This is the website for celebrating the greatest road cycling mountain, the Monte Zoncolan. This site also includes information about the greatest climbers and other major ascents in the World.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
The Giro d'Italia and the Stelvio
Giro d'Italia provides great images and memories from the legendary Stelvio climb!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
King of the Mountains
The King of the Mountains (KoM) is the title given to the best climber in a cycling road race; usually and officially known as the Mountains classification.
In the Tour de France, the leader in the mountains competition wears a distinctive red polka-dot jersey (French: maillot à pois rouge). Although the King of the Mountains was first recognised in the 1933 Tour de France, the distinctive jersey was not introduced until 1975; in the Giro d'Italia the King of the Mountains leader wears a green jersey. In the Vuelta a España several jersey designs have been used, but since 2010 it has been white with blue polka dots.
Most wins, Grand Tours
9: Federico Bahamontes (Spain)
Tour de France (1954, 1958, 1959, 1962, 1963, 1964)
Giro d'Italia (1956)
Vuelta a España (1957, 1958)
9: Gino Bartali (Italy)
Tour de France (1938, 1948)
Giro d'Italia (1935, 1936, 1937, 1939, 1940, 1946, 1947)
8: Lucien Van Impe (Belgium)
Tour de France (1971, 1972, 1975, 1977, 1981, 1983)
Giro d'Italia (1982, 1983)
The "Cima Coppi" (since 1965) is the highest altitude reached during the course of the Giro d'Italia.
The highest point in the history of the Giro d'Italia is Passo dello Stelvio (2758 m). We have already introduced Cima Coppi on our website:
http://killingmontezoncolan.blogspot.com/2012/02/cima-coppi.html
The "Cima Alberto Fernandez" (since 1935) is the highest point of the Vuelta a España. The highest stage finish in history of the Vuelta is Sierra Nevada (2,510 m). Our introcuction can be found here: http://killingmontezoncolan.blogspot.com/2012/02/cima-alberto-fernandez.html.
Tour de France: "Souvenir Henri Desgrange" (since 1949)
The "Souvenir Henri Desgrange", in memory of the founder of the Tour, is normally awarded to the first rider over the Col du Galibier (2645 m) where Desgrenge's monument from 1949 stands, at the south portasl of the tunnel. Henri Desgrange (31 January 1865, Paris – 16 August 1940) was a French bicycle racer and sports journalist. He set 12 world track cycling records, including the hour record of 35.325 kilometres on 11 May 1893. He was the first organiser of the Tour de France, and he was the director of the Tour from 1903-1940. Before him there had been cycle races that lasted more than one day but never a race composed of individual races adding up to a total. His achievement is not only to have created the Tour de France but that that achievement has been copied across the world in a multitude of other stage races from a weekend to a month long.
Tour de France: "Souvenir Jacques Goddet" (since 2001)
Jacques Goddet (Paris, 21 June 1905 – 15 December 2000) was a French sports journalist and director of the Tour de France from 1936 to 1986; i.e. incredible 5 decades! From 2001 a race called 'le Souvenir Jacques Goddet' is organised. The prize is normally awarded for the first rider to cross the Col du Tourmalet summit.
The highest point ever in the history of Tour de France was the 2011 grand border summit Col Agnel (2744 m).
In the Tour de France, the leader in the mountains competition wears a distinctive red polka-dot jersey (French: maillot à pois rouge). Although the King of the Mountains was first recognised in the 1933 Tour de France, the distinctive jersey was not introduced until 1975; in the Giro d'Italia the King of the Mountains leader wears a green jersey. In the Vuelta a España several jersey designs have been used, but since 2010 it has been white with blue polka dots.
Most wins, Grand Tours
9: Federico Bahamontes (Spain)
Tour de France (1954, 1958, 1959, 1962, 1963, 1964)
Giro d'Italia (1956)
Vuelta a España (1957, 1958)
9: Gino Bartali (Italy)
Tour de France (1938, 1948)
Giro d'Italia (1935, 1936, 1937, 1939, 1940, 1946, 1947)
8: Lucien Van Impe (Belgium)
Tour de France (1971, 1972, 1975, 1977, 1981, 1983)
Giro d'Italia (1982, 1983)
The "Cima Coppi" (since 1965) is the highest altitude reached during the course of the Giro d'Italia.
The highest point in the history of the Giro d'Italia is Passo dello Stelvio (2758 m). We have already introduced Cima Coppi on our website:
http://killingmontezoncolan.blogspot.com/2012/02/cima-coppi.html
The "Cima Alberto Fernandez" (since 1935) is the highest point of the Vuelta a España. The highest stage finish in history of the Vuelta is Sierra Nevada (2,510 m). Our introcuction can be found here: http://killingmontezoncolan.blogspot.com/2012/02/cima-alberto-fernandez.html.
