My Journey To L’Etape London, 2016

Just over a week ago, I accomplished something that had been on my radar for more than twelve months. I hopped on my bike on Sunday 25th September and completed L’Etape London by Tour de France, the short route (49 miles).

To some, 49 miles might not be a lot. But for me, it was the longest distance I’ve ever ridden. With only some basic training under my belt (6 weeks on the turbo and a few weekend long rides) my only goal was to finish the event.

In the month before the event though, a couple long rides got cancelled and I subconsciously started to feel anxious. I acknowledged this and just tried to ensure I ate well and slept plenty in the run up to event day.

On the day, I had a 430am alarm as I was lucky enough to have been invited to breakfast with Chris Froome before the event. It was at this point I was grateful for the night tube as without it I couldn’t have been in Stratford so early.

The early start was perfect as it meant I was up early enough to eat a decent breakfast and really get myself sorted without having to worry or panic. I ate everything, really slowly (croissants, bacon sarnie, fruit, cereal bars) and then got changed ready for my 8:45am start time.

The start line was located on the road track at the Olympic Velopark and was out of sight to those in the race village.

I really wanted to see what the start looked like to help settle my nerves and had to persuade the stewards to let me go through early so I could just have a look before returning to the race village. I think it would definitely add some more atmosphere to the event if everyone could see the start (and finish line) from the entire village.

At this point it started to drizzle and I did start to worry I’d made a serious omission to my kit not thinking to bring a rain jacket but I did have my arm warmers which stayed firmly in place for the entire ride!

Our start was a little delayed (I can’t remember why right now) but before I knew it we were up and over a little hill on the road track before making our way out of the velodrome into Stratford and beyond.

My main concerns for this event stemmed from the fact that I was riding alone and I also am not that confident about fixing punctures or anything else that could go wrong with the bike. I also know that when the ground is wet, punctures are more likely.

I was worried that if I got a puncture, it wouldn’t be easy to get help and potentially could mean me not completing the race or if I did complete, it’d be a really shocking time. But thankfully, the cycling gods were on my side and I was lucky enough to complete the event with no issues.

The route took us out through East London via roads that I’ve really only ever driven on. Another thing I wasn’t aware of (but luckily confident about) was that the roads were still open so we were bound to the rules of the roads which included stopping at traffic lights.

For any less experienced cyclist this could be a serious issue to consider when deciding whether or not to enter the event. I understand there probably aren’t enough people taking part to close roads but maybe there should be a little more guidance in preparation?

Before I knew it, we were in Essex and literally just minutes from my house. I also knew that being in Essex meant this is where the hills would come in.

For the first time in a long time I’d actually gone through every detail of the event including the route so I could note where the points of elevation were (mainly in the middle and start of the return to East London).

I was also pleased to realise that I had cycled part of the route earlier this year (hello Toots Hill) so I felt more confident tackling it again with a tiny bit more experience under my belt.

The feed station was situated at the half way mark (salty boiled new potatoes, wow!) with bottles of water to refill my bottles on the bike and other supplies (energy gels, jelly babies etc). I also used this stop as a toilet break and although there were so few women in the event there was still a queue for the ladies (this must be some sort of phenomenon!).

It was my first and only planned stop so I didn’t stress too much about how long it was all taking and as soon as I felt I’d eaten enough I hopped back on my bike.

When I left the feed station though, I almost didn’t know which direction to go! Left, or right?! But now I was back on the road with just half of the mileage complete…

After leaving the feed station at the halfway mark, it took me a little time to get my legs used to the motion again and the hills were still coming.

I continued with my strategy of taking on two shotbloks every 10km with a big glug of water to keep my energy levels from waning (cos I dunno about anyone else, but when I hit the wall after cycling I really hit the wall!).

Soon after the feed station, the short route then merged with the other routes to head to the end. However, to me, the signage was either lacking or really unclear and with other cyclists on the road it was super confusing.

So at this point I rode past the turn I was supposed to take and then realised thankfully not too far down before I turned around to rejoin the actual route (hmmm just a few extra metres my poor legs had to do!)

Back on the course I caught up with a lady who was much older than myself. I didn’t wanna risk cycling behind her in case her pace slowed me down so I overtook.

But then she would overtake me down the road and I kid you not, this went on for miles. I have no idea at which point I lost her but I guess the game of chase came to an end eventually as I found myself riding by myself for a large proportion of the ride back to the finish.

My legs weren’t feeling too bad so I attempted to push as much as I could, making the most of the downhills and then the flatter roads as we started to hit the city again.

After what seemed like an endless stream of roundabouts and traffic lights I was back in Stratford for the final km sprint on the Olympic road track.

I didn’t have too much in me by this point but I gave it a good go with a big smile. I came home to finish in a time of 4 hours 21 minutes 03 seconds …which I am so very proud of!

I hopped straight off my bike and headed to the nearest steward to be presented with my medal before heading to the Erdinger tent for a pint of celebratory non alcoholic beer (and the podium for a picture of course!)!

By this point, the sun was shining and plenty of riders were still making their way to the finish.

Chris Froome was also back from his ride on the course taking official pictures with all the race village brands and any members of the public who were brave enough to interrupt for a selfie / autograph!

I thoroughly enjoyed the entire event and now I have a time to beat, I’m keen to do it all over again next year. I might even step up to the middle distance (but don’t quote me!) of 96 miles!

And sometimes I forget about the huge divide in male / female participation in sport due to the fact I’m surrounded daily by women who aren’t afraid to sweat but taking part in this event, which has so few women compared men, really reminded me that the divide is still very much alive and kicking!

L’Etape London by Tour de France was officially smashed! I have a lot to learn (or remember because I used to be a dab hand with a bike) before next years events but I’m planning on getting out on my bike a fair bit more now that I’m in the swing of a new home location and routine.

Have you ever taken part in a sportive before?!

Elle