This Sunday, June 30th, I took part in the Grand Bo 2013: a lovely 125 km course The Grand Bo 2013 with 3000 mD+ through the Col de la Croix Fry, Fleurie, Mont Saxonnex and Colombière.
Finally for 2013 the weather is just perfect (rain and cold the day before, phew…), the form is there (good dispositions on the last training sessions) and not sick like at the Time.
Dream weather, not cold, no wind.
Regarding equipment
for the first time in 2 years, I’m giving up my ultra-light carbon phone number library wheels at 1kg a pair. I’m replacing The Grand Bo 2013 them with an aluminum wheel/tire set on the front and a carbon light tire with a latex inner tube on the back. My latest performance tests have shown that it performs as well as tubulars. I also chose this option for the superior braking quality on aluminum and the ease of repair if necessary. Like every year, there are 450 to 500 of us at the start of this cyclosportive, which deserves even more competitors. The organization, safety, and post-race atmosphere (volunteers and great meals) are truly flawless!
Traditional pre-departure photo with Marc, also from Belfort!
The start is neutralized for the exit time from Grand Bornand then we attack directly the Croix Fry. This year it doesn’t climb too fast until the exit from La Clusaz 244wnp over 11min compared to 268wnp 2012. That’s good because I like fast starts less and less! Then it picks up a bit @305w for a few minutes but it’s finally after
The Aravis Croix Fry junction
that we have to get the watts out. 10 min @315wnp/310wavg. As if you think lead magnets are only usual I manage and let the group stretch out enough to drop not far from the front without burning myself out too much and come back on the descent. At the Junction before Thones the pace slows down and to my surprise it will remain quite calm until the foot of the Col des Fleuries.
Apart from a few 1 to 2 minute speed bumps passed around 360 watts, it’s going book your list easy. 233 wnp over 50 min compared to 255 wnp in 2012. On the final of the Fleuries it livens up a bit for 6 minutes at 320 w to keep from getting lost. I arrive at the foot of Mount Saxonnex with all the big favorites, we find Nicolas Roux and Ougier, Guillaume Novel, Pessey Jean Francis.