Marmotte 2015

barryf42 · 03-11-2014 2:09pm

sports communication who run the event have posted an announcement on their Facebook page, that entries for the grand trophee will open tomorrow morning Tuesday 4th - they have not given a time

Jim Stynes · 04-11-2014 12:16am

Bulmers wrote: »

Lads,

Half thinking of signing up for this, been on the list a while, but just to confirm the costs with classic tours, it's £650 + flights + bike ( ship over or rent)

Didn't realise it was opening this wend so prob need to think quick!!

Do it!

barryf42 · 04-11-2014 9:59am

folks
Marmotte is open for registration online

barryf42 · 04-11-2014 10:06am

all signed up and now for the pain ahead over the coming months.

Leroy42 · 04-11-2014 10:11am

They actually seem to have the whole process somewhat sorted out this year. I went straight through without any hassle.

barryf42 · 04-11-2014 10:39am

Leroy42 wrote: »

They actually seem to have the whole process somewhat sorted out this year. I went straight through without any hassle.

yes - much quicker and cleaner- about 3-4 minutes all in. last year site was crashing when it opened with the volume of people trying to get through.
also they advertised on site last night, that it would open this afternoon.
just checked it by chance to see and in early and done

mp2012 · 04-11-2014 10:44am

All done. Was expecting horrors based on reading previous years. Did you get separate email from bank payment email?

barryf42 · 04-11-2014 10:51am

mp2012 wrote: »

All done. Was expecting horrors based on reading previous years. Did you get separate email from bank payment email?

yes - you will get 2 emails - the first is regarding payment confirmation and the second is some details from sport communication regarding your details. Then around Christmas or New Year they will send you a further email, with a link to the site, that will contain your bib number

pumatrev · 04-11-2014 12:03pm

Lads I have signed up for this but I only got an email from the bank saying payment accepted is this all you get? i.e nothing from the organisers

kilns · 04-11-2014 12:33pm

All signed up also, has everyone got accomodation sorted. I have booked into a campsite in Bourg DOisans via eurocamp, looks good and with proper beds in the tents

fat bloke · 04-11-2014 2:13pm

Signed up.

I hope y'all enjoyed a nice beer and a slice of cake last night, cos the next 9 months are gonna be leaner than the Tower of Pisa.

"Would sir like some more bread or water to go with his bread and water?"

mp2012 · 04-11-2014 2:43pm

Pumatrev, as barryf42 says yoou will get the second email.. It took a good hour or more for my second main to come through.
Kilns do you have the name of the campsite, looking for a good site now for the caravan.

barryf42 · 04-11-2014 4:10pm

on their FB page, the organisers have just claimed there is only 300 spots left- either its gone crazy with entries or they are trying to drive interest - think last year it took 2-3 days to sell out - then again probably lot more UK riders this year as no Tour to follow in Yorkshire

pumatrev · 04-11-2014 6:55pm

I still didn't get a second email just one from the French bank saying the payment was accepted and the money has came out of my account, hope it's not a mess up ðŸ˜£

barryf42 · 04-11-2014 10:12pm

entries are now closed on the website for the marmotte - however if you pay the e150 fee for the trophee d'osians event you will get a marmotte entry this way

Leroy42 · 04-11-2014 11:36pm

^^^^jebus, its getting faster every year. Booked out in 12 hours?

fat bloke · 05-11-2014 1:34pm

Jebus fupping Christ on a bike. it doesn't bode well for my endurance reserves that I nearly ate my own teeth trying to deal with Aer Lingus insanely obfuscatory bike booking system.

Honest to God. It took 6 tries and a total of an hour on the phone, at whatever 50c per second fcuking 0818 number they have.

The Marmotte will be a doddle after that. If at any stage I find my energy reserves flagging I'll just replay today's "An Aer Lingus operator will be with you shortly" jingle in my head.

ggrrraaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!:mad::mad::mad::mad:

Jim Stynes · 05-11-2014 1:39pm

Does anyone have any intentions of doing the time trial the next day? Does anyone know what time it starts? The bike shipping company said they would like to collect the bike around 11am on the Sunday morning. It should only take me 35mins going up the alp haha!

No doubt it will all change that morning when I will hadly be able to move out of bed after doing the Marmotte the day before!

