Stage 8: Five climbs, 14124 ft. Need I say more?
| Stats for Stage 8. | |||||
| Stage start/finish |
# of Mtn. passes
|
Mileage
|
Elevation gain
|
Ride time
|
|
| Mane - St. Larry Soulan | 5 |
93 mi. |
14124 ft. |
8 hrs | |
The "topo-map" view of stage 8.
Technically speaking this may be the hardest stage with 5 climbs, 93 miles, and almost 15000 feet. This day will require smart riding, pushing hard but still keeping energy in the reserves, eating and drinking a lot, and staying focused. This stage was modeled after what the pros do, the only difference is we are not racing. We push, we ride fast, and it is a hard day in the saddle, but today is also about survival. It is a lot of vertical. Relax, the next day is a rest day.
And the corresponding profile of stage 8.
Again, from the Col d'Azet, looking east and back at the Col du Peyresourde (the gap in the mountain) from which we just came.
7% average grade. Get used to that number. Eventually you'll consider it a recovery slope.
