Text: Ivan
Photos: Herve & Franck
The highest sportive in Europe... with such a statement, be ready for cycling epicness!
The usual weekend ride seldom entails more than 100 or 120km, and is sometimes measured in: "I'm only allowed to ride until lunch". Whatever the family, barbecue, kids or any other appointment you may have, the Mercan'Tour Bonette is such an event that it becomes in itself your only strings "attached" for the weekend... it's one heck of a sportive!
You don't believe us? Try to imagine, Col de la Cayolle at 2326m, 6,3% average and 31,5kms into the race; the majestic Col de la Bonette at 2802m, 6,62% and 23kms to climb, yes 23. A climb like no other and that you won't forget easily; snow might be your companion and your own legs your enemy. To make yourself an idea, imagine your hardest climb ever and multiply it by 3, that's how the Bonette treats you; little side note, if you're Colombian you're exempted of this comparison and we totally understand you may be laughing your pants off ;)
Oh wait! What about climbing another, almost, 1678m with 7,3% for yet 16 kms of climbing and end on a 20 kms false flat to reach the 180 kms mark? Well at this point, despite your hometown being nearby the Andes, if you managed to survive up to this point you either remain with a big grin of satisfaction or your bank account may increase its balance shortly... once you managed to sell your bike, for instance.
Does this wake up your curiosity for a first hand experience, then check it from our MC Bike2Work warriors Herve and Franck below: click the links to ready ALL their suffering!
Click below to read
Mercan'Tour La Bonette by Franck
Click below to read
Mercan'Tour La Bonette by Herve
A huge bravo guys!!!
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