Virtual Cycle Challenge 2025 (2) Checkpoint 1 to Checkpoint 2
12:12am, 23rd Apr 2025 | 1 Comments
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With 55 of you having already passed Checkpoint 1 as well as Trouble the Transit, I'm a bit behind with this latest blog.
I was stuck at the 0km with zero cycling so have recently started a little Deliveroo side hustle doing a few deliveries, not so much for the £s but more so that I was moving in this challenge!
Checkpoint 1 to Checkpoint 2 is an exact copy of the route that the Vuelta will take on Stage 4 on August 26th from Susa in Italy to Voiron in France.
Hope you have had your massage and are ready for this stage!
Now that you have earned your 1st Checkpoint Badge you will have overnighted at the small town of Susa. Located in the valley of the same name, Susa is a historical crossroads of alpine routes connecting Italy and France. It was the capital of the Kingdom of the Cozii and preserves Roman monuments including the Arch of Augustus and the amphitheater. Other highlights include the medieval Adelaide Castle and the Cathedral of San Giusto.
As you eat your porridge for breakfast, lets see what the stage has in store for you...
Its a 36km climb to the French border, some downhill to Briançon and then up to the high point of the stage the Col du Lauteret . Good news though after that its all downhill to the end of the stage passing the edge of Grenoble and onto Voiron and your next badge
Check out the profile of the stage ie from checkpoint 1 to checkpoint 2
Let's get to the Race Director's briefing and see what he has to say .... "A mid-mountain stage with a particularly tough first half, featuring the climbs of Montgenèvre and Lautaret as its main challenges in the fight to win the King of the Mountain jersey. The more favourable part may allow the teams with the fastest riders to pull themselves together in order to control the race and fight for a stage victory. "
Now to get out on the course to see how some of the Fetchies are doing.
mityellow is at the beginning of the stage - the mountains can be seen ahead
Further ahead @tipsku and @iaincr are just ahead of Trouble the Transit and approaching France. Lets hope they have remembered their passports. It's a steep climb and a long way back if they've forgotten them!
After the border and downhill to Briançon. Briançon is famous for its historical fortifications built by Vauban in the 17th century, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's also known as the highest town in France and the European Union and is a popular base for cyclists.
Further ahead @Tigger22 is approaching the summit, where on another day, one can turn off and do the famous Tour de France Col du Galibier climb.
Then it's a steep descent to Grenoble passing a turn to Alpe d'Huez, another Tour de France classic - save that one for another day.
Grenoble is famous for being the "Capital of the French Alps," offering stunning Alpine scenery and outdoor activities like skiing and hiking. It's also a leading center for scientific research and technology, home to major labs and universities.
Finally back to the flatlands where @rhb can be found, Looks like the roads are busier but it's nice flat smooth tarmac to Voiron, where you can collect your next badge
With many of you moving on the 3rd part of the challenge, it won't be long till the next in this blog series, so see you again soon!
I was stuck at the 0km with zero cycling so have recently started a little Deliveroo side hustle doing a few deliveries, not so much for the £s but more so that I was moving in this challenge!
Checkpoint 1 to Checkpoint 2 is an exact copy of the route that the Vuelta will take on Stage 4 on August 26th from Susa in Italy to Voiron in France.
Hope you have had your massage and are ready for this stage!
Now that you have earned your 1st Checkpoint Badge you will have overnighted at the small town of Susa. Located in the valley of the same name, Susa is a historical crossroads of alpine routes connecting Italy and France. It was the capital of the Kingdom of the Cozii and preserves Roman monuments including the Arch of Augustus and the amphitheater. Other highlights include the medieval Adelaide Castle and the Cathedral of San Giusto.
As you eat your porridge for breakfast, lets see what the stage has in store for you...
Its a 36km climb to the French border, some downhill to Briançon and then up to the high point of the stage the Col du Lauteret . Good news though after that its all downhill to the end of the stage passing the edge of Grenoble and onto Voiron and your next badge
Check out the profile of the stage ie from checkpoint 1 to checkpoint 2
Let's get to the Race Director's briefing and see what he has to say .... "A mid-mountain stage with a particularly tough first half, featuring the climbs of Montgenèvre and Lautaret as its main challenges in the fight to win the King of the Mountain jersey. The more favourable part may allow the teams with the fastest riders to pull themselves together in order to control the race and fight for a stage victory. "
Now to get out on the course to see how some of the Fetchies are doing.
mityellow is at the beginning of the stage - the mountains can be seen ahead
Further ahead @tipsku and @iaincr are just ahead of Trouble the Transit and approaching France. Lets hope they have remembered their passports. It's a steep climb and a long way back if they've forgotten them!
After the border and downhill to Briançon. Briançon is famous for its historical fortifications built by Vauban in the 17th century, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's also known as the highest town in France and the European Union and is a popular base for cyclists.
Further ahead @Tigger22 is approaching the summit, where on another day, one can turn off and do the famous Tour de France Col du Galibier climb.
Then it's a steep descent to Grenoble passing a turn to Alpe d'Huez, another Tour de France classic - save that one for another day.
Grenoble is famous for being the "Capital of the French Alps," offering stunning Alpine scenery and outdoor activities like skiing and hiking. It's also a leading center for scientific research and technology, home to major labs and universities.
Finally back to the flatlands where @rhb can be found, Looks like the roads are busier but it's nice flat smooth tarmac to Voiron, where you can collect your next badge
With many of you moving on the 3rd part of the challenge, it won't be long till the next in this blog series, so see you again soon!
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