We Rode the Hardest Stage of the Tour de France + a better finale than the pros!

The first of two episodes from this year’s Tour de France. We take on two of the biggest stages ourselves before the pro race and then ride back up the big climbs to watch the main event. This coverage is brought to you by three friends, three bikes, three cameras, and three great partners: @AssosofSwitzerland, @Kask_Sport, and @scottsports.

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STRAVA of this ride: https://www.strava.com/activities/15180353747

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#DescentDisciples​ #PrayForSpeed​ #safa

[Music] Hello. Welcome to the Alps. I’m Safa. This is Taylor. Alex is behind the camera. And we’re here in the Seavoy region of France to bring you two of the biggest stages of this year’s tour to France. We’re going to be riding these two stages in full couple of days before the pros and then we’ll be on the sidelines when the pros come through. Taylor, tell us more about these epic days we’re going to be riding. Yeah, so two huge days. Stages 18 and 19. 18 is the queen stage of the tour with 5,500 m of elevation gain. Stage 19 is 4,500 m. So, we’re going to be doing 10,000 mters in 2 days. That’s kind of bananas. I’ve never done that in 2 days. I’m not sure we can’t even Well, you can. I’m not sure I can complete that. What are we doing here? Yeah. I mean, so this was your idea when you told me to ride two stages of the tour immediately. I said yes. I love doing big backto-back days, but this is pretty epic. Yeah, this is my idea. I’ll be honest, I didn’t dig into the numbers before. I just saw that there were two mountain top finishes in the Alps, and I thought, what a cool way to check out two stages. This time we’ll have more time between our days of riding and the pros coming through. So, we want to bring you guys a little bit more behind the scenes. Show you how we tackle these stages, what gear we’re using, what we eat, things like that. It’s going to be big, but it’s going to be fun. It’s going to be a new experience. So, hopefully you guys will be able to learn some stuff while we’re learning ourselves. Yeah. And you know, we’ll we’ll give our thoughts on the GC, which looks pretty locked up now. But if it isn’t, this is the only place it’s going to change is these two big days, the last two chances to do anything. So, regardless what happens, we’re going to have fun. The crowds are going to be huge cuz of this region. There’s a lot of towns in the area. There’s a lot of good access with trains. I think the atmosphere is going to be absolutely wild. And no matter what happens, we will be getting some beautiful shots in the Alps. Alex has got the drone. He’s the wizard behind the camera. So, yeah. Ready to go. How you feeling, Taylor? Good for it. Feel good. Ready to get out there before this storm comes in. Yeah. I think we got to flip this right now. Head to the start of stage 18 cuz it’s a monster and we’ve got to get an early early start tomorrow morning. Oh, yeah. We’ll see you guys out there. Hope you enjoy the show. All right. Good morning. Stage 18 is on upon us. We just had to put the big pack on a Taylor’s bag. So, it’s a bit complicated doing this mission. We’re staying near the finish of the two stages, but to ride this whole uh stage, we need to get really close to the start because it’s a hell of a stage. We don’t have time to ride two passes here and then ride all the way back. We decided to sleep in Grenobyl, which is close to Ve, which is the start. And then, of course, we had our extra clothes that we had to bring and stuff like that. So Taylor is our pack animal since he’s the strongest of the riders. Uh he’s carrying the camera gear, all our sleeping clothes and extra pieces we needed to bring. It’s about an extra 5 to 7 kilos on Taylor’s bike, but that’ll actually make us more even. We’ve got to get going now cuz we’ve got 170 ks ahead of us, 5,500 m, as well as getting back to our accommodation after the stage. So let’s get going, guys. [Music] We got three big climbs today. We got the cold Glendon which is at 22ks at 5% and then we got the cold metal 19ks at 8%. And then we got the cold de la low 26.5k at 6 1/2%. So we’ve gotten through our first hour of riding this morning. It’s been mostly getting out of the city and then we’re on this kind of highway. Not much you can do about that. The tour, you know, often gets routed onto motorways and highways. So, when I’m building the route, I try to stay as close to the original route as possible, but I’m always going to route it on some bike paths and some parallel roads where possible, cuz I want to ride the original route, but I also want to enjoy my day. When I’m building the routes, I use a combination of Straa route builder and also Google Maps with the uh street view is really handy so you can drop the guy and see exactly what’s coming up. Doesn’t always go 100% to plan. Today we already hit some gravel and some really bumpy side roads, but that’s part of the adventure. And it’s also really fun building routes, so it’s a bit of a challenge, but yeah, I enjoy it. Filled up with water and we’re good to go. So should be heading into the first climb pretty soon, the glandon. First switchbacks of the day coming up. This where the real climbing begins. Not quite