- A nerve racking wait for the guys to come in was tough enough for the support crew! With no idea of how it had gone, all we could do was wait. Jon and Oli had been gridded in the first group behind the professionals which meant the pace was going to be fast. With the sun shining lots too, their nutrition and drink intake had to be spot on.
(Jon)
- A 17 kilometre flat lead in to the stage meant the pace was very fast. At the start of the major climb of the day, we were greeted with a marked walking section because it was too steep to ride. Once back on the bike, the climb started in earnest. The fast start added with the 40degree heat began to take its toll on Jon and so Oli Woods continued to show great team work by keeping motivation levels high and making sure Jon was on top of his nutrition and drinking. This turned out to be the theme of the day… The stage finish, much like the start, was a 20km flat time trial which saw groups of riders flying along the trails. We both dug deep to reach the finish line as the 202nd pair out of 600+ teams.
(Harriet)
- Phew, they were in. We greeted them with loud cheers and claps but both riders looked pretty tired! We could tell the heat had sapped lots of energy out of them but they were both still positive.. Both guys were happy and motivation was high after finishing day one of Trans Alp. After a quick dip in the nearby lake in Saalfelden Leogang, we headed back to camp to shower, eat and rest. This was all done after a great team talk to understand what had gone on that day. Spirits were high as the thunderstorms set in again and we all decided this was a good time to head to sleep!
20th July ? Stage 2 ? Saalfelden ? Mittersill
- Both Jon and Oli had a plan of attack for stage 2. Having had a great team talk the night before, they had agreed to work at a lower intensity prior to the start of the climb. This would mean they had more reserves for the rest of the race. They were also blessed with cloud cover to start the day which meant things were a little cooler.
(Jon)
- The first 13km climb of the day went very well, we stuck to the correct heart rate and energy levels only started to drop in the last 2k. Once the climb was completed, we were greeted with our first proper woodland section which was undulating but very rooty. This lead to groups of riders having to walk several kilometres through these sections. Once through, we had a timed downhill ‘enduro’ section which was 10k of a real downhill racing track… (scary!) This took us all the way to the bottom of the climb where we hit our first aid station. These are placed all across each stage and provide energy drinks, water and snacks. A quick refill and a few smiles were shared about the fun on the downhill section. We then had approximately 6k until the next climb. At this point, the sun was back with avengence! We set back into the same rhythm of the first climb and this worked well. With the King of The Mountain jersey points available on this segment, Oli let fly on this segment. It was a long and hard slog to reach the next aid station which was positioned only 3k from the start of another walking section. The last 2k of this climb were unridable as they were too steep and so every rider had to carry their bikes on their shoulders and climb. From the summit, we were faced with technical traverse across the mountain at which point a lapse in concentration meant that Jon crashed but quickly regained himself and carried on with only a small cut and graze. Finally the downhill arrived, the brakes were off with almost 15k of downhill on gravel tracks. Once at the bottom, we both felt good and could see several groups of riders ahead - aware there was only 4k of flat to the finish line, we both but the hammer down and went. When we crossed the finish line, we had climbed 12 positions to 190th out of 600+ pairs. A good day in the saddle for us.
(Harriet)
- After having woken up with an over clouded sky and no views of the mountain tops, I thought we were in for a cloudy and rainy day. It turns out the clouds disappear very quickly here and before we knew it, our friend of 35 degrees was back. We knew this would have been tough for the guys again and so were anxious waiting at the finish line. They came in at 14:07:59 meaning it had been a 5h07 day for them. With most riders cruising over the line, we assumed the same from the team but no, they had other ideas in mind. A sprint off to the finish line was greeted with huge cheers and claps as they finished stage 2. Again, and unsurprisingly, they looked pretty tired but huge smiles all round. A big catch up and some greatly received food and the guys were ready to head back to camp. Unfortunately no dip in a lake this time but some regional sausages and yummy recovery shakes instead! Back to camp and we recapped over the stage and how to improve tomorrow. Bikes cleaned and serviced it was time for the guys to relax and for me to cook dinner! No thunderstorms yet but some due. Let’s hope they’re not too soon!
