Lyndon's story

The setting was amazing - arriving in Bourg d'Oisans a on the Saturday before the race was great an enabled me to soak up the atmosphere and make a few trips up to Alpe d'Huez. This included a ride up early on the monday morning with very light traffic, I only saw 3 other cyclists (plus a guy slogging up on roller-blades!) As a big cycling fan I felt like a pilgrim!

The lake was beautiful - didn't feel cold at all. It was the cleanest open water I have ever swam in, and possibly cleaner than a lot of pools I've been in as well. I knew the swim was going to be a matter of just surviving for me. Survive I did, exiting the water in about 45 minutes. Did my usual trick of falling over whilst trying to remove my wetsuit in T1.


The start of the bike leg was just great - 25km of fast roads in a large group with little regard for the drafting rules. It was impossible not to draft on account of the numbers and the fact that the road was still open. I underestimated the time and effort if would take to climb Col Grand Serre - I felt great and must have passed more than 100 riders on that climb - but would pay for the fuel spent later on. I felt good throughout the second climb as well, but on the approach to Alpe d'Huez climb felt the first twinges of cramp in my quads - never a good sign. The climb up to Alpe d'Huez was an exercise in nursing my tired muscles to the top. I could only apply the slightest pressure to the pedals. I thought I would have a dig after hairpin 5 - the result being massive cramps in both legs meaning a dismount at hairpin 4 to stretch. At this point all thoughts of setting a good time went out the window and my mindset changed to focussing on simply finishing. I got going again with a push from some spectators and managed to get to the top.

The run was a question of survival, i.e. not cramping. The food on the run was great and after throwing down all sorts the cramps began to improve. Got over-ambitious and had another big cramp on the downhill run on the first lap. Thankfully it was the last big one of the day - more banana and salty crisps seemed to fix things. Liked the fact that it was 3 laps, rather than one big loop, it made it easier from a mental perspective. Was so glad to see the finish - managed to get in just under 8 hours.
Already thinking about next year, wondering what it would be like if I can avoid cramping up.

How was it for you?

While I am waiting for the team to report back on their race I thought I would fill you in, as it were, on my experiences.
We all knew this was going to be a special one and that really hit home when we saw the mountain and took a pedal up the first few steep turns. The sheer scale of the mountain takes your breath away, literally. As the team gathered ahead of the race there was clear apprehension about the task ahead.
The arrangements for the event helped in taking our minds off of the day as we decided the best way of getting to the start on the morning of the race without driving. The orgainsers were suggesting cycling ( with all of your kit) from the finish at Alpe d'Huez. In the end we decided as a group and Lisa and Rob, the unofficial sixth team member, Evans provided the bulk of the transport.

the swim was manic. I simply could understand
A- why everyone thought the water was cold, and
B - why everyone was fighting at the start when the race was so long. The helicopter swooped overhead and we were off.

In the end I did a very wayward swim which took over 47 minutes. The main event, the cycle, started with a long downhill section and I was glad to have put on the arm warmers and jersey but I didn't really need them for warmth. The climb of the Col Grande Serre was the first shock. This was a mammoth climb that seemed to go on for ever. I spotted more than one rider taking a rest before the event had really even got going. At this stage I just began to fear the worst and thought there was no way I was going to make it to the finish line if we had three climbs like this one to beat. I decided to keep the effort low and take on plenty of food and water. I passed, then was passed, by James Eastwood a few times but other than that spent my time looking at the spectacular views and chatting to other competitors.
The col d'Ornon proved to be a breath of fresh air. The climb was shallower but manageable and enjoyable. I began to believe I would be there at the finish.The best moment was meeting my family in the village at the foot of ADH. I stopped for a chat and a drink and also left my jersey, arm warmers and cap behind.

When the climb of the ADH started for real it was clear this was going to be a question of mind over matter. I picked my lowest gear and got my head down.
Disaster struck at bend 17 (of 21 counted form 21 down). Along the route were waterfalls cascading down the mountainside. I had managed to pour some energy drink over my head ( by accident) so thought reaching for the mountain water would be cleanisng and refreshing. I reached out, reached a little more, then a little more but I just couldn't reach the water. As I stretched out my left hamstring locked up and I had to leap from the bike to stretch it out.

The rest of the climb was spent managing this cramp, I just wanted to finish. As the climb went on I felt easier and easier and finally passed James within sight of the finish.He was suffering with a painful knee and wished me luck on the run he wasn't going to be able to tackle. I had been on the bike for 6hrs 18mins.

