Powell, Kellim and Barrett conquered six climbs with two major ones today, enduring the scenic views and unprecedented heat in the western French Alps. Their first climb comprised a daunting ascent to Col du Glandon, a lofty mountain pass 13.1 miles long with just under 5,000 feet of vertical climbing. This arduous climb featured an average gradient of 10%, demanding every ounce of their focus. The subsequent leg of their adventure led them through (up the backside of) Alpe d’Huez, 11.6 miles with 3,800 feet of vertical climbing.

Covering a total distance of 91 miles and climbing 11,423 feet, their accomplishment was more impressive due to the soaring temperatures. Such that the organizers moved the original start time for the trek earlier in the morning. Even with the early departure, temperatures soared to nearly 90 degrees and remained throughout the day. Despite this, the trio stayed together most of day, displaying great perseverance and endurance.

Given it is hard to tell who is who while in their kit, here is your cheat sheet: Powell is #290, Kellim is #359 and Barrett is #304.

Read below to learn more about tomorrow’s stage, as described on biketips.com.

Stage 3: Bourg-d’Oisans-Alpe d’Huez: 83 km (2900 m Elevation)

© Haute Route

Are you walking like John Wayne yet? Don’t worry; there’s plenty more to come.

You’ve got a spectacular day ahead of you, which includes my favorite route in the French Alps, the Route des Travers: breathtaking views, complete tranquility, and almost no cars to be seen.

The Col de Sarenne comes at a cost: 12.8km long, averaging 7.5%, with a 7 km stretch averaging over 9%.

On your way back down, look to the left and enjoy the sprawling views of the Bourg-d’Oisans valley; you’ll soon cross Alpe d’Huez and descend the climb you did the day before.

Finally, you’ll loop back around until you hit the foot of the iconic climb of Alpe d’Huez made famous at Le Tour. This time you go up it.

Read the full article at https://biketips.com/haute-route-alps-2023/.