Quote Originally Posted by ny biker View Post
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.