on the glandon, but this is how you get there. Really cannot tell you how invaluable Taylor is on a ride like this on the flat. He just sits on his power all day and we just suck that wheel. What a guy. Hey, how you doing, guys? You’re in the video now. [Music] All right, Taylor. So, it’s not your first time around these parts. Have you done this climb before? Yeah, I did the hot route in 2022. What are we looking forward to here on the Glandon? This is a really nice climb. A lot of going through the trees here. Really beautiful. So, it doesn’t get too hot here and then you get nice downhills recover. So, pretty tame. Even with a bike bag, it’s not that bad. Nice. [Music] We’re almost at the top of the Glandon. Wasn’t expecting much from this climb. I thought it was just kind of a climb to get to the climb, but it’s been amazing. Beautiful in the trees. A lot steeper than I thought cuz of the dips. And then you get out of these little dips and just climb it at 10 11%. Views are 10 out of 10. We’re going to push on. We haven’t stopped too many times on the Glandon. We’ve got to remember we’ve got a huge day ahead of us. So, keeping the filming to a minimum, but also trying to take you guys along for the ride. [Music] The road below is where we’re going. We just climbed the cold glandon and we’re about to go down the side heading north towards the cold metal land. Taylor Olsson on the follow cam both on the new Scott Addicts. Let’s go get it, son. [Applause] big oil line, but it looks like old oil, so I’m not too worried. Taylor just took off the really heavy pack, so his bike kind of feels so weird right now. [Music] Yeah, boys. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] I think that’s about it. What a way to start the TDF25 coverage. That was a hell of a descent. [Music] Just bombing some carbs, chocolates, Cokes, and then we got two more monster climbs. But so far, it’s been incredible. [Music] Hey, I said it’s not going to get any harder, but it ain’t getting any easier. 8 to 10% all the way up. Very consistent, but it’s long. [Music] Hey, [Music] that’s good. [Music] setting up a drone shot here with Al. But you can see 4 days before the race comes through, camp is all lined up, all up the uh Maline already. So, the tour is coming. Yep. Open. Not sure what’s happening up here, but looks like nobody up here on Friday. Descent will be interesting. Yeah. So, just crested the cold metal line. What do you suggest to people that want to try ride this coal? I mean, a lot of a lot of time climbing this thing. It’s relentless. We had what, maybe 20 seconds of flat downhill on this. The best way to do it is just to ride to a number all day, which was you. We didn’t really have to think about it. If you’ve got a friend like Taylor that can just ride to a number and you just ride to your friend, that’s really the best way to do it. So, thanks for leading us up there. It’s a little bit harder at altitude, but it’s 2,000 meters, so it’s not too bad if you’re not going that hard, but I’d say this is a fake 2,000 m. I’d say it’s about 30 m shy, and they just called it 2,000 flat. Definitely round it up. You got any Taylor’s tour facts for us on this one? Called the metal line. Pretty pretty wellknown one. Yeah. So, I mean, Meline, it’s not not usually a stage finish here. They’ve done it, I think, 26 or 27 times. The last time in 2020, uh, Richard Carropaz came over the top of this first in a break. He was able to hold that break until cold de la, but the side that we’re not going to be doing this year. So, the really steep, uh, bike path side, he got caught by the GC riders there. Um, but otherwise, yeah, a lot of famous battles. You’ll see names all along the road up here. Pantani and Olrich had a battle over the top of this, finished in the Albertville. So, they came in together was in 1998, stage 16. Yeah. So, normally they’ll do this one before the final climb or before the finish down in one of the towns. Obviously, by the time this comes out, they would have come over and finished the stage. But I would say my prediction would be a break goes early on the Glandon because it’s such an irregular climb and you can get away, you can sneak away, and there’s some sneaky descents on it. And then the Glandon descent is really technical. So, if you’re by yourself or in a small group, much easier. And then this one is so steady. I think for the Maline, it’s pretty hard to break away. You can’t just sneak off. It’s like all 8%. You can see where the riders are. So, you’re just going to have to brute force it. But obviously, they will try. Depends how hungry Pagacha is for another stage win. This descent’s about 20k. A little bit more irregular than the side that we climbed up. So, there’s some steep bits that are pretty fast. It’s a little more twisty, technical in the beginning, and then we’ll descend into some towns along the hillside. Little bit of climbing on the way and then the last half of the descent is is mostly all switchbacks in the trees. [Music] Qu your air. I can make your memories disappear. Let me turn enemies into daily below ground. Game changer change car record break [Music] ground head in the clouds when there’s no cloud chain [Music] go in time and I see the finish Yeah. All right, a little update. We bombed the cold metal in fairly fun behind Taylor. We