25/07/2026
Reflecting on a brutal week in the French Alps: Why setup matters on big mountain stages!
Just back from a week in the French Alps riding in the summer heat, including tackling L'Etape du Tour on the Stage 20 route! 🇫🇷🚴♂️
It’s a brutal course,but hugely rewarding. Having ridden it firsthand here’s what makes this terrain so demanding on rider and machine:
⛰️ The Climbs: The Col de la Croix de Fer hits 13% gradients early on before heading toward the Telegraphe and Galibier. When you’re spending hours at high power output on steep ramps, dialed-in bike fit geometry is the difference between efficient climbing and total power loss or lower back fatigue.
📉 The Descents: Technical downhill sections on narrow roads, tight bends and high speeds (80–90 km/h on open stretches) demand complete control. Proper bike setup, weight distribution and reach are essential for confident cornering and handling when fatigue sets in.
Looking forward to seeing the pros take on these exact roads today. putting into perspective the sheer pace and skill of the peloton.