I realize that I haven’t really explained the various jerseys which are part of the points competition on this camp. Each day points are awarded for completing the camp itinerary, which typically is ~3k or swimming, the bike of the day which varies significantly day to day, and ~10k run. If one achieves camp completion then they are awarded 3 points. Additionally 1 point is given for each 3k swam, 30k biked and 10k run. Special bonus points are given for a 6k swim (2 additional points) and 20k run (2 bonus points. There are also specific challenges such as 3 points for running within 3minutes of your open 10k time or 1 point for swimming 200m of butterfly. The overall points leader gets to where the yellow jersey. Additionally each day there are 1 or 2 designated K.O.M. climbs where K.O.M. points are awarded based on what % of your FTP you achieved on the climb. The K.O.M. leader gets to wear the polka dot jersey.
Some days, like today, also have contests to keep things interesting. We started with a 10km run where the closest to their predicted time got additional points. I wanted to run as quickly as I thought I realistically could so I predicted 47:30 (7:36/mile), which would also get me 2 points for running within 4:30 of my open 10k time. Considering how my legs felt yesterday I was not very optimistic that I could maintain pace for 10k. On the other hand I knew that I would have to run essentially as fast as I could within truly nuking myself to meet my target. We set off at ~6:45 and faster runners (Ben, George, John, Phil) quickly gapped me and Glen Olsen settled in about 100m in front of me. The first 5minutes felt terrible but I settled in to a good rhythm after ~10minutes and the foot pain I have been having when running was barely noticeable. I just focused on form and used Glen as a pacing bunny just up ahead of me. At the far end of the course there were a few hills and I seemed to be catching Glen on the hills and he would pull away again on the downhills. The return route was where I had run off the bike two days ago so it was great to be familiar with the course. I knew where ~2miles to go was, and I tried to lift the pace at that point thinking that increased perceived exertion might translate into maintaining pace at this point in the 10k. I caught up to Glen and then was concerned that if I passed him I would be running under my goal time. My competitive tendencies got the better of me and I went by him just before the finish. I finished in 47:18 which was 12s under goal time and also met the criteria for 2 additional points. I was very happy to be able to run relatively pain free and at a somewhat reasonable pace considering how much fatigue I have on board right now.
John Newsom, Phil and I headed out of Luchon together as everyone alse had departed earlier. We were greeted with a solid ~800m climb right out of the gates, but as no KOM points were designated we rode as easy as one can on a 10-12% gradient. At the top of the climb we crossed into Spain!!
After a fun technical descent and rdiing on the flats for ~30min we started a 21km climb. There was a bit of confusion as the where the KOM start point was so when we finally started the KOM there was only 8km of climbing to go. I absolutely went as hard as I could but only managed to maintain 248 watts, a testament to how much fatigue I have on board right now. A fun 30km descent and then another gradual 21km downhill ride into a headwind and I was in Sort. I decided to tack on an additional 46km to make 150km for the day. Unexpectedly we were then able to find a nice pool to finish the day off with a 2km swim. I added 1000m of band only swimming and 200m of butterfly at John’s suggestion to make it a 3 point swim.
Totals for the day:
10k run, 150k bike, 2km swim
Total training time ~7hr30min
Tomorrow we head for Andorra
Epic Camp France 2019 