I participated in the Ballons
Vosgiens 90km on Sunday, September 1, 2013. This year the organization broke a new record with 1,166
participants on the 2 courses, including 644 on the The Vosges Balloons 90km (140 more than in 2011).
A nasty surprise for the runners who arrived at the last minute because there
were no more bibs available from 7 a.m. A victim of its own success, but
well deserved! The weather will spare us once again, alternating
clouds and clear spells in slightly cool but reasonable temperatures (
12 degrees at 9 a.m. at 1,200 m). For my part, I took the start with the The Vosges Balloons same strategy as
in 2011, that is to say, give everything at the beginning to find myself with the best
on the ridges. I found Laurent Champey and Thaddaus Tiedje (2nd
in the 2013 Ballon criterium) at the start.
On arrival with Laurent
Nice because having the same level or almost it can be interesting to support each other.
The Schlucht pass arrives quickly but it is climbed fax lists rather quietly. In
2011 and under the impetus of big calibers (Sarazin, Simon, ..) I had to work hard
to stay in contact at 310w. This year I find myself in front to maintain
290w and even to be able to chat with Kevin Bahlinger (one of the main actors of the day) who is coming back well following his accident (took the opportunity
to invest in a power2max).
Grouped and quite quiet in the Schlucht
On the false flats, I even treat myself
by accelerating to 30s and stretching the world a little (I was still cursing
a few years ago when it was the others who did that! J). 5 minutes before the
summit Laurent sets a mine and it suddenly climbs faster but it is too
late to do any damage and we
find ourselves with about fifty on the ridges (about twenty in 2011). I
often stay in front to relay the best. I do not daniel wakeman president save myself because.
This event must serve as a springboard
for future timed climbs. I therefore seek to accumulate a lot of time
above 300w (threshold zone for me). The descent of the Markstein is done
quickly and finally the selection will be made in the next clean email pass of
Bramont. In 2011, the 2nd categories had engaged too
strongly and I had jumped. This year it reaches my limit around 300/305 watts
and I can therefore follow until the end.