Alp D’Huez Race Report 2023

On the bike and we had a tiny hill, before riding along the dam and then following the valley for 25km through the Alps. It was beautiful and fast! Averaging close to 45-50km/h at moderate effort. The first climb was a big one.

Riding up for some reason I thought it was only 7km, but speaking with a Belgium dude he informed me I had about 8km to go (this was after almost 7km of climbing). Ah, so this was going to be a solid hour of climbing.

The descent was technical and fun. An American commented that he didn’t realize Aussies could descend so well… somewhat ironic considering what happened later. We hit another valley and things were really spread out. At times I found myself totally alone on the road. It was false flat, I felt tired, slow and lacking rhythm. Someone passed me and then I had something to focus on. It didn’t seem quite as hard. The gap grew to 30-40m and then would shrink and I’d pass before being passed back and the gap blowing out. This went on for about 5km.

We then hit the final few km of this climb and started catching others who 90km in seemed to be blowing up. I felt decent for 3hrs in but was being conservative as I knew the Alp D’Huez climb was going to be hard. I’d been fueling well (~100g carb an hr).

Over the top and the descent was technical. It was enjoyable, but I was with some guys and I worried about them holding their lines etc. I then made a foolish decision and passed on a straight section.

It was nice now being able to pick and choose my line and braking. However, about 2mins later, after another fast section I saw red padding on a corner ahead. I couldn’t see the exit of the corner and I started to brake hard. Too hard and I locked up.

I adjusted the brake pressure and started to turn, locking and drifting. I considered leaning the bike but lacked confidence on the rental. The lock-up/drift happened 2 more times before I ran out of road space.

I clipped the guard rail and my handlebars caught on the H struts behind the rail which held it in place. As a consequence, I did my best Superman impression and flew over the rail (hitting it hard with my leg) into the scrub. My thoughts were hope I don’t hit a tree, or end up too far down the cliff side.

I was a bit shaken, I glanced at my leg and saw a deep cut, which was stark white before slowly turning a crimson red. I wasn’t entirely sure what I should do. People kept asking me as they rode past, am I ok? Was I ok? I climbed back over the guard rail and checked the bike. It seemed okay for the most part. Wheels still spun and brakes worked. I decided to hop back on see if I could still finish.

I descended further, overtaking a few people while rolling down… what was I thinking? I wasn’t, was the answer. I was just focused on continuing. My mind thought maybe I can still run. Yes, I can still run.. I just need to get to T2 and all will be alright.

I hit the short flat section before the formidable climb up Alp D’Huez and had to pedal. Both legs started to cramp, I had to stop and jump off the bike. All thoughts of running well evaporated instantly. My quad was burning where the cut was and I prayed my quad wouldn’t cramp, as it hurt enough already. After a couple of minutes, I forced myself to get back on the bike. Waiting by the roadside wasn’t helping me get to my goal. Just get to T2 and see medical. The cramping in my legs eased as I spun tentatively down the road. I looked up and then had to look even further up to see the top of Alp D’Huez. It was intimidating, I wasn’t sure if it was possible to ride up in my shape.

I tried to shift my big ring to the inside and noticed the shifter had been snapped off during the crash. Oh man, just what I needed… It hurt immensely to pedal sitting down, so I stood up. Just get to the U-turn, and then we’ll see.

I’ve virtually ridden Alp D’Huez many times in training, and typically it’s a solid 4-5min hard effort to turn 21. So mentally I knew I just had to suffer for <10mins and I’d get there. When the pitch dropped on the hairpin I could sit, and then it was back to standing to shoot for turn 20. One turn at a time is all I focused on. I got to turn 15-16 and had a good view of back down the valley. 2 things occurred to me: 1) The hardest part was done 2) I was pretty high up already, I can do this!