French sailing legend and winner of the Volvo Ocean Race as skipper of Groupama 4, Franck Cammas joined 600 cyclists on the start line in Courchevel this morning to take on Stage 3 of the Haute Route – the World’s Toughest and Highest cyclosportive.

This third day of the seven-day event has been feared by many of the peloton, with a punishing 138km to cover between Courchevel and Alpe d’Huez via three of the Alps’ toughest climbs. Never one to be phased by a challenge, Cammas excelled himself to complete the marathon stage in 5 hours and 27 minutes.

After leaving Courchevel 1300 at 0730 this morning, Cammas faced three of the hardest ascents in the Alps back-to-back. Cycling up the Col de la Madeleine, Col du Glandon and a final ascent to Alpe d’Huez proved to be a huge test for riders who have been training for many months for this event. By Cammas’ own admittance, he has lacked the time to fully train following his Volvo Ocean Race win, so to embark on such a tough stage has been a big mental and physical challenge.

“The Alpe d’Huez climb was very, very tough at the end,” said Cammas. “I was in pain so I only just managed at the end to have enough power in my legs so I am very happy to finish! At the end, between Huez and Alpe d’Huez, it was hard. To have such a big climb at the end with the sun was really hot for me.”

Cammas was the 40th rider to cross the line in Alpe D’Huez this afternoon in a time of 5 hours, 25 mins and 7 secs, only an hour behind stage winner Peter Pouly.

“There is a very good ambiance and atmosphere between the riders.” Commented Cammas who joins the Haute Route for only one stage this year, “It was fun, but enough for me, not enough training to join the full race. Maybe next year…”

The 2nd edition of the Haute Route Alps began in Geneva on Sunday 19th August and in total covers 780km in 7 timed stages and 21,000m of ascent across some of cycling’s most legendary Alpine cols. 600 riders hope to reach the finish line on the mythical Promenade des Anglais in Nice on Saturday 25th August.

Josefine Ås

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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 22 August 2012 )