The three loops of ADH provided a sting in the tail as the altitude and rough terrain conspired to make the going tough. I promised myself I would run the first lap and then see how things were but soon after starting I noticed people walking.
I felt relieved and kept my promise to run the first lap but thereafter walked some of the uphill section and enjoyed the stunning scenery. I found it a great excuse to myself to do this ( and walk) rather than not enjoy the event and run,hence the run time of 2hrs 20.The selection of foods at the aid stations also proved a massive distraction as did the toilet block which had a cold tap that I couldn't resist putting my head under. I found myself chatting to the crowds more and more but by lap three decided to get a move on. In the final straight I outsprinted a nice woman from the Wrecsam Tri club on the request of my South wales colleague Lisa -- sorry Kay.Just to show I was fighting fit.

At the finish Lisa and Rob provided me with a great welcome as the other team members had headed for the bath by this time. Rob also took me and my bike back down the mountain, a great act of generosity that I definitely owe him a pint for.

I had wanted to cycle back down ADH and in my post-race euphoria probably would have but I also had all of my kit ( wetsuit etc) to take back. Lisa's advice not to cycle and Rob's lift provided a safe and relaxing end to my day.

There were many battered bodies at the finish I am glad to report that mine was not one of them.

And they're off

It's late July, the race is on and the journeys are being made. After many months in the saddle, on the road and in the pool the Optician Triathlon Team is ready for action.

Our, now depleted, team of five is heading south for the Alpes for the Long (Wed) and short (Thurs) version of the Alpe d'Huez triathlon. The beautiful Lac du Verney beckons and the Alpe D looms. I prefer not to think about the hilly the half marathon at altitude.

I wish to personally thank all of the team members, all of those who have donated to the team's fund, BBGR, Essilor, Transitions and Rupp + Hubarch for their generous support.

All that is left is to wish the team luck and, err.........finish the race.

Bon chance.

Limping to the start line

We all recieved the shock news this week that Fiona has torn her achilles and will not make the start line for the Alpe d'Huez triathlon. This is a bitter blow for Fiona who was instrumental in getting the Optician team into the race and someone who has put in months and months of training to be on prime form for the event.

She is still deciding whether to come to France to cheer the team on or to rest up. I am sure you will all join me in wishing Fiona a speedy recovery........
Meanwhile Chris (me) has also been in the wars courtesy of his old nemesis, insects.




This is the current state of my ankle meaning my taper down to the event has been turned into a complete halt to any exercise at all. This comes on top of the dodgy knee I have developed after buying some new trainers a fortnight ago. Hopefully a week's rest will see off the reaction to the insect bite and give the knee chance to calm down. I will break out my old trainers for the event.


Needless to say I will be on that startline. I am already looking forward to the post-race rest and the rest of the triathlon-free summer. In the meantime I am still relishing the prospect of the ADH climb everytime I watch the Tour de France on the TV. I am sure the reality will cure my dreams of cycling's glamour.

A different kind of puncture

I'm used to getting punctures on the bike but I had a different experience this weekend.

A couple weeks ago I bought myself a shiny new pair of trainers. I've had a bit of a mixed start with these bad boys as they seem to make my left knee hurt. But being a fearless and foolish fellow I decided to go for a 12 mile hilly off road run at the weekend. It was about 31 degrees, sunny and humid. A real kill or cure special.
I noticed straight away that the knee was a bit uncomfy but pressed on regardless but when I hit a patch of rough groumnd a had a painful, sharp shooting pain in my toe. And I mean painful. As I went on this occured more and more over rough ground. I came to the conclusion that the trainers were faulty and had a dodgy sole and that's why I could feel sharp stones and why they made my knee hurt. When I finally got back home ( blisterless --hooray) but with a bleeding toe where the sharp pain had been I had a look at the sole and noticed something stuck in the tread. Once I had pulled it our with a pair of pliers the mystery was solved.




Still had a sore knee on Monday though so it looks like I will be back in the old trainers for the race.

Breakfast in Worthing

It's not long now until the Alpe d'Huez triathlon and the training is getting serious. This weekend I decided to have an early morning cycle down the A24 with son number 2 as he was desperate to cycle to the coast. The nearest point on the map was Worthing so that became our destination.


Despite setting off at 0530 it soon became clear that the scorching weather was going to make the day a busy one especially on the roads. There must have been a sports car rally somewhere near the coast and every boy racer in the home counties was seeing how fast they could go. After a few map-study stops we decided to press on and get to the sea. While getting to worthing proved easy finding the sea was a little harder! Eventually we tracked it down and sat at the waterfront and had a bite to eat before heading back. The gentile life of Worthing proved a big hit with many smiles and hello before we remounted the bikes and headed back.



Divine intervention was in evidence on the way back as the southerly wind whisked us back up the A24 at great speed. We met Mrs Optician where the A272 meets the A24 and I continued alone while the boy was driven back home. This gave me the opportunity to put the hammer down and also to stop worrying every time a lorry approached us!

Fiona looks like she means business

After quite a long silence Fiona posted some photos the other days from a recent training trip.
I must admit after so many injury stories I was beginning to worry if the team's star athlete had over done things but the latest photos show she is in fine fettle.