Tour de France: "Souvenir Henri Desgrange" (since 1949)
The "Souvenir Henri Desgrange", in memory of the founder of the Tour, is normally awarded to the first rider over the Col du Galibier (2645 m) where Desgrenge's monument from 1949 stands, at the south portasl of the tunnel. Henri Desgrange (31 January 1865, Paris – 16 August 1940) was a French bicycle racer and sports journalist. He set 12 world track cycling records, including the hour record of 35.325 kilometres on 11 May 1893. He was the first organiser of the Tour de France, and he was the director of the Tour from 1903-1940. Before him there had been cycle races that lasted more than one day but never a race composed of individual races adding up to a total. His achievement is not only to have created the Tour de France but that that achievement has been copied across the world in a multitude of other stage races from a weekend to a month long.
 |
| Andy Schleck, "Souvenir Henri Desgrenge" 2011 (photo from Col du Galibier: Touho Häkkinen) |
Tour de France: "Souvenir Jacques Goddet" (since 2001)
Jacques Goddet (Paris, 21 June 1905 – 15 December 2000) was a French sports journalist and director of the Tour de France from 1936 to 1986; i.e. incredible 5 decades! From 2001 a race called 'le Souvenir Jacques Goddet' is organised. The prize is normally awarded for the first rider to cross the Col du Tourmalet summit.
The highest point ever in the history of Tour de France was the 2011 grand border summit Col Agnel (2744 m).
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| Col Agnel 2011 (photo: Touho Häkkinen) |
Monday, February 20, 2012
Cyclist card #2 René Pottier
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| A memorial stone of Rene Pottier (in Ballon d'Alsace) |
His reputation as a fierce climber came on the first ever ascent of the Ballon d'Alsace in 1905.
Pottier was the only rider to finish the climb of the Ballon d'Alsace without walking any part of the mountain.
1906 Tour de France
Stage 3: Sunday, July 8, Nancy - Dijon, 416 km
Major Ascent: Ballon d'Alsace
1. René Pottier: 15hr 18min 41sec
2. Georges Passerieu @ 47min 52sec
3. Marcel Cadolle @ 47min 56sec
4. Lucien Petit-Breton @ 48min 29sec
5. Emile Georget @ 1hr 18min 29sec
6. Alois Catteau @ 1hr 18mn 30sec
7. Jean-Baptiste Dortignacq @ 1hr 18min 31sec
8. Augustin Ringeval @ 1hr 18min 32sec
9. Pierre Privat @ 1hr 23min 44sec
10. Hippolyte Aucouturier @ 2hr 54min 19sec
(for more details, plase see: bikeraceinfo)
Pottier's joy in his wonderful victory was short-lived. On January 25, 1907 a Peugeot team mechanic found him hanging from a hook used to hold his bicycle. His brother Andre claimed a failed love affair pushed this intense Frenchman over the edge. It was said that Pottier despaired after learning that his wife had engaged in an affair while he was riding the Tour.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Gearing for Monte Zoncolan
In 2007 Giro many riders had the lowest gears possible to scale the terrible ascent of Zoncolan, with 34 X 29 compact mounted on the bicycle of Maglia Rosa Di Luca, and some riders were even using triple chainsets, says Velonews.
Jussi Veikkanen (FDJ) was using "tourist gearing" 34 X 27 in Monte Zoncolan. Jussi was 18th at the top of Monte Zoncolan.
In 2010 Giro, Lennard Zinn reported in velonews that "Ivan Basso riding in a 36 X 29, while Vincenzo Nibali and the rest of the Liquigas team struggled a bit more with the gear. But BMC’s Cadel Evans was just barely behind Basso where he passed by with 3.5km to go, and he was doing fine with a 34 X 27. Julian Dean and other Garmin riders came by me with the same 34 X 27 gear.
Damiano Cunego, Gibo Simoni, and the other Lampre riders, as well as Pippo Pozzato and the other Katusha riders pushed their Campy setups all the way to 34 X 29. Alexander Vinokourov and his remaining Astana teammates may have had the widest gear range on Monte Zoncolan: 53-34 X 11-28, and their derailleurs seemed to handle it just fine. Carlos Sastre and other Cervelo riders were also using a 34 X 28, as was Rabobank and Ag2R. Stefano Garzelli and his Aqua & Sapone teammates rode 34 X 28 on the Zoncolan.
Bradley Wiggins and other riders on Sky using oval Osymetric chainrings rode a 38 X 28 up the Zoncolan, while round-ring-riding Sky riders like Michael Barry pushed a 36 X 28. Milram and Columbia-HTC also rode 36 X 28, while Bbox chose Evans’ gearing: 34 X 27."
Interestingly, Alberto Contador was using 34×32 gearing in 2011 Giro. According to Andrew Hood in velonews, this allowed him to keep a high cadence on the ramps as steep as 22 percent.
This information causes a lot of headache for Team Zoncolan...
Jussi Veikkanen (FDJ) was using "tourist gearing" 34 X 27 in Monte Zoncolan. Jussi was 18th at the top of Monte Zoncolan.
In 2010 Giro, Lennard Zinn reported in velonews that "Ivan Basso riding in a 36 X 29, while Vincenzo Nibali and the rest of the Liquigas team struggled a bit more with the gear. But BMC’s Cadel Evans was just barely behind Basso where he passed by with 3.5km to go, and he was doing fine with a 34 X 27. Julian Dean and other Garmin riders came by me with the same 34 X 27 gear.
