The reality is what to wear is a serious matter; the right cold weather clothes or waterproofs really can make or break a ride.
Today in Alps take the riders where heading for two very famous climbs that have featured in the Tour de France, the Col de l´Iseran (2764M) the second highest mountain on the Fireflies Tour and Col du Telegraphe (1566M).
They guys were struggling, it was raining, cold and they were aching – with sore legs and the high altitude beginning to hit – it was going to be a difficult day.
As the guys began to climb the rain continued to pelt down making visibility poor but this didn’t stop them appreciating and enjoying the breathtaking views but as they drew closer and closer to the cloud line it actually began to sleet, then the sleet turn in to snow!
As they reached the half way point, the snow had turned in to full on blizzard; in fact the police reported this was the worst snow in 15 years during the month of June.
None of our guys have ever ridden in the snow for the Fireflies!
By now the conditions were fast becoming very dangerous and treacherous, a white out meant no one could see anything on the mountain but the riders were relatively protected by the climb side, however this drastically changed when they reached the top and had to face the now grave and perilous descent.
First though, everyone at the put on as many warm clothes as they could, including face and head gear, clothes shoe guards, as much as they could to protect themselves!
Now everyone needed to get of the mountain!
On the way down our Mill guys became separated but the descent was tough, with strong winds, poor visibility, and now 6 inches of snow! This is not how you want to come down Europe’s second highest mountain with sheer drops you couldn’t see. The fact that our Mill trio were all familiar with the mounting and experienced riders really aided them in getting down safely. By now for those who could feel their breaks it made little odds as the cold and snow meant they weren’t working.
With emergency support vehicles being rushed in to pick up people from the mountain and riders flagging down cars for assistance this situation was grave; some riders had taken to huddling together in tunnels for warmth and safety.
Adam, Chris and Neil thankfully all made it down safely and were the last riders to actually make it down, at this point the police decided to shut the mountain with several people were treated for hyperthermia.
Neil stopped to assist a fellow Firefly who had to abandon his bike and taken shelter in a passerby’s car, kindly walking his bike to a support vehicle.
In fact all the Fireflies really showed their true colours, with their camaraderie bringing them together and keeping their spirits up, helping each other whenever they could.
The team then converged to a small cafe where a lovely old French man feed and looked after everyone with hot chocolate and omelette and chips! Followed by everyone warming up with the hand-dryer!
As they set out for the last leg back to the hotel the sun did finally appear but they still had another 50k before they would reach the Col du Telegraphe!
Adam, Chris and Neil all decided at this point to pop gel, basically liquid energy giving them all a real turbo boost that takes around half hour to kick in. This fired them up to the top of the mountain; our Mill guys had a good climb and descent and were all feeling far better.
Finally and thankfully reaching Valloire for a well deserved long hot shower and cleaning up their gear from all the snow and slush.
The best news is all of the Fireflies got down the mountain and to the hotel and are all safe and well. It is days like this that truly demonstrates the commitment and drive it takes to be one of the Fireflies.
Beers all round!
Stats from the guys:
Everyone got to the hotel safely!