An early night tonight ready for a tough 118km stage tomorrow with 3,577 metres of climbing.
21st July ? Stage 3 ? Mittersill ? Sillian
- An early start to stage 3 was a bit of a shock to the system on the wet Tuesday morning. The reason for the early start was to allow more time to ride the 118 kilometres of 3,500m of climbing. The guys were up and about in good spirits and soon after a yummy breakfast of porridge, honey and banana they set off to the start in Mittersill.
(Jon)
- After a huge thunderstorm last night and lots of kit soaked, we weren’t sure how today would go! An early rise and a 30 minute drive to the start meant we had to be up around 5.30am. The day started straight into an 1800m climb, the largest of the day and of the race so far, this involved over 5km of pushing and carrying the bikes as the organisers recommended it to be too steep to ride. There also happened to be lots of snow too which meant we couldn’t ride - this was over 2000m altitude so the air was thin and oxygen supplies low which didn’t help the tired legs either! Once over the top, we were greeted with technical descending which at times was quite slow due to the nature of the descent. At around 50k of descending, we reached the second aid station which by this time had taken us several hours and so we were low on fuel, especially with the very high heats. Once the aid station was done, we started to climb our way up to the finish at Sillian, the only things between us and the finish were 4 small climbs. Both of us put in a great sprint to the line which placed them 11 places higher than where they had started. Rest and recovery was much needed to get our minds and bodies ready for the next day.
(Harriet)
- After taking down the soaking tent at Zell Am See, Lee and I had a 2 hour drive to Sillian. Luckily on the way the weather had got a bit better and the heat was back up super high. We put up the tent again at Sillian, setting up camp and then headed down to the town centre where we decided to take cameras and wait for them nearby the finish. After a few hours of waiting (very anxiously) they finally came in looking very strong. A final push to the line and that was stage 3 done. Phew! Recovery shakes done and some fuel in and repairs to bikes and we gently rode back to the campsite. A meal out in the town was deserved and so was a good way to end the day. We hoped the daily thunderstorm would hold off tonight……… we soon found out we would be wrong!
22nd July ? Stage 4 ? Sillian ? Alleghe
(Harriet)
Phew, a later start! Well 6.30. Maybe not! A really good night’s sleep did help the atmosphere in the camp however and the rain had just passed all night so didn’t affect the riding. We were up again and sorting packing down the ‘pad’ for the journey ahead. A bit more of a routine now so it didn’t take us long at all and the guys set off after their usual breakfast to start the day. I say usual breakfast but porridge wasn’t agreeing with Jon very well so for a temporary measure he had jam rolls!
(Jon)
- I was happy to see that there was an easier start to the stage today, with 10kilometres of ‘undulation’ before the first climb which was only 500metres. With a quick descent we were straight into another 200m climb. After dropping off this climb we then started a 15k drag to Passo Climabanche. At this point I had decided to ease my pace to try and cope with the heat. A nice 10k descent to lead us into the big climb of the day which would take us over 2500m with a 1km walk over the pass. (Ouch!) By the time I reached the summit, I was feeling wiped out, hungry and fatigued. Luckily it was a 25 descent to the finish however not so luckily it was very technical and required lots of focus and mind energy.. Added with the timed ‘enduro’ section it would not be easy. Just as we started the descent, my front fork broke which meant I had no suspension! This is not good for a technical descent as you need relief from the obstacles so bike handling and upper strength was key. This proved very hard when tired. We reached the end however and after seeing Harriet and Lee at the side of the course, sprinted to the end. A hot day in the saddle but a good one nevertheless and another day to tick off the schedule.