Damiano Cunego, Gibo Simoni, and the other Lampre riders, as well as Pippo Pozzato and the other Katusha riders pushed their Campy setups all the way to 34 X 29. Alexander Vinokourov and his remaining Astana teammates may have had the widest gear range on Monte Zoncolan: 53-34 X 11-28, and their derailleurs seemed to handle it just fine. Carlos Sastre and other Cervelo riders were also using a 34 X 28, as was Rabobank and Ag2R. Stefano Garzelli and his Aqua & Sapone teammates rode 34 X 28 on the Zoncolan.
Bradley Wiggins and other riders on Sky using oval Osymetric chainrings rode a 38 X 28 up the Zoncolan, while round-ring-riding Sky riders like Michael Barry pushed a 36 X 28. Milram and Columbia-HTC also rode 36 X 28, while Bbox chose Evans’ gearing: 34 X 27."
Interestingly, Alberto Contador was using 34×32 gearing in 2011 Giro. According to Andrew Hood in velonews, this allowed him to keep a high cadence on the ramps as steep as 22 percent.
This information causes a lot of headache for Team Zoncolan...
Giro d'Italia 2012 - list of participants on Feb 19, 2012
Some great names have already proved their participation in 2012 Giro d'Italia. These names includes BASSO Ivan, HUSHOVD Thor, KESSIAKOFF Fredrik, BRUSEGHIN Marzio, and CAVENDISH Mark - just to name a few. Look the list of participants on Feb 19, 2012 at velo-club.net.
Friday, February 17, 2012
They climbed the Monte Zoncolan, comments
Monte Zoncolan, from Ovaro side
From: http://www.climbbybike.com/climb.asp?Col=Monte-Zoncolan&qryMountainID=36
Eudald, Spain
Climbed in 1992 with 3 friends. Is a very nice mountain to go. I think is more harder than Mortirolo and Angliru (spain) which i rate level 3. My rating is 4 because the level 5 i think is only for the maximum climbs: Scanupia-MalgaPalazzo, Nebelhorn, Saltner-Edelweiss and only some others.
Robert, Netherlands
...''Gateway to hell'' is correct under the circumstances! Once on the summit, you feel inconvincible though, as you have just finished one of the toughest climbs in Europe... A couple of days later, I climbed the Mortirolo and that was - or at least seemed - much easier.
jdam, Netherlands
... Did 300 different climbs dureing the last 20 years, but this one is special. I used the 34-25 for the whole climb and it was tough. If yoy ever have the change to climb it. Do so you will remember it. ... I did the climb in July 2011 with perfect weather. Teh first 3 kilomters are tough but when you passed the little village aand have a few meters flat road it begins to climb very steep. I used the 34-25 for the whole climb it''s really tough. Nothing (except the Scanuppi which i did in 2009) can compare to this one. I''ve climbed more the 300 different climbs (not the Angliru) and this one really is special. If you have a change to climb it, do so.
Greg M, Australia
... Rode the Zoncolan on the giro stage for 2011. Had a 34 28 and found it very difficult but possible. The large number of people walking up for the stage and the mountain bike riders wobbling added to the challenge. Had at least 5 people on road and mountain bikes fall over in front of me when they couldn''t keep momentum. A MUST DO climb. Did Stelvio, Passo Giau, Mortirolo, Stelvio and Colle del Finestre and this made Mortirolo seem easy in comparison..... Strangely if I am back in that part of the Alps I''d do it again! :)
Glenn Caruso, United States
The Zoncolan has my vote for the hardest road bike climb I''ve ever done. A technical problem forced me to ride it the first time in a 34-23 and I remember thinking I could have saved a few grams by leaving the seatpost and saddle at home - I didn''t spend much time sitting down. I''ve been lucky enough to catch two Giro stages on the Zoncolan and keep getting attracted to ride it again. The best part is when you get a chance to ride the Mortirolo a few days later and start thinking that one is easy! It would have been a real spectacle if Pantani had ridden the Zoncolan during his best years.
Mike Kilduff, New Zealand
The hardest climb Ive done because of the steepness. I made it up on a 39-24 but after about 4km (the first steep section) I was boiling over so I resorted to zig-zaging up the steep parts of the road.
Arrigo Frisano-Paulon, Italy
It certainly lives up to its hype. Tough, beautiful, and you will need every ounce of strength. But yes, it can be done. Just to give you an idea, I am 42 years old, weigh 80 kilos and did it with a 34x25 (no triple) without stopping, just a few zig-zags here and there. This means its tough, but not impossible. After Liariis you immediately get a sense of whats coming: 300 straight meters, sign says 13% but feels more like 15%. Thats what you get for the next 6 kms: 15% average, 18%-20% max, never under 12%. First 3 kms of those 6 is the hardest part, then 3 to 6 are just a bit lighter but since youre tired from the first part, the pain is the same. When you see Indurain, the tough part is almost over. Last 2 kms are human, with only a violent ramp ca. halfway and then the last 400 m or so at around 12% (curious thing, it almost feels like nothing, compared to the rest). Hard to make comparisons with Angliru... probably Zoncolan is just a bit tougher because you need to be in red zone for 6 kms straight, and thats a lot of time here, with Angliru lets you rest here and there. You need to be mentally tough and know that those 6 kms wont give you any break, never... it just get worse as you accumulate acid.
