Transalps DAY4 Written on September 7, 2010, by andys.

Stage stats
Distance: 43.9km
Climb: 1967m
Descent 1377m
Time: 4hrs 14’22’’
Heart average: 144bpm
Heart max: 163bpm
ZipVit burnt: 2015kcal
Stage position: 1st (by approx 18mins)
Overall position 1st (by approx 41mins)
Andy’s account
The multiple big meals yesterday afternoon and evening obviously worked a wonder as both Tom and I were on top form today.
The day panned out as follows:
Flat 12k on roads and trails: Tom and I took an early lead, taking the front from the gun and we steadied away up the main valley, keen to get the dull bit behind us as quickly as possible. Sometimes it’s less painful to do it quicker.
Next, a short (few k), but quite steep climb up the side of an impressively big and wet waterfall: We gained added confidence when we spotted the chasers walking already a few hairpins further down the hill.
Emerging out of the mist we cut through a mini cloud inversion and were treated (not!) to a 15km run up the bottom of the steep-sided hanging valley. It was a bit monotonous, but Tom and I passed the time by taking it in turns in shading each other from the head wind cutting sharply down the valley.
After 30k (that’s a long run out if you ask me) we finally hit the interesting bit. We were already at 1800m altitude and the next 5km were a very steep narrow path cutting up the hill, into the mist and into deep snow. A fair wind howled on the top (2669m) and the support crew at the col looked cold. We zipped up our T-shirts (not quite worth getting the cags out) and assumed that a sharp altitude drop off the other side would quickly bring warmer air with it. And it did. It was a rough descent down to the finish at Prettau im Ahrntal, which is all the better as we like hopping over rocks and snow and mud, and the Germans don’t so much! Eighteen minutes later the German team rolled in, quickly followed by the Alaskans, who’ve now moved into third overall. Suprisingly they were wearing their rain gear. I thought Alaskans ran knaked in the snow?
Over half way now and feeling like we’re well into the race. Energy levels are good and legs have (sort of) recovered from a leg bashing first two days. Tomorrow’s a relatively easy 30k with more down than up and a lie in as it’s an 8am start.
Andy Symonds

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