23rd July ? Stage 5 ? Alleghe ? San Martino di Castrozza
(Harriet)
- Wow, no rain overnight! That is a first for our trip over through Germany, Austria and Italy.. and definitely a relief! Because the campsite in Alleghe was very deep down in the valley, we didn’t get sunshine until quite late on. This meant that Lee and I could get the tents down and pack everything away without getting burned and having to have the 2nd shower of the day! (Nice) This was a relief. Jon had changed his breakfast once again and was now on muesli which seemed to do the trick. The 5th day in the saddle and the guys were looking forward to it, it was a big day climbing wise but a short mileage.
(Jon)
- Decision made, Oli and I would ride at our individual pace today. Oli had been the stronger rider throughout and so I ‘set him free.’ This relieved the pressure off of my shoulders because then I knew I could ride it at my pace more comfortably without feeling like I was holding Oli up. The stage was a series of small climbs finishing with a longer gradual ascent. I got into my head straight away that I could manage each of these individual climbs as they were short and so kept a good rhythm and individual pace. This system was working well, I felt relaxed and able to ride my ride. My motivation was high as my eldest daughter had finished her first year at primary school and all the way through the ride her favourite song was in my head (Frozen - Let it Go). This saw me in good spirits through these early climbs. Once I hit the final climb of 9k, things got harder. Stung by a wasp on my lip followed by torrential hail (I mean torrential!) I made it to the summit then dropped down the 10k descent including another timed ‘enduro’ section. By the time I reached the finish, I was frozen through but super happy with how the stage went. 5 down and 2 to go.
(Harriet)
- Lee and I managed to set up camp really quickly and then hunt down a supermarket (which wasn’t open because of their siesta!!!) Anyway we then trekked around San Martino Di Castrozza for a pizzeria for somewhere to eat to wait for the guys to come in. We were expecting Oli a bit ahead of Jon but weren’t sure of how either of them were doing. Soon after we had sat down for pizza Oli phoned and had finished! We met up with him and then headed down to the guys at the Shimano tent where they were fixing bikes. Oli needed a new brake and so the guys there fitted one for him, they were great. The wait for Jon was then on and that was when the heavens opened!!!! For real. Hail storms came down and it wasn’t just a passing shower but it lasted for around 45minutes. In that time, Jon had arrived sprinting up the finish overtaking 4 people. The rain was still on so we all made our way back to the camp site.. rather worried about the tent! After some rearranging all was ok and we went out to the local pizzeria for some yummy refuelling dinner again. Hopefully ready for the penultimate day, the guys set off to bed. I really hope we have had the rain for the night!
24th July ? Stage 6 ? San Martino di Castrozza ? Levico Terme
(Harriet)
- the penultimate stage before arriving at Lake Garda and the sun hadn't arrived yet. At least we survived the night in our tents and didn't get flooded by the storms and hail. With the guys ready to go we wished them luck and then started taking down camp... I've lost count of how many times this had been done!! But we got into a good routine and set off for Levico Terme at around 9.30.
(Jon)
- So the approach to today will be the same as the previous day, Oli and I will both ride at our own pace. The stage started with a very short climb, again very managble physically and mentally which was then followed by a long technical descent. The first climb was only 10km long and on a gradual easy gradient, I was soon into my own rhythm and was actually enjoying this climb. The descent came very quickly and was very technical with large rocks and damp sections with a lot of people dismounting and walking but with my XC skills I managed to stay on my bike for the whole descent. Once at the bottom, I was straight into the long climb of the day which was 19km. Again on a nice easy gradient and not too technical so I got into a rhythm and ploughed my way up. Once over the top I knew the hard part of the day had passed. Next was a 25km descent starting out very technical, little heart in mouth, and then easing into gravel paths which were easier to get your speed up on. Once finally at the bottom of the descent I managed to make it to the aid station, take a short breath and compose myself and get ready for a short steep climb. At this point the sun was back very strong and the climb was very exposed. Keeping the sweat out of my eyes was a challenge! Some good commaradery had been formed with friends now so this helped to ease the suffering. Climb done, all that was left was the technical enduro section to the finish line, a great upper body workout to finish hanging onto the handlebars for dear life!!! I finished strong with a 100 place improvement on the day before so was really pleased, only to find out....