Richard, United States
I climbed this the day the Giro went through in 2010. By far the hardest climb Ive ever done. I had to get off my bike at one of the few switch backs on the mountain because my hart was going into the red zone even though I was just trying to pace myself up. I hardly ever get off my bike, but I had to here. I was in excellent shape and had trained hard for this particular week of muliple climbs. However, it was much more prudent to get off the bike for a few minutes than to keel over on one of the steep sections of this unbelievably hard ascent. Good luck and leave your ego at Ovaro.
Daniel, Hungary
... It is inhuman. We were all young, accomplished climbers (late 20s and early 30s) but we all suffered terribly, in spite of being in great form. Nothing compares to it Ive ever done. Probably with light gearing I could have enjoyed it somehow... I had 39x27 as bottom gear but I realized that it is somehow easier to go with 39x24. Of course I couldnt sit down on the saddle (almost) at all. I had blisters on my palms by the time I got to the top. I have never, ever suffered on the bike that badly. My average heart rate was 179 for one hour and 15 mins... I have to admit, although I made it to the top, the mountain proved stronger than me that day. For I had nothing left in me, I had to give it everything: joy, hate, anger, theye wer all gone. Only emptiness remained. There and than I swore that I will never, ever again will do that climb on a bicycle. On foot, or with a car, yes. With bike, no. Would I do it again though? But of course... every goddamn year, if I could make it to Italy that often.
Martin, United Kingdom
... Loved the climb. Done several of the other classics (including Huez, Galibier, Tourmalet, Ventoux) and this is as good as any of them. Apart from being (much) steeper it is quite different in character. First the road is very quiet and much of the climb is in woods so plenty of shade (needed!). While there is the occasional hairpin there are also long straight sections which makes the climb all the harder.
Mauro Repetti, Italy
I have claimbed Zoncolan from Ovaro the 28 july 2007. Unhuman, terrible, incredible, I have no others words....it is a lot more hard than Mortirolo.... It is important not only the legs and the breathe, but above all the head....you can climb this one only with the head....you have to find your pedal.
renko, Switzerland
What a mountain!! It is harder than the Mortirolo, no other pass is this difficult. Its not easy to get to, though.
From: http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-647951.html
johnny99
I was watching the Giro on TV this morning and the commentators said the Monte Zoncolan at the end of the stage is the toughest climb in any European bike race. ... Are there any tougher climbs anywhere in the world (on a paved road open to the public)? Anything with an average grade > 10% with a 5000 foot elevation gain?
patentcad
That climb today was the nastiest climb I've ever seen in a grand tour.
patentcad
Yeah, all the Euro bike race guys say the Ventoux is the nastiest climb, but I don't think most of them have done the Zoncolan, which wasn't used for bike races until today's Giro stage.
botto
Mortirolo and Zoncolan have about the same elevation gain, but Mortirolo is only 10.5% average.
Ventoux is taller, but only 7.4% average.
dws5b
“I did the Zoncolan in the 2007 Giro d’Italia and I had bad memories of it but this time it went much better”, Arroyo claimed. “This is harder than the Anglirù in Spain where you have some breathing space every 500 metres. Up here it goes steep for six kilometres with nowhere to recover."
From: http://www.climbbybike.com/climb.asp?Col=Monte-Zoncolan&qryMountainID=36
Eudald, Spain
Climbed in 1992 with 3 friends. Is a very nice mountain to go. I think is more harder than Mortirolo and Angliru (spain) which i rate level 3. My rating is 4 because the level 5 i think is only for the maximum climbs: Scanupia-MalgaPalazzo, Nebelhorn, Saltner-Edelweiss and only some others.
Robert, Netherlands
...''Gateway to hell'' is correct under the circumstances! Once on the summit, you feel inconvincible though, as you have just finished one of the toughest climbs in Europe... A couple of days later, I climbed the Mortirolo and that was - or at least seemed - much easier.
jdam, Netherlands
... Did 300 different climbs dureing the last 20 years, but this one is special. I used the 34-25 for the whole climb and it was tough. If yoy ever have the change to climb it. Do so you will remember it. ... I did the climb in July 2011 with perfect weather. Teh first 3 kilomters are tough but when you passed the little village aand have a few meters flat road it begins to climb very steep. I used the 34-25 for the whole climb it''s really tough. Nothing (except the Scanuppi which i did in 2009) can compare to this one. I''ve climbed more the 300 different climbs (not the Angliru) and this one really is special. If you have a change to climb it, do so.