Leroy42 · 05-11-2014 3:13pm

Jim, I had thoughts of doing this myself, but like you I'm not sure of the whole timing for it. I fly back the next day so need to be leaving Bourg by 12. I think I might just get up early (he says now sitting at his keyboard not having just done Marmotte!) and do it myself to avoid all the hassle (or more than likely I'll just spend the morning tyring to pack up whilst dealing with constant cramps)

andy69 · 05-11-2014 9:45pm

Just found out about that TT up Alpe d'Huez....

"The 'Grimpe' is a mass start event, normally starting around 8.30/9am. You can just turn up at the start line and register in the morning!"

.....so, no excuses! Ha! :-)

I was hoping actually it might be in the afternoon as I plan to have a fair bit of a hangover that morning, and such an early start won't suit, but I think it'd be great craic to have a big bunch all charging up the hill so maybe I'll just go mad on Sunday afternoon in the pub instead :-)

Jim Stynes · 05-11-2014 9:50pm

andy69 wrote: »

Just found out about that TT up Alpe d'Huez....

"The 'Grimpe' is a mass start event, normally starting around 8.30/9am. You can just turn up at the start line and register in the morning!"

.....so, no excuses! Ha! :-)

I was hoping actually it might be in the afternoon as I plan to have a fair bit of a hangover that morning, and such an early start won't suit, but I think it'd be great craic to have a big bunch all charging up the hill so maybe I'll just go mad on Sunday afternoon in the pub instead :-)

Sounds good!!!

kilns · 05-11-2014 11:03pm

I am staying at La Belledone, its 2km outside Bourg DOisans

Booked with Eurocamp in a safari tent

Doc07 · 05-11-2014 11:54pm

andy69 wrote: »

Good man! yeah was just talking to Steve there from the Tour Op, and he said there's a few heading out from Dublin, so that's no bother for the bus transfers back to Geneva for the 10:30 flight anyways
Still can't believe Aer Lingus bloody dropped the flight prices after I booked at 160eur! ha! typical!

Getting twitchy fingers here, thinking about booking this. I'll need to something above average for Valentines to swing this one!
Would you mind sending a link or just post the name of the bike hire company you are using. If I go I'm definately not bothered with shipping my bike.

Regards, Doc

andy69 · 06-11-2014 1:02am

Doc07 wrote: »

Getting twitchy fingers here, thinking about booking this. I'll need to something above average for Valentines to swing this one!
Would you mind sending a link or just post the name of the bike hire company you are using. If I go I'm definately not bothered with shipping my bike.

Regards, Doc

Pull that trigger

Here ye go, I was talking to Oliver....

Cycle Huez
Tel: +33 (0)970405921
www.cyclehuez.com

....I used them before a few years ago and they were right in the village at the top. Tour Op says their accommodation is in the village as well so I think everything is within walking distance. Picking up the bike on Friday morning early and returning it some time Sunday afternoon.

Doc07 · 06-11-2014 2:58am

Cheers

luckycharmnp · 06-11-2014 9:30am

didn't realise this would sell out so fast.

Is there any waiting list or alternative entry?

James

barryf42 · 06-11-2014 9:37am

luckycharmnp wrote: »

didn't realise this would sell out so fast.

Is there any waiting list or alternative entry?

James

check can you enter via the trophee d'osians on the site - it is e150 - and covers 4 events , however you only have to do the marmotte

luckycharmnp · 06-11-2014 9:40am

barryf42 wrote: »

check can you enter via the trophee d'osians on the site - it is e150 - and covers 4 events , however you only have to do the marmotte

thanks,will give it a go

Jim Stynes · 13-11-2014 11:41pm

http://sandmteam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/la-marmotte-tips-from-top-parts-1-6a.html
Good read!

Kyran7 · 22-12-2014 5:15pm

Hi Lads,
How is training going for this? I booked my slot. The family are coming with me. We're doing the Campervan thing. Rosslare to Cherbourg on June 27th. Make our way down to the Alps. I'm 40 this year so wanted to do something big. Was going to just fly over and do it but herself said she'd like to go, so two smallies coming also.

I did the Marmotte last year two weeks after the official event. 4 of us did it. Absolute torture. Did it all on the cheap. Worked out at just over 320 euros per person. That was for flight, accomodation, bike hire and car hire. Only stayed for 2 nights.