need some solid food. We 6 and 1 half hours into this ride. We’ve only had a couple of bars and then the rest been gels and um nutrition drinks. So, the boys have gone off to the supermarket, which is on the route. I’ve popped back here to our accommodation which is only about a K off the route because I need to have a sneaky poo rather large one and uh I’ve also got a bit of lasagna here. So I’ll talk into that and then I’ll go down and meet them at the supermarket to go in and go out. [Music] What do we learn about France today, Alex? Uh same same story as the last time. Everything closes um when they want. when they want, which today was noon. And uh I did see there’s a 24-hour pizza box, but that’ll be uh for later. But for now, Sappa had to make quick pit stop at the house. Saved us with some food that we got the other day. So, uh yeah, going to push on. One more climb. Only 7,000 ft to go. Chips, waffles, Oreos. 5:00 p.m. and nothing’s open. There’s one restaurant, but I honestly do not have time to sit down and eat. No, nobody works in France. [Music] How many carbs you taking on today, too? You think somewhere between 200 and 2,000 g? 6 hours 50 minutes in, we start cold via Koral and we have 1,700 m and 26k to go. Brutal. Nice. About halfway up this monster final climb. Al’s starting to suffer a little bit, but he’s hanging tough on these big climbs. It’s nice to ride together, but at the end of the day, you just got to set your own pace and uh knock it out. Just keep the pedals spinning. We’re almost over like the steeper first half. gets to green. I reckon you lost your 10 in the last 20k on the face. It’s like a ghost town right now, but can’t imagine in 4 days time there’ll be people on every balcony lining the streets. It’s going to be a totally different experience. Green jersey is secure for you today, Taylor. I think I’ve went into every town sign sprint first. You look good in green. How about balance? S and Alex didn’t know they were competing against me for the green jersey, but I’ve been making my way to the front for every pound sign. How many points do you have? All of them. Go de la. [Music] What a climb. Just, you know, 18,000 ft ride. Lovely day. Oh, loving it. Seem to be by myself, but It’s all right. Got the tunes pumping. Vibes are high. You [Music] This is crazy. Tour to France, man. What an incredible thing. Yeah, we’ve been yapping away and I think we missed a turn. Alex might have beat us to the top in the end. Update. Uh, yeah, missed a turn on the right route again. Back down we go. We blew it. We blew the lead. [Music] Really just one of the most insane things I’ve ever done in my life. This time of day with the clouds, it’s like epic. You couldn’t ask for a more cool finish to a stage for the queen stage of the tour. This is real special. Cannot wait to watch the scenes up here. This is steep. What did you say earlier about poor Vingo? feel bad for him. I mean, how Tad is looking, I don’t see how you can really make him hurt on this right now. Yeah. I mean, T in the draft has been like effortless. So, if he really opens it up here, it’s going to be rough. We’re over 2100 m right now. Good luck to the boys racing. Uh, this is one that you just want to finish. Well, uh, made it to the top. Absolutely incredible. Only problem is I’m uh still by myself. I have no idea where Sappa and Taylor are. Not really sure what to do right now. Called them, texting them. Not really anywhere else to be. It’s a nice 15% to cap this one off. We made it. Oh my god, what a day. [Music] Champion. You’re bloody legend. You are different. Look at this guy. Speechless. Absolutely speechless. This is literally a greater victory than whoever wins on stage 18 in the tour. Queen stage winner. We have a champion. A new champion in the house. First the hair. End of a very very long day. We’ve been out for almost 14 hours. We just did a probably top five all time descent of my life. Maybe top three. It was so amazing. H bad news for you guys is my camera froze right near the top. So, we didn’t get any of it. I’m still stoked. Like 8:30 p.m. at night, flying through France. No one on the roads. Crazy road. Taylor in the sick orange jacket. I’m just following him. One that we will remember forever. Yeah, this is awesome. We’ll have to tell you the tale of a beer one day if you meet us in person. Was like a legitimate Mario Kart track. This is crazy. Um yeah, sometimes you just got to appreciate the memories. Technology doesn’t always doesn’t always capture everything. So yeah, pretty stoked. We’re getting home. Alex filmed us with the drone, so he’s a little bit behind. We said we’ll go ahead and make pasta. And yeah, here we are. Can’t believe we got pipped by the young gun, but we did. What a legend. I know. He’s going to pay for it on the 19th. I think we’re going to pay for it for the rest of our lives. We’re never going to hear the end of it. I know. Made it to the magic pizza box. Tour day is upon us. We have the camera gear load, food, drinks, umbrellas, regular clothes. One big climb. We’re going to the top of the Meline today. Let’s see the pros. Show us how it’s really done. We just started our cold the Meline climb. It’s 25 km, 1,600 m. Didn’t seem that bad when we were coming down it the other day. I bought a cheeky six-pack and might have to have