Greg M, Australia
... Rode the Zoncolan on the giro stage for 2011. Had a 34 28 and found it very difficult but possible. The large number of people walking up for the stage and the mountain bike riders wobbling added to the challenge. Had at least 5 people on road and mountain bikes fall over in front of me when they couldn''t keep momentum. A MUST DO climb. Did Stelvio, Passo Giau, Mortirolo, Stelvio and Colle del Finestre and this made Mortirolo seem easy in comparison..... Strangely if I am back in that part of the Alps I''d do it again! :)
Glenn Caruso, United States
The Zoncolan has my vote for the hardest road bike climb I''ve ever done. A technical problem forced me to ride it the first time in a 34-23 and I remember thinking I could have saved a few grams by leaving the seatpost and saddle at home - I didn''t spend much time sitting down. I''ve been lucky enough to catch two Giro stages on the Zoncolan and keep getting attracted to ride it again. The best part is when you get a chance to ride the Mortirolo a few days later and start thinking that one is easy! It would have been a real spectacle if Pantani had ridden the Zoncolan during his best years.
Mike Kilduff, New Zealand
The hardest climb Ive done because of the steepness. I made it up on a 39-24 but after about 4km (the first steep section) I was boiling over so I resorted to zig-zaging up the steep parts of the road.
Arrigo Frisano-Paulon, Italy
It certainly lives up to its hype. Tough, beautiful, and you will need every ounce of strength. But yes, it can be done. Just to give you an idea, I am 42 years old, weigh 80 kilos and did it with a 34x25 (no triple) without stopping, just a few zig-zags here and there. This means its tough, but not impossible. After Liariis you immediately get a sense of whats coming: 300 straight meters, sign says 13% but feels more like 15%. Thats what you get for the next 6 kms: 15% average, 18%-20% max, never under 12%. First 3 kms of those 6 is the hardest part, then 3 to 6 are just a bit lighter but since youre tired from the first part, the pain is the same. When you see Indurain, the tough part is almost over. Last 2 kms are human, with only a violent ramp ca. halfway and then the last 400 m or so at around 12% (curious thing, it almost feels like nothing, compared to the rest). Hard to make comparisons with Angliru... probably Zoncolan is just a bit tougher because you need to be in red zone for 6 kms straight, and thats a lot of time here, with Angliru lets you rest here and there. You need to be mentally tough and know that those 6 kms wont give you any break, never... it just get worse as you accumulate acid.
Richard, United States
I climbed this the day the Giro went through in 2010. By far the hardest climb Ive ever done. I had to get off my bike at one of the few switch backs on the mountain because my hart was going into the red zone even though I was just trying to pace myself up. I hardly ever get off my bike, but I had to here. I was in excellent shape and had trained hard for this particular week of muliple climbs. However, it was much more prudent to get off the bike for a few minutes than to keel over on one of the steep sections of this unbelievably hard ascent. Good luck and leave your ego at Ovaro.
Daniel, Hungary
... It is inhuman. We were all young, accomplished climbers (late 20s and early 30s) but we all suffered terribly, in spite of being in great form. Nothing compares to it Ive ever done. Probably with light gearing I could have enjoyed it somehow... I had 39x27 as bottom gear but I realized that it is somehow easier to go with 39x24. Of course I couldnt sit down on the saddle (almost) at all. I had blisters on my palms by the time I got to the top. I have never, ever suffered on the bike that badly. My average heart rate was 179 for one hour and 15 mins... I have to admit, although I made it to the top, the mountain proved stronger than me that day. For I had nothing left in me, I had to give it everything: joy, hate, anger, theye wer all gone. Only emptiness remained. There and than I swore that I will never, ever again will do that climb on a bicycle. On foot, or with a car, yes. With bike, no. Would I do it again though? But of course... every goddamn year, if I could make it to Italy that often.
Martin, United Kingdom
... Loved the climb. Done several of the other classics (including Huez, Galibier, Tourmalet, Ventoux) and this is as good as any of them. Apart from being (much) steeper it is quite different in character. First the road is very quiet and much of the climb is in woods so plenty of shade (needed!). While there is the occasional hairpin there are also long straight sections which makes the climb all the harder.
Mauro Repetti, Italy
I have claimbed Zoncolan from Ovaro the 28 july 2007. Unhuman, terrible, incredible, I have no others words....it is a lot more hard than Mortirolo.... It is important not only the legs and the breathe, but above all the head....you can climb this one only with the head....you have to find your pedal.
renko, Switzerland
What a mountain!! It is harder than the Mortirolo, no other pass is this difficult. Its not easy to get to, though.
From: http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-647951.html
johnny99
I was watching the Giro on TV this morning and the commentators said the Monte Zoncolan at the end of the stage is the toughest climb in any European bike race. ... Are there any tougher climbs anywhere in the world (on a paved road open to the public)? Anything with an average grade > 10% with a 5000 foot elevation gain?
patentcad
That climb today was the nastiest climb I've ever seen in a grand tour.
patentcad
Yeah, all the Euro bike race guys say the Ventoux is the nastiest climb, but I don't think most of them have done the Zoncolan, which wasn't used for bike races until today's Giro stage.
botto
Mortirolo and Zoncolan have about the same elevation gain, but Mortirolo is only 10.5% average.
Ventoux is taller, but only 7.4% average.
dws5b
“I did the Zoncolan in the 2007 Giro d’Italia and I had bad memories of it but this time it went much better”, Arroyo claimed. “This is harder than the Anglirù in Spain where you have some breathing space every 500 metres. Up here it goes steep for six kilometres with nowhere to recover."
