USA Pro Challenge Aug 20-26 2012

[ny biker]

Does anyone know how the elevation in Colorado compares to that of the Alps, Pyrenees and Dolomites? I'm getting the impression that Colorado is significantly higher.

[colby]

Does anyone know how the elevation in Colorado compares to that of the Alps, Pyrenees and Dolomites? I'm getting the impression that Colorado is significantly higher.

Interesting question. The Independence Pass climb took them over 12k feet in altitude (3657m). Denver itself is at ~5300 feet (~1600 meters).

Found this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...oads_in_Europe

Which shows there's several TdF marked French Alps climbs in the 2500-2800 meter range. 2800m = 9186 feet. Dolomites and Pyrenees at highest travel routes in that list are at the 2300m range, 7545 feet.

That is assuming Wikipedia is accurate, but it's at least a guide I did find some corroborating evidence that the list is relatively accurate doing some other searching.

The TrainingPeaks guys said over the first few stages they were down about 20% in output due to altitude - what would normally be recovery ride wattage was them going uphill.

[Kathi]

Does anyone know how the elevation in Colorado compares to that of the Alps, Pyrenees and Dolomites? I'm getting the impression that Colorado is significantly higher.

My SO has skied in France and he says that although the climbs are not as steep, the elevation in Colorado is higher. Elevations in France are about 6-7000 ft, whereas, most of yesterdays ride was from 9 -12,000 feet. Tomorrows ride, from Golden to Boulder, even though lower altitude will still be 85% higher than the Alps.

Our ride on Friday was around 8,000 ft and our Sunday ride from Keystone to Montezuma was from 9,000 - 10,200. I really felt both rides, having recently been in Wisconsin for 3 weeks and I don't normally train at that altitude.

Local news interviews from the racers all comment about how the altitude is affecting them.

[ny biker]

My SO has skied in France and he says that although the climbs are not as steep, the elevation in Colorado is higher. Elevations in France are about 6-7000 ft, whereas, most of yesterdays ride was from 9 -12,000 feet. Tomorrows ride, from Golden to Boulder, even though lower altitude will still be 85% higher than the Alps.

Our ride on Friday was around 8,000 ft and our Sunday ride from Keystone to Montezuma was from 9,000 - 10,200. I really felt both rides, having recently been in Wisconsin for 3 weeks and I don't normally train at that altitude.

Local news interviews from the racers all comment about how the altitude is affecting them.

Thanks Colby and Kathi for doing the math for me.

Chris Horner has mentioned the altitude a few times, and Ted King said he ralphed during yesterday's stage.

[Pedal Wench]

Got an awesome look at Jens about to climb the steepest part of Battle Mountain, in the big ring.