Marmotte Sportive in France

John Weller reports from the Marmotte sportive in France.

 
There was not a very large Team MK presence this year, I only saw Steve Wood & Stuart Chung & 2 other TMK members (Ed-come on own up). 
 
I completed 3 other Sportcomm Sportive's in preparation for the Marmotte, the 3 Ballons, Morzine, & Vaujany & did a lot of climbing in the Dolomites following the Giro.

It was good training for my goal for the year of a sub 9hr ride. I managed 8hrs30 real time (the time on the website is quicker but has the descent of the Glandon deducted, French health & safety gone mad - Ed there have been a few deaths coming off the Glandon a few years back) Stuart did a good time 7hr 45 but half of it was in a taxis after a blow out descending the Glandon. 
 
It was very hot again at the bottom of the Alp D,huez climb over 40deg I,ve read on various websites, & is always an extremely tough event. [It is and the original sportive - been going 25+years.]
 
John Weller