Thor Hushovd returns to the 2012 Giro d'Italia
Thor Hushovd of the BMC Racing Team discusses his return to the Giro d'Italia for the 2012 edition of the race:
Thursday, February 16, 2012
2012 Giro d'Italia to climb into Grand Tour history - 2,757 m
May 26, stage 20: Caldes/Val di Sole - Passo dello Stelvio, 218 km (we'll be there, for sure!)
2,757 m - Passo dello Stelvio (after Mortirolo)
The stage is insane. Can Grand Tours still go higher? Is this record unbeatable? (compared to Tour de France: The Col du Galibier — 2,645 m and Vuelta a España: Sierra Nevada - 2,510 m)
2,757 m - Passo dello Stelvio (after Mortirolo)
The stage is insane. Can Grand Tours still go higher? Is this record unbeatable? (compared to Tour de France: The Col du Galibier — 2,645 m and Vuelta a España: Sierra Nevada - 2,510 m)
 |
| Original at Gazzetta.it |
Cima Alberto Fernandez
The Cima Alberto Fernandez is the highest point of the Vuelta a España.
The highest stage finish in history of the Vuelta: Sierra Nevada 2,510 m.
It appeared, for instance, in the 58th Vuelta a España, 2003, at stage 16: Jaen - Sierra Nevada, 162km
Look at the profile at cylingnews.
The highest stage finish in history of the Vuelta: Sierra Nevada 2,510 m.
It appeared, for instance, in the 58th Vuelta a España, 2003, at stage 16: Jaen - Sierra Nevada, 162km
Look at the profile at cylingnews.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
The Formula For Faster Climbing
The power-to-weight ratio is nothing more than a fraction based on two variables: Power (measured is watts) and Weight (measured in kilograms).
The purpose in determining and tracking one’s power-to-weight is to maximise its value relative to a specific task (i.e. climbing).
This can be done in one (or a combination) of two ways: 1) INCREASE power or DECREASE weight.
The purpose in determining and tracking one’s power-to-weight is to maximise its value relative to a specific task (i.e. climbing).
This can be done in one (or a combination) of two ways: 1) INCREASE power or DECREASE weight.
Using the following formula you can estimate the power necessary to climb a hill:
Bike weight (kg) + cyclist weight (kg) x 9.8 x elevation gain (meters) / time (seconds) = power (watts). Add 10% for rolling and air resistance.
An example:
Giro d'Italia 2011, Stage 14, Final climb Monte Zoncolan, from 10 Km banner
to finish line = last 10.0 Km
Igor Anton (stage winner)
Elevation (m): 1194 m
Distance (Km): 10.0 Km
Time in seconds (sec): 2439 = 40 min 39 sec = 40:39
Weight rider (kg): 60 kg
Weight bicycle, clothes etc. (kg): 8 kg
Grade: 11.9 %
Average speed: 14.7 Km/h
Total weight: 68.0 kg
Power : 357.3 Watt
Power / kg : 5.9 Watt / kg
Igor Anton (stage winner)
Elevation (m): 1194 m
Distance (Km): 10.0 Km
Time in seconds (sec): 2439 = 40 min 39 sec = 40:39
Weight rider (kg): 60 kg
Weight bicycle, clothes etc. (kg): 8 kg
Grade: 11.9 %
Average speed: 14.7 Km/h
Total weight: 68.0 kg
Power : 357.3 Watt
Power / kg : 5.9 Watt / kg
This unquestionably proves that climbing the Zoncolan (from Ovaro) in a time under 1 hour is a realistic goal for us ;-)
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
An inside look @ Il Giro d’Italia
A great collection of images, expectations and situations of a faithful
public-audience that awaits the passage of the athletes in one of the
most challenging legs of the race, the final stage of the Monte Zoncolan, the hardest climb in all Europe.
Must see at: Ganzo by Nicola Boccaccini
Must see at: Ganzo by Nicola Boccaccini
The queen-stage of the 95th Giro d’Italia
His Majesty the Stelvio as stage finish, after the legendary Mortirolo climb is the queen-stage
of the 95th Giro d’Italia.
La Gazzetta dello Sport informs that this is the outcome of a poll where the Corsa Rosa fans had the chance to choose the climb-that- can-not-be-missed in the 2012 Giro:
of the 95th Giro d’Italia.
La Gazzetta dello Sport informs that this is the outcome of a poll where the Corsa Rosa fans had the chance to choose the climb-that- can-not-be-missed in the 2012 Giro:
The Mortirolo and the 2,757 M.A.S.L. arrival at the Stelvio Pass. The Queen-stage of the Giro 2012 elected by the fans of the Corsa Rosa
Monday, February 13, 2012
Cima Coppi
The Cima Coppi is the highest altitude reached during the course of the Giro d'Italia. It was established in 1965, five years after the death of the legendary Fausto Coppi.
The Cima Coppi changes from year to year, depending on the altitude profile of the Giro d'Italia, but the Cima Coppi par excellence is the Stelvio Pass, which is 2758 meters with the highest point ever reached by the Tour in 1972 editions, 1975, 1980, 1994 and 2005. It was also expected in 1965 and 1988 editions, but the climb is just 800 meters from the summit due to avalanche in the first case and the second did not take place at all, changing the route of the stage.
