycling Culture.