Rapha have celebrated the centinary anniversary of the inclusion of the col du tourmalet in Le Tour route by partaking in what can only be described as a ride of most epic proportions. Graeme Raeburn, Matt Brett, Phil Deeker and Ultan Coyle rode the full 326km of the famed 1910 stage, from Bagneres-de-Luchon to Bayonne.
Not content with such a monsterous, somewhat beastly ride, they have also set themselves the target to complete the ride in a time close to that of the 1910 winner, Octave Lapize. Octave completed the gruelling route in around 14.5 hours. Fairly impressive when considering the equipment of the period, and that the stage included a beastly 6000 meters of climbing, taking in no less than 5 brutal climbs, The Aubisque, Soulor, Aspin, Peyresourde and.... famously.....the Tourmalet.
Setting off at 3:30am (a brutal excercise in itself) the boys braved less than idea weather conditions to make the voyage. I particularly love the nod to the days past with brooks saddles and matching bar tape!
The full feature can be read over at
Rapha.
To commemorate the ride Rapha have also launched a gorgeous vintage styled '
Tourmalet' jersey, and are currently running a special 'Tourmalet Exhibiton' at their london home, the
Cycle Club. So head down there, enjoy a nude brew and soak up some epic inspiration for that most hallowed of climbs.