The list of the Cima Coppi in various editions, as the first cyclist who will have passed can be found here: Past Coma Coppi's.
The Cima Coppi changes from year to year, depending on the altitude profile of the Giro d'Italia, but the Cima Coppi par excellence is the Stelvio Pass, which is 2758 meters with the highest point ever reached by the Tour in 1972 editions, 1975, 1980, 1994 and 2005. It was also expected in 1965 and 1988 editions, but the climb is just 800 meters from the summit due to avalanche in the first case and the second did not take place at all, changing the route of the stage.
The list of the Cima Coppi in various editions, as the first cyclist who will have passed can be found here: Past Coma Coppi's.
Contador and Giro d'Italia 2012
Read "A statement from Rcs Sport - The Giro d'Italia and the Contador case" here: Gazzetta.it
Giro d'Italia 2012 basic facts
Length of the course: Total 3.476,4 km. Total average 165,5 km.
Stage types:
Stage types:
- 2 Individual Time Trial stages
- 1 Team Time Trial stage
- 7 Fast stages
- 4 Medium Mountain stages
- 3 Medium Mountain with Climbing Arrival stages
- 1 High Mountain stage
- 3 High Mountain with Climbing Arrival stage
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Cyclist Card #1 Federico Bahamontes
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| Bahamontes on Col de Tourmalet in 1954 Tour de France |
Bahamontes was one of the most consistent climbers in the history of the Grand Tours.
Bahamontes was a climbing specialist to whom reporters gave the nickname the Eagle of Toledo.
He rode in a distinctive upright style, staring ahead, his shorts pulled high on his thighs, his hands repeatedly changing position on the handlebars.(see also www.wikipedia.com)
He was the first rider to win six mountains jersey competitions in the Tour de France (1954, 1958, 1959, 1962, 1963, and 1964).
Bahamontes won the Mountains Jersey twice in the Vuelta a Espana (1957 and 1959). In addition, Bahamontes shared the Mountains Jersey prize with Charly Gaul and M. Del Rio in the 1956 Giro d’Italia. (see also www.cyclinghalloffame.com)
Bahamontes was the first rider in history to win the Mountains Jersey in all three Grand Tours.
The most famous myth was that Bahamontes had once attacked on an Alpine mountain pass so that he could have time to eat an ice cream at the top, and the reality is only slightly more mundane.
"One of my wheel spokes broke halfway up, so I attacked so the repairs could be carried out at the top without me losing time," he explains. "But the team car carrying the spares got stuck behind the main bunch, so I bought an ice cream to pass the time." (www.independent.co.uk)
Bahamontes was a climbing specialist to whom reporters gave the nickname the Eagle of Toledo.
He rode in a distinctive upright style, staring ahead, his shorts pulled high on his thighs, his hands repeatedly changing position on the handlebars.(see also www.wikipedia.com)
He was the first rider to win six mountains jersey competitions in the Tour de France (1954, 1958, 1959, 1962, 1963, and 1964).
Bahamontes won the Mountains Jersey twice in the Vuelta a Espana (1957 and 1959). In addition, Bahamontes shared the Mountains Jersey prize with Charly Gaul and M. Del Rio in the 1956 Giro d’Italia. (see also www.cyclinghalloffame.com)
Bahamontes was the first rider in history to win the Mountains Jersey in all three Grand Tours.
The most famous myth was that Bahamontes had once attacked on an Alpine mountain pass so that he could have time to eat an ice cream at the top, and the reality is only slightly more mundane.