(Harriet)
- After pitching the tents and setting up camp Lee and I headed down to race finish to wait for the guys to come in. It was a lovely spot right on the lake side and so it was full of people. We knew that Oli's dad and girlfriend were coming down to watch him in 'Olle' and so met up with them when we saw them at the finish line. They quickly asked us if we knew what had happened to Oli! Panic started to set in as they told us that on one of the technical descents, his chain had broken (which he hadn't realised) and so later on on the descent he went to pedal hard and there was no resistance as the chain was broken and so went straight over the handle bars and was now in a nearby hospital!!! It was a nightmare but at least we knew what was going on. Oli's girlfriend and dad went to collect him from the hospital as Lee and I waited for Jon to arrive (who was blissfully unaware that anything had happened.) As he arrived, sprinting over the line, we informed him and headed off to get the bike cleaned and sorted. Later on we found out that Oli had broken his collar bone and his shoulder socket and so would require surgery the next day, this meant no final stage for him. It was a real shame to lose him.
25th July - Stage 7
(Harriet)
- It was an eventful night last night with lots of very very loud thunder and close lightening but everyone woke up in good spirits ready to start the last day of TransAlp.
(Jon)
- So the morning that I thought would never arrive, had arrived! A different, nervous outlook on the day's stage, wanting to just finish after what happened to Oli yesterday. Even though my team mate was out, if I finished today then I would still qualify as a TransAlp finisher. To start with we were greeted with a steady 10k climb which was followed by 5k of flat and then a little kick upwards of 4k. After I had got through this, I was straight into a 'heart in mouth' wet and rocky descent. With Oli's accident stuck in my mind, I found myself off the bike as I had fallen off and in the process managed to snap my Garmin off and hit my ankle quite badly! Back on the bike, I gave myself a good talking to and got back focused to finish the stage. Once off the technical descent, I had an 8k flat section which lead to the big climb of the day. During this time, I was trying to figure out how I could get my garmin attached back to my bike! This is important as I use my garmin to tell me my distance riding, my heart rate and time and lots more and so it is very useful to know how far through the stage I am and what effort I can sustain. Having got it clear in my head that I would ask for medical tape at the feed station to fix my garmin back on, I was back focused on the race. A shock greeted is all though as we reached the foot of the 14k climb - it was a 14% gradient and within minutes everyone was walking in the 30/35degrees heat. We were all wishing and wishing for the aid station which came after 7k of climbing. Once I was there, my garmin was fixed back onto my bike, I refuelled my bottles and nutrition and got back on my bike for another 7k of climbing. Finally the top arrived and next was a 10k downhill made up of predominantly gravel paths. I found my spirits lift as the finish grew closer. Now with only a 5k climb and 15k downhill and flat to the finish, I could smell the finish line. The climb came and went very quickly and I pushed through the downhill 'enduro' section with a group of other riders which was fun. Then left with 14k through vineyards and the open road to Riva del Garda, I pushed hard, sitting in with groups of riders and then shooting past all the way to the finish. Not quite straight into the lake but it was near enough for me and after collecting my medal and jersey I dived straight into the lake.
Lots of emotions were flying around but fatigue was overcome by elation and the reality that I had finished one of the hardest mountain bike stage races in the world began to set in. I couldn't have done it without the support crew and of course the help of all friends and family. I want to say a huge thank you to Cycle Surgery for sponsoring us and allowing us to do this awesome event, I have had the desire to do this race for years now and couldn't have done it without you.
This has been an awesome season but it's not over yet. I hope to do lots more races and complete it to the full!