Day Five - interview with Three Cyclists from La Haute Route

Wednesday 24 August 2011

Location Pra Loup

Name	Lynn Girdwood
Where From	Glasgow
Age Bracket	37
Why Haute Route	It was Jo’s fault (her teammate - interviewed Jo on first day). It is also a challenge, I’ve only done a few sportifs, I was over in Annecy (France) last summer and did some of the Cols from the TdF and wanted to do some more.
Bike	Scott Contessa CR1
Secret for Haute Route	My gloves - I’ve used the same ones each day, I’ve also got two pair of shoes but only using the one set. NOTE - Jo and Lynn are currently in first place in the Womens Duo standings
Top 3 Excuses	I don’t do excuses.

Name	Graham Edwards
Where From	Bath UK - two from the Bath Club
Age Bracket	46
Why Haute Route	Done the Etap three times, Marmot twice and I suppose I’ve done a lot of one day events. I originally planned to do the coast to coast ‘Pyrenean Raid’ but once I saw this, I couldn’t resist. It ticked all the boxes, it was timed, it was 6 sportifs back to back, had a TT hill climb and in the mountains. What’s better than riding the classic mountains.
Bike	Focus Izalco - bought through Wiggle
Secret for Haute Route	I read up a lot more on recovery, compression tights and protein recovery drinks. I bought some carbon wheels, tubulars, and have no regrets in buying them. They are fantastic, best bike investment I’ve ever made, Olympic Gold, Jan Ullrich’s wheels.
Top 3 Excuses	Not really an excuse but I was concerned of failure, doing 7 days riding on the trot and really wondered what the level of competition would be like.

Name	Simon Kenyon
Where From	London England
Age Bracket	42
Why Haute Route	The Haute Route seemed like a good idea when it was announced, and it still seems like a good idea. Originally entered as a solo but now as a team of 4. Surprising we are winning (the team classification) by miles.
Bike	BMC Pro Machine - 2010
Secret for Haute Route	Recovery - including eating, staying off feet and compression gear (currently not wearing due to smell).
Top 3 Excuses	If I do have an excuse it would be due to not eating pre ride, mainly due to be unorganised. Thank goodness, it hasn’t happened while at HR.