"One of my wheel spokes broke halfway up, so I attacked so the repairs could be carried out at the top without me losing time," he explains. "But the team car carrying the spares got stuck behind the main bunch, so I bought an ice cream to pass the time." (www.independent.co.uk)
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
The greates climbs appeared in Grand Tours
- Alpe d'Huez (FRA) (Tour de France)
- Alto de l'Angliru (ESP) (La Vuelta a España)
- Col d'Aubisque (FRA) (Tour de France)
- Col de Granon (FRA) (Tour de France)
- Col de la Madeleine (FRA) (Tour de France)
- Col du Galibier (FRA) (Tour de France)
- Col du Tourmalet (FRA) (Tour de France)
- Colle dell’Agnello (Col Agnel) (ITA) (Tour de France and Giro d'Italia)
- Colle delle Finestre (ITA) (Giro d'Italia)
- Grossglockner (with Kasereck) (AUT) (Giro d'Italia)
- Mont Ventoux (FRA) (Tour de France)
- Monte Crostis (ITA) (Giro d'Italia)
- Monte Zoncolan (ITA) (Giro d'Italia)
- Average: 11.9 % (Max 22 %); Length: 10.1 km; Height top: 1730m; Height difference: 1203 m
- Passo del Mortirolo (ITA) (Giro d'Italia)
- Passo di Gavia (ITA) (Giro d'Italia)
- Port de Pailhères (FRA) (Tour de France)
- Puy-de-Dôme (FRA) (Tour de France)
- Passo dello Stelvio (ITA) (Giro d'Italia)
- Val Thorens (FRA) (Tour de France)
Sunday, February 5, 2012
The greatest climbers of all time
Top 21 climbers of all time (in alphabetical order):
Jacques Anquetil (January 8, 1934–November 18, 1987), "Monsieur Chrono" (FRA)
Lance Armstrong (September 18, 1971-), "Mellow Johnny" (USA)
Federico Bahamontes (9 July, 1928-), "The Eagle of Toledo" (SPA)
Gino Bartali (July 18, 1914-May 5, 2000), "Il Pio" (ITA)
Alberto Contador (December 6, 1982-), "El Pistolero" (SPA)
Fausto Coppi (September 15, 1919–January 2, 1960), "Il Campionissimo" (ITA)
José Manuel Fuente (September 30, 1945–July 18, 1996), "El Tarangu" (SPA)
Charly Gaul (December 8, 1932–December 6, 2005), "The Angel of the Mountains" (LUX)
Luis "Lucho" Herrera (May 4, 1961), "El Jardinerito" (COL)
Bernard Hinault (November 14, 1954-), "Le Patron" (FRA)
Lucien Van Impe (October 20, 1946-), "De Kleine van Mere" (BEL)
Miguel Indurain (July 16 1964-), "Miguelón" (SPA)
Julio Jiménez (October 28, 1934-) "La pulga de Ávila" (SPA)
Greg LeMond (June 26, 1961-), "Le Mondster" (USA)
Eddy Merckx (June 17, 1945-), "The Cannibal" (BEL)
Luis Ocaña (June 9, 1945–May 19, 1994), (SPA)
Marco Pantani (January 13, 1970–February 14, 2004), "Il Pirata" (ITA)
Rene Pottier (June 5, 1879-January 25, 1907), (FRA)
Andy Schleck (June 10, 1985), "Skinny Schleck" (LUX)
Gilberto Simoni (August 25, 1971-), "Gibo" (ITA)
Richard Virenque (November 19, 1969-), "Ricco" (FRA)
We will introduce all the great climbers mentioned on list. One by one. First introduced climber will be Federico Bahamontes.
More information on "Climbers" -page.
Jacques Anquetil (January 8, 1934–November 18, 1987), "Monsieur Chrono" (FRA)
Lance Armstrong (September 18, 1971-), "Mellow Johnny" (USA)
Federico Bahamontes (9 July, 1928-), "The Eagle of Toledo" (SPA)
Gino Bartali (July 18, 1914-May 5, 2000), "Il Pio" (ITA)
Alberto Contador (December 6, 1982-), "El Pistolero" (SPA)
Fausto Coppi (September 15, 1919–January 2, 1960), "Il Campionissimo" (ITA)
José Manuel Fuente (September 30, 1945–July 18, 1996), "El Tarangu" (SPA)
Charly Gaul (December 8, 1932–December 6, 2005), "The Angel of the Mountains" (LUX)
Luis "Lucho" Herrera (May 4, 1961), "El Jardinerito" (COL)
Bernard Hinault (November 14, 1954-), "Le Patron" (FRA)
Lucien Van Impe (October 20, 1946-), "De Kleine van Mere" (BEL)
Miguel Indurain (July 16 1964-), "Miguelón" (SPA)
Julio Jiménez (October 28, 1934-) "La pulga de Ávila" (SPA)
Greg LeMond (June 26, 1961-), "Le Mondster" (USA)
Eddy Merckx (June 17, 1945-), "The Cannibal" (BEL)
Luis Ocaña (June 9, 1945–May 19, 1994), (SPA)
Marco Pantani (January 13, 1970–February 14, 2004), "Il Pirata" (ITA)
Rene Pottier (June 5, 1879-January 25, 1907), (FRA)
Andy Schleck (June 10, 1985), "Skinny Schleck" (LUX)
Gilberto Simoni (August 25, 1971-), "Gibo" (ITA)
Richard Virenque (November 19, 1969-), "Ricco" (FRA)
We will introduce all the great climbers mentioned on list. One by one. First introduced climber will be Federico Bahamontes.
More information on "Climbers" -page.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
“Be the Next Fighter”
Unfortunately we slightly missed the deadline ;-)
BE THE NEXT FIGHTER!
Do you think you have a cover model body and you love cycling?
Are you ready to represent the toughest race in world's most beautiful place?
We're looking for an athletic and handsome guy, between 20 and 35 years.
If you want to become the new testimonial of the Giro d'Italia 2012, post your full shot on our Facebook page wall.
Don't wait, you can do it until November 28th!
Here all the info: http://bit.ly/tiDh7T
Giro d'Italia - Fight for Pink
BE THE NEXT FIGHTER!
Do you think you have a cover model body and you love cycling?
Are you ready to represent the toughest race in world's most beautiful place?
We're looking for an athletic and handsome guy, between 20 and 35 years.
If you want to become the new testimonial of the Giro d'Italia 2012, post your full shot on our Facebook page wall.
Don't wait, you can do it until November 28th!
Here all the info: http://bit.ly/tiDh7T
Giro d'Italia - Fight for Pink
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