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Dauphiné Libéré Photo ©: Sirotti
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L'Etape du Tour 2006: Gap - L'Alpe d'Huez, part 4
A video tour of l'Etape
But what's it really like to ride the full length of a stage of the
Tour de France? In these six short video clips, Mark Sharon puts you
in the saddle from the start in Gap, over the cols, through the tunnels and
through the all-important feed stations to l'Alpe d'Huez. All in glorious Cyclingnews
HandleBarCamOVision.
Read all about Mark's adventures on this year's Etape in his three-part
story:
Part 1, Giving amateurs a flavour of the Tour, is
here.
Part 2, A failing sense of confidence, is
here.
Part 3, L'Etape's colourful history, is
here
And now see the movie! Click on each thumbnail to go through to the video:
The start village
Photo ©: Mark Sharon
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The start village - the place to meet your friends, collect your event
pack and make sure your support crew and loved ones know where to find
you at the end of the epic journey to l'Alpe d'Huez.
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Le Depart
Photo ©: Mark Sharon
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The start - at last. The first group gets away in seconds, but for the
riders at the back of the 8,500-strong field it would take more than a
few minutes to get started.
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Combes de Queyras
Photo ©: Mark Sharon
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Deep into the Alpine countryside and the scenery is spectacular. It gets
hidden from you now and then by tunnels and the challenge is to keep your
eye on the road so you can appreciate the scenery but not become part
of it...
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L'Izoard
Photo ©: Mark Sharon
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The 2360m Col d'Izoard held a nasty surprise for the riders, but fortunately
it's a 17km plummet to Briancon afterwards.
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To Briancon
Photo ©: Mark Sharon
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And with a hearty "Taaaaallly-hoooooo!" we plunge off Izoard
to Briancon. Careful now, though - bags not going home in the ambulance.
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Alpe d'Huez
Photo ©: Mark Sharon
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The final push to l'Alpe, first crossing the Col du Lautaret at 2058m.Lauteret
was a welcome sight for our hero, but the Alpe was his undoing.
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Thanks to:
Travel: Brittany Ferries - www.brittanyferries.com
Accommodation: Lawrie Cranley at www.bikestyletours.com
Frame: Giant Bicycle Company - www.giantbicycles.com
Saddle/Seatpost: Specialized UK - www.specialized.com
Handlebars/Stem: ITM - www.itm.it / www.jimwalker.co.uk
Groupset/Wheels: Campagnolo - www.campagnolo.com
Tyres and clothing: Continental - www.conti-tyres.co.uk
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