Great experience altogether. Really looking forward to it but need to get the weight down asap. January will be spent concentrating on that.

Cheers

andy69 · 22-12-2014 6:19pm

Kyran7 wrote: »

Hi Lads,
How is training going for this? I booked my slot. The family are coming with me. We're doing the Campervan thing. Rosslare to Cherbourg on June 27th. Make our way down to the Alps. I'm 40 this year so wanted to do something big. Was going to just fly over and do it but herself said she'd like to go, so two smallies coming also.

I did the Marmotte last year two weeks after the official event. 4 of us did it. Absolute torture. Did it all on the cheap. Worked out at just over 320 euros per person. That was for flight, accomodation, bike hire and car hire. Only stayed for 2 nights.

Great experience altogether. Really looking forward to it but need to get the weight down asap. January will be spent concentrating on that.

Cheers

good man! that'd be a cool trip crossing down through France. And, now you can set up your campervan as you support vehicle parked nicely somewhere on the route so you can drop in for a proper lunch!

My training is on target so far - getting in a 100km solo spin each weekend, along with a shorter recovery spin, and I work evenings so I get a couple of short-n-fast spins in during the week too.
Looking at the route profile, and of the 175km, there's about 60km downhill, so that's 'only' about 115km to deal with

ha!
Jeez though....that section of about 55km of total climbing in the middle looks a bit daunting to say the least.
I did l'etape in 2012 and have covered most of the climbs previously as well so I think it's doable, and probably that 'bit' easier than when you did it last year (i.e. we'll have groups to hang on to etc...)

can't wait for it!!

07Lapierre · 22-12-2014 8:09pm

Thought you lot might like this... The best part of the Marmotte...the first 8k descent from the Galiber!.....

http://youtu.be/jHL45P1w45g

Kyran7 · 23-12-2014 12:16pm

Brilliant stuff altogether. Is this you 07 Lapierre?

Jim Stynes · 23-12-2014 1:21pm

All i can think of watching that is what if my brakes fail!

My training and preparation has been going ok so far. Lost a little weight but still loads to go! I have been getting out of Sat and Sun and doing anything between 120-180km over those two days. I have also been doing a turbo session on wednesdays as well, usually around an hour long and trying to focus on cadence and getting a good tempo going. I just can't wait until the bloody light nights come in! I have been doing a lot of circuit training and boxing as well. Just to keep me ticking over and trying to get rid of the weight. Signed up for Wicklow, Big Italian bike ride in belfast and I am heading to Mt Teide in April so I have plenty of targets to tick off before La Marmotte.

Just looking at best way to get the bike over to France now.

andy69 · 23-12-2014 1:54pm

07Lapierre wrote: »

Thought you lot might like this... The best part of the Marmotte...the first 8k descent from the Galiber!.....

http://youtu.be/jHL45P1w45g

wow! class descending there!

Wonder if there's a way I can get one of them cameras onto my Santa list - they are so cool

Kyran7 · 23-12-2014 2:22pm

Jim Stynes, I rented a bike over there during the summer. 40 euros for two days. Specialized roubaix fully carbon. it was a shop right on top of Alpe D'Hueze. The guy in the shop couldn't have been more helpful. We were staying in a small hotel up there so it was very handy.

You guys are way ahead of me regarding training. All I'm doing is Turbo training. - And eating-too much. I just got into it in the last year really. Used to do bits and pieces. Stopped playing football a year ago and started cycling. I was 12st 8lbs when I went over last summer. Would love to be under 12 this time. Although might not be achievable considering I've put up a stone or more over the past 2 months.

You guys working to a specific plan or just putting in the miles? Do you test? Any specific measures that you do?

Cheers

Jim Stynes · 23-12-2014 3:05pm

Kyran7 wrote: »

Jim Stynes, I rented a bike over there during the summer. 40 euros for two days. Specialized roubaix fully carbon. it was a shop right on top of Alpe D'Hueze. The guy in the shop couldn't have been more helpful. We were staying in a small hotel up there so it was very handy.

