A – Alp D’Huez.
Infamous for it’s 21 bends. Very tough climb at the start and one that nearly all cyclists would like to say they have climbed !
B – Beaufort.
This is a fabulous little town at the bottom of the Cormet du Roselind on the Albertville side. Very famous for the wonderful cheese it produces.
C – Cols.
This is what the Alps is all about . . .climbing and then descending!
D – Domestique.
This is your guide whilst cycling with TAG Ride. Just like famous domestiques of the past who have helped many a winner of the TDF and other classic races.
E – Etape du Tour.
The stage of the TDF that the public can enter and complete. Often this stage is held in the Alps.
F – Forclaz.
There are 3 cols called Col de Forclaz and all of them were used two years ago in the TDF, one of them is the other side of Chamonix in Switzerland.
G – Galibier.
The true monster of the French Alps, a must ride for any cyclists in the Savoie region. 2646 metres high.
H – Heart rate.
You need to keep this at a good rate whilst riding up and down Cols. Also keeping an eye on your resting and recovery rates.
I – Iseran.
The other monster of the Savoie cols, the highest in France after Bonnetti at 2764 metres high.
J – Joux-Plane.
Used in the TDF in 2016 and in the Etape. A tough climb in Morzine and a favourite of TAG Ride.
K – King of the mountains.
Who will it be this year ?
L – Lycra.
Unfortunately we all have to wear it…..
M – Madeleine.
Col de la Madeleine at 1993 metres high is a tough climb, but easily accessible in the summer and links the Maurienne and Tarantaise Valleys.
N – Nutrition.
This is so important for cyclists, whether you take gels, electrolyte drinks, recovery bars etc etc.
O – Oakley.
High quality sunglasses and clothing for cyclists.
P – Pyrenees.
Some huge Cols are here and some of the battles of the TDF are often won and lost here.
Q – Queyras.
The Queyras is a valley located in the French Hautes-Alpes which leads to two incredible Cols. The Col d’Izoard and the Col Agnel. The latter links France to Italy once it opens in summer and is the highest international pass of the Alps at 2744 metres high
R – Recovery.
As important as nutrition. Your body needs to recover andreplace nutrients, salts, proteins.
S – Savoie.
A lot of cycling is done in this mountainous area of France by amateurs and professionals alike.
T – Tour de France.
The most famous cycling in the world, no explanation needed.
U – Jan Ulrrich.
What a legend ! Won Gold and Silver medals in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. Won the 1999 Vuelta a Espana. Famously shouted at his legs whilst racing “shut up legs”.
V – Ventoux.
The famous dormant Volcano in the Provence region of southern France.
W – Wiggins.
Sir Bradley Wiggins. Former British professional road and track racing cyclist. He won the TDF in 2012 for Team Sky. He also still holds the hour record.
X – xtreme.
Is road cycling an extreme sport ? Well it is when you are descending down a Col at 90kmh wearing lycra and a helmet.
Y – yellow jersey.
The unique coloured jersey of the leader of the Tour de France. The general classification is the most important classification and the overall best time of the winner at the end of the race.
Z – Zipp.
Zipp are a company who make wheels and mainly carbon-composite wheels for road cycling, triathlons and track racing.
