SJP 2010 CYCLOSPORTIFS: Oetztaler Radmarathon

August 30th, Start / Finish: Sölden Austria

238kms, 5500m of climbing. A loop through the Oetzal alps, past Innsbruck, briefly into Italy and back to Sölden. This one is so popular there is a lottery to get in.

After the Marmotte in July my enthusiasm took a kicking. I was regretting signing up for this one as I had to keep some sort of fitness for another 6 weeks as this was to be the longest ride I'd ever done. I hadn't perused the course in detail until the night before. The final climb to the Timmeljoch Pass (2509m): 28.7kms of climbing with an average grade of 8%, climbing 1759m?! That's something like 14 consecutive times up Cochrane hill after already doing 180kms and 3700m of climbing !! Luckily, somehow, it didn't seem that nasty.

I finished in 9.33, 1029th out of 3900. Everyone had a timing chip attached to their number that was then mounted on the handlebars. My computer at the finish said 8.33hrs. It wasn't until I received an email with my various splits over the 4 climbs did I realize I had spent an hour at the various rest stops. My climbing splits were between 500-550th for each of the 4 climbs so I was surprised that my fitness was still pretty good.

It started at 6.45am. All 3700 people on the line. I was lined up more than 1km from the line. Everyone had a number on their back with their name on it. Mostly Germans, Austrians and Italians. Only 3 Canadians, with one finisher (yes!).

The first 30kms were all downhill then boom, in the town of Oetz, first roundabout and the road shot up at 12% and continued for another 18kms at an average of 8%, the road was packed with cyclists. One great thing about this sportif, all the roads were closed to traffic.

On the finish line I told Marlen to remind me I said "never again" but I just saw a sportif the day after the Tour of Lombardia (Oct17) on the same course....well, one more? I can't let my fitness go to total waste.