You guys are way ahead of me regarding training. All I'm doing is Turbo training. - And eating-too much. I just got into it in the last year really. Used to do bits and pieces. Stopped playing football a year ago and started cycling. I was 12st 8lbs when I went over last summer. Would love to be under 12 this time. Although might not be achievable considering I've put up a stone or more over the past 2 months.

You guys working to a specific plan or just putting in the miles? Do you test? Any specific measures that you do?

Cheers

I'm 6ft and just under 15 stone and playing gaelic still! I've been tryin to put on muscle all my sports career and now I'm trying to strip it all away! My aim is to get to 13 1/2 and would love to get to 13! Id say at your weight you're well ahead of me haha

Also I was looking at shipping my bike over. I will be doing all my training on it so I think I should stick to what I know! Ship my tri bike looks good!

andy69 · 23-12-2014 3:41pm

ah you'll be grand, and sure there's plenty of time anyway - plenty of good sportives to get under the belt ahead of the big day

It's only due to my specific circumstances (cyclist wife, no kids, don't go to work until 3pm) that I can get out as much as I do. Otherwise I'd be on the turbo as well like everyone else.

But anyway, basically, in summary, I'm aiming over the winter at a 100km spin each weekend, solo (in around 3.5hrs), plus the few other shorter spins during the week.
My thinking is that 100 at a steady pace (about 148-avg HR in my particular case) is probably like 120km (or more even probably?) in a group*

Then, use a couple of local clubs spins over Jan/Feb to get a few longer spins in (4hrs or a bit over that by the time I cycle over and back to meeting points)

After the ice/frost risk (around March maybe) get in some hilly spins over the Sliabh Blooms

Then the season kicks off with sportives nearly every week somewhere.

Then there's my 'not-to-be-missed' preparation events (not in order, and weather dependent seeing as I'm made of paper and don't like rain

)...
- Orwell Randonee (140k hilly)
- Mt Leinster (140k hilly)
- 3 Peaks (100k I think?)
- Tour of Foothills (120k hilly)
- Tour of Louth (105k hammerfest)
- An Post Burren (160k hilly)
- Wicklow Peaks (102k hilly)

Should be enough hills there to get anyone ready I think

...but apart from all that I haven't given it much thought really. It'll be grand

*I've no scientific proof of this

, I'm just thinking that because on so many group spins I'm sat in with a 110-120HR for so much of the spin. on the other hand, when the hammer goes down, ye can't beat the speedfest on the way home!

07Lapierre · 23-12-2014 5:34pm

Kyran7 wrote: »

Brilliant stuff altogether. Is this you 07 Lapierre?

Yep .. It's me alright... I really enjoyed it! Great feeling overtaking other riders and "sweeping " through the bends.. Great fun!

07Lapierre · 23-12-2014 5:55pm

Jim Stynes wrote: »

All i can think of watching that is what if my brakes fail!

My training and preparation has been going ok so far. Lost a little weight but still loads to go! I have been getting out of Sat and Sun and doing anything between 120-180km over those two days. I have also been doing a turbo session on wednesdays as well, usually around an hour long and trying to focus on cadence and getting a good tempo going. I just can't wait until the bloody light nights come in! I have been doing a lot of circuit training and boxing as well. Just to keep me ticking over and trying to get rid of the weight. Signed up for Wicklow, Big Italian bike ride in belfast and I am heading to Mt Teide in April so I have plenty of targets to tick off before La Marmotte.

Just looking at best way to get the bike over to France now.

Www.shipmytribike.com

Jim Stynes · 27-12-2014 4:12pm

Anybody know what time of gels, bars, drinks etc are used at the stops in the Marmotte? I have a few wiggle vouchers to use and I was thinking buying some energy products to get used to the marmotte gels etc over the winter. Don't want to be using SiS gels for example and come the event having to start taking power bar and the stomach getting cramps!

Leroy42 · 27-12-2014 7:01pm

I don't have a direct answer, but they are well stocked stops. Lots of bananas, rolls, jellies, dates etc.

They also have water and it seems some type of energy drink (though it could have been orange juice!)

It is highly unlikely that they will have whatever you are using. Either the flavour will be different of more likely the brand itself. Poweraid, or maybe powerbar, is a sponsor so I think they have some products.

