John Thomas 
110kms and 3100m of climbing to start us off. A slightly damp but mild morning actually gave us great conditions to start this epic event. As always I got to the start early, got my bike positioned near the front and then wandered off to do my usual nervous routine of toilet visits and faffing with my gear. I was excited but nervous, as I always am. I knew I was in good condition but I also knew that plenty of others would be too.
Here we go again! Nearly 900km and 22000m of climbing between where we are now in Megève and our destination in Nice. This time it feels very special. It’s the 10th anniversary edition of this epic event and with all that COVID has brought us, it feels wonderful to be back participating in a big event with lots of people, almost normal! 500 eager riders from all over the world, chomping at the bit to take on this mammoth challenge.
So what on earth brings me to Bosnia and Herzegovina? I hardly knew where it was on the map until a few days ago. Well, COVID has meant my usual work in skiing and cycling has gone for the last 18 months. That, in turn has given me more time to ride than ever before. Time to ride and time to reassess cycling goals. Goals in a sport like cycling are crucial, you need a good carrot to motivate you on those mid winter turbo sessions.
By John Thomas – 2nd December 2019 Girona is now the home of over 100 pro cyclists and rapidly being discovered by amateur riders from all over the world. So what’s all the fuss about? What makes this place so good? I first visited Girona in 2014 and was instantly smitten by it’s charming, historic … Read more
By John Thomas, 27th October 2019 All images courtesy of Taiwan Cycling Federation At last – race day! So much anticipation and preparation, now it’s time to convert the work we’ve done into a result. I got a good 6 hour sleep, woke up as per usual 10 minutes ahead of my 4am alarm. … Read more
Tomorrow is race day! We’ve been based in Hualien, the host city for the event for the last 2 days. Some chilled out riding enjoying the local roads and relaxing in our very comfortable hotel. Almost time for action. First let me talk more about the event itself and how it’s evolved into a … Read more
As I write this we are on our team bus from Taipei, Taiwan’s capital to Hualien, host city for the Taiwan KOM Challenge. Last year Oliver and I came to participate in the event, this year we have a team of Alpine Cadence riders with us for a week long adventure culminating in the big … Read more
Haute Route 3 day events always finish with a time trial and this was a big one! 22km up the Bédoin side of Ventoux. 1600m of climbing in one hit. Lots of wind at the top. The leading riders would be looking at about an hour and 10 minutes of anguish with the bulk of … Read more
Stage 2 was scheduled to be 133km and 3300m of climbing, a summit finish on Ventoux via Malaucène. I woke up feeling good and confident that my cramps from yesterday were due to race rustiness, today would be better and my legs would be happier. That was my plan at least. We were greeted to … Read more
Here we go again! Another Haute Route adventure in beautiful Provence. Haute Route Ventoux is a 3 day stage race with 2 full length road races followed by a time trial on the final day. Each day would scale Mont Ventoux taking in the three classic ways up this iconic beast. For me this would … Read more