They-they crossed the Alps and they-they tell...
Would you like to introduce yourself?
My name is Laurent De Bruyn and I'm originally from Belgium. A masseur-physiotherapist by training, I've been working in France since 2002 and since early 2014 in Val Cenis, as a wellness masseur and rebouteux. I started cycling in 2017, at the age of 39, mainly on the road, although I invested in a muscle bike at the time. My professional activity only allows me to practice in the off-season (spring and autumn).
What was your challenge?
My pleasure is climbing a pass on its two or even three sides and, this autumn, I set myself the challenge of doing the many passes in the area and, consequently, those on the Grandes Alpes route, roaming and solo, with 8 to 10 kg of luggage. From the most modest to the most imposing, I climbed 26 different passes, some of them on two slopes. In 20 days, I covered a total of 1,700 km, with over 40,000 m of ascent. I spent the nights with local people, in bed & breakfasts or in hotels.
Which route?
In order:L'Iseran (2770 m), the Hautecour climb above Moutiers (1096 m), the Valmorel climb (1400 m), la Madeleine (2000 m), le Télégraphe (1566 m), le Galibier (2642 m), le col de l'Échelle (1762 m), l'Izoard (2360 m), le Granon (2413 m), le Lautaret (2057 m), le Galibier again, l'Alpe D'Huez (1860 m), le col du Luitel (1262 m), le Grand Cucheron (1188 m), le col de Beaune (1210 m), le col de Beau Plan (1440 m), le col de la Confrérie (1368 m), col du Mollard (1638 m), col d'Albanne (1656 m), col du Chaussy (1533 m), Glandon (1924 m), Croix de Fer (2067 m), Mollard again, Sapey (1306 m), Mont-Cenis (2083 m), montée de Mongenèvre (1860 m), Izoard again (2360 m), Col Agnel (2744 m), Col de Vars (2018 m), Bonette (2802 m), Col de Lebraut (1110 m), Lautaret (2057 m) and Galibier 2642 m followed by Télégraphe from Valloire to finish!
What can you learn from your daily work of caring for and maintaining muscles and joints?
On this first roaming experience, I discovered the importance of staying well hydrated, eating well and above all... recovering well, if you want to succeed in your project! Also, in autumn, milestones are often absent, so it's imperative to discover the terrain before each stage, to avoid any nasty surprises!
Finally, the way you approach an itinerary and the way you ride are quite different, if you compare them with a day outing! With a daily average of 85 km and 2,000 m D+, it's all about managing your effort.
Your trifecta of passes and why?
It's all relative... and depends on the state of fatigue accumulation and the day's form!
In 1, the descent of the Col d'Izoard, in the direction of Guillestre, for its exceptional scenery: views over the high altitude landscapes and the Guil gorges.
In 2, the Col de la Bonette with its final kilometer, which corrects even the most spirited... to reach 2,802 m altitude. It's not every day you get to touch Europe's highest road!
In 3, the Col du Granon, for its very airy route.
Your best and worst memories?
The best part?The discovery of how the body adapts to exertion and how it feels, in addition to the many encounters and exchanges.
The worst?The climb to the Col de La Madeleine, on a deserted Saturday with a punctured inner tube, a failing pump and an under-inflated tire, at less than 1 kg, when it should have been at least 2.2 - 2.5 kg! That day, I covered more than 1,600 m D+ and 75 km in these conditions (a very complicated descent!). Fortunately, I was accompanied by the bellowing of the stag for much of the climb. The next day, the Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne - Névache stage, via the Cols du Télégraphe, du Galibier and de l'Échelle (small detour), a total of 95 km and 2,700 m D+, seemed almost easy!!!
An anecdote?
As I climbed the Col Agnel, my saddle was creaking and disturbing the calm and gentleness of a beautiful autumn day.... I was already wondering where I was going to find some oil to remedy this somewhat... annoying inconvenience! No less than 1 km away, as if by magic, an oil spray was waiting for me on a windowsill, in a small village of a few houses. Its owner, nearby, authorized me to use it and I was able to set off again, serene and better than ever!