a couple on the way up to lighten the load. See, 11:30 in the morning. The tour hasn’t even started this stage yet. If you’re going to go watch the tour, you’ve got to check out the website or uh the app and you see they estimate what time the race will come through. You can’t just get there half an hour before the races come through. With the tour, there’s a whole caravan. There’s tons of vehicles. You’ll see a 100 cars and a 100 motorbikes before you see a bicycle. If you get there too late, you’re gonna get kicked off the road and not get a cool position to watch the race from. Taylor, we’ve done this descent. We’ve done the whole stage a couple days ago. Tell us what was your favorite part of the whole day. Favorite part of the day was probably the glandon descent following Sappa. It’s been a while since I followed Sappa without a bag on the bike. So, you just get locked in. It was super twisty, flowy. Following Sopa is like cheat mode on a road you don’t know. Just follow the wheel and rip down it. So, that was Yeah, that one was awesome. Low lights. Any hard moments during stage 18’s recon? Yeah, it was honestly like a high point and a low point with the five plus kilo bag on those like 10 15% pitches on the bike path of lows. That was brutal. But the views were really amazing. Probably best of the whole trip. So yeah, right. That was also the high point of the whole tour. We forgot to mention that. How’s the pro day compared to our day? Yeah, I mean I wasn’t racing as a pro, but I did halt Route in 2022. This trip has been a lot more enjoyable. To be honest, I barely remember a lot of the climbs and descents I did then. So, this is way cooler when you can actually appreciate the scenery, the views, hang out with friends versus the pros, it’s kind of all just a blur. You’re just staring at the wheel. Um, so I mean, they’re doing it for us to put on a good show. So, we appreciate what they’re doing, but I imagine a lot of them after they retire, they just want to come and actually experience, you know, the the views and the roads that they got to race on. You got any good memories from our recon going the other way? Best memories for sure at the top of the cold of the lows. That was really an incredible experience. And yeah, taking the yellow jersey at the top, it’s really the uh the cherry on top of that experience. Yeah. Yeah, there was uh looked like you were in difficulty for a while there before you regained yourself. Definitely could have stayed on top of the nutrition a lot better. These big rides, you’re going to feel good and you’re going to feel bad. And neither one of those feelings will last the entire time. But definitely if you want to keep feeling good, keep eating. Worst moment of the day on that cold low was then followed right after with the best moment of the whole day. So you just got to remember, keep pushing and good vibes are at the top of the mountain. Hopefully they were for me. So yeah. What’s the prediction for today? Who’s coming over the Melan first? Like to see Matteo come over the top. Hell yeah. um winning the stage. It’s kind of hard not to say what everybody else is going to say but gotcha, but it’s the tour. It’s a crazy stage as we saw. Um so you never know. As you saw with me, miracles can happen. So maybe uh maybe somebody else will have their day. Got a couple hours till the race comes through, but it’s starting to pick up already the energy, the atmosphere. [Applause] What’s going on in the race, Taylor? They’re coming over the top of the Glandon right now. And uh looks like a break of 13 riders. They have about two minutes over the yellow jersey group. We got uh Primos Ruggage, Felix G. My prediction. We got Matteo, Alex’s prediction. So yeah, there’s some hitters. Lenny Martinez. So we’re uh we’re all on the money. Yeah, we’re we’re on track. One of us is going to be right. So Taylor’s giving us news. The breakaway splintered on the descent. Matteo Jorgensson and Iron Man got away. 30 second gap. Nice one, Matteo. Bit of Malibu skills coming in handy there. Couldn’t see, but we guess it’s from the downhill. Must be from the downhill. He is a legendary descender, Matteo. And that’s Alex’s prediction, so we’re going to owe him a beer. It’s a pretty big chase group though. There’s like seven riders or so. Primos is in there. Yeah, they’ll be going for it. But we believe in seen do big things before. He’ll do it again. Heat up here. Heat. Heat. Super cool to see Matteo leading the group up here. What a legend putting in the work. Well, that was our day on the cold line. Grapeta’s gone through. Everyone’s starting to make their plans to get off this mountain. Super super lucky with the weather. We’ve been blessed so far. I can’t uh believe how spread out that was. The riders coming over. Huge gaps. The uh front group led by Matteo is just flying. Some people look like they’re about to collapse 10, 20, 25 minutes later. Amazing day out here. Dunge Master’s here. 5 hours later, we’re back where we started. We carved down that descent. Quite a bit of traffic. Couldn’t film it. But yeah, we’re just pushing to get to the TV now. Watch the last 20 minutes, I guess, of the stage. Come on, Matt. We’re all trying to figure out what happened between top of the climb and the last 5k to go here. Do a wheelie jump. No wheelie, but [Music]