You should be aiming to be self sufficient, except for water on the ride. Bring enough gels, and powders to get you through. You are putting your body through incredible stress that day so the last thing you need is to placing additional strain on your stomach and thus taking energy away from what you need it for. The stops are good for getting some solid food and water and for resting!

Use the next few months to experiment with different gel flavours/brands and eating/drinking strategies.

Max Rockatansky · 28-12-2014 1:30am

It was Powerbar energy bars and gels at the stops in 2014.

nooneuno · 07-01-2015 1:48pm

Hi all,

I signed up for Marmotte 2015 which was supposed to coincide with a family holiday. The holiday is now on the back burner but I am determined to complete my goal! Needless to say I'd rather not go alone and I don't think anyone in my club is doing it so I am looking for a boardie/s who wouldn't mind another set of wheels to link up with to train/travel etc with.

I did the Etape in 2013 and found it OK except for the last climb which was more to do with my lack of gears than anything else (I got a bit of a shock when I saw some of the rear cassette ratios at the start line on the morning of the Etape! ) - I know the Marmotte will be a different beast. My winter training is going OK, I don't really have much wait to shed being 76-78 Kg at the mo but I always shed a few Kg coming into the start of the season. I've done the W200 a couple,of times and will also do this year as part of the training.

I'm based in the west of the country but as the training ramps up I'll be driving at weekends to where the hills are. If anyone is interested you can PM me.

nooneuno · 07-01-2015 1:49pm

Hi all,

I signed up for Marmotte 2015 which was supposed to coincide with a family holiday. The holiday is now on the back burner but I am determined to complete my goal! Needless to say I'd rather not go alone and I don't think anyone in my club is doing it so I am looking for a boardie/s who wouldn't mind another set of wheels to link up with to train/travel etc with.

I did the Etape in 2013 and found it OK except for the last climb which was more to do with my lack of gears than anything else (I got a bit of a shock when I saw some of the rear cassette ratios at the start line on the morning of the Etape! ) - I know the Marmotte will be a different beast. My winter training is going OK, I don't really have much weight to shed being 76-78 Kg at the mo but I always shed a few Kg coming into the start of the season. I've done the W200 a couple,of times and will also do this year as part of the training.

I'm based in the west of the country but as the training ramps up I'll be driving at weekends to where the hills are. If anyone is interested you can PM me.

Red Belly · 15-01-2015 10:07pm

After a nasty chest infection over Christmas finally got on the trainer this evening to ease back into it. Watched these and they got me in the mood!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sy56ac8iJI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts4H02rTT9Q

rb

07Lapierre · 15-01-2015 10:28pm

Red Belly wrote: »

After a nasty chest infection over Christmas finally got on the trainer this evening to ease back into it. Watched these and they got me in the mood!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sy56ac8iJI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts4H02rTT9Q

rb

Here's another one:

http://youtu.be/nSjzaWKC_LU

Kyran7 · 16-01-2015 12:38pm

Hi Lads,
7816
Have you guys uploaded the medical cert thingy yet? Haven't done it yet, just wondering.

Also, was just having a look at the "sports communication" link. My start number for the day is 7816. I take it this means that I will be starting late enough. Have you guys checked start numbers? What exactly does it mean?

Cheers

07Lapierre · 16-01-2015 2:31pm

Last year my number was 2926 and my start time was 7.30am. As far as I remember, there were two more start times at 7.45 ( 4000-6000) and 8am(6000-8000). So 7816 probably starts at 8am.

andy69 · 19-01-2015 1:39am

Kyran7 wrote: »

Hi Lads,
7816
Have you guys uploaded the medical cert thingy yet? Haven't done it yet, just wondering.

Also, was just having a look at the "sports communication" link. My start number for the day is 7816. I take it this means that I will be starting late enough. Have you guys checked start numbers? What exactly does it mean?

Cheers

I've just checked mine - '8520' is my start number so I'll be chasing ye on the road!

but on a serious note...my data doesn't seem to be very well maintained (wrong DOB and no address etc). can't seem to find a link/button to edit anything, all I have is the page to upload the med cert - have yee updated your own data?

I'll wait till I catch this flu/cold bug that everyone seems to have and then get the doctor to sign my med cert - hardly worth the trip/cost of a visit just to get it signed....might as well get a week off work and a few drugs while I'm there!! ha!

Marmotte 2015

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