Cent Cols Challenge

ALL THE CENT COLS CHALLENGES ARE LIMITED TO 25 RIDERS MAXIMUM.

This is first and foremost for overall safety of riders, but also in order to provide the best possible support to all riders on the road. Despite these limited numbers, each event is accompanied by a four-vehicle support team.

The first CCC was held in 2009. Since then, five challenges have been organised. Roughly 80% of riders have completed the FULL course. An occasional lift in a support vehicle has sometimes been the only option.

The Cent Cols Challenges involve climbing 100 Cols in ten days, cycling approximately 200 kms per day with an rough average of 4,500 metres of ascension on each stage. 
The routes are inspired by the beautifully designed “Randonnées Permanentes” of the Club des Cent Cols. Sincere thanks are due to the studious work that has been undertaken by the passionate Col-Hunters of this Club. As well as including most of the Classic Climbs, the jewels of these routes are the many lesser known climbs.

The competitive element in the Challenges is limited to two timed climbs per stage. These are chosen in advance so that the relevant data is set up on www.strava.com . The recording of individual ride data throughout the event can be done through Strava, allowing comparison to past CCC riders. All CCC riders seem to agree that the Challenge is hard enough in itself, without anyone trying to race. So much time is spent descending, that for riders to race downhill is to seriously increase the risk factor of these events.
The timed climbs are totalled up in a King of the Mountains competition through the event.

Everyone I have spoken to agreed using the Strava system was very successful at the Cent Cols.

Strava helped to solidify Phil’s logic that there was no reason for some riders to start early each day. With the focus on certain timed climbs each day, all riders of all abilities were able to see and talk with each other every day throughout the day. There wasn’t any one core group that once they passed someone, that was it, and they would not be seen again until dinner. This helped to create a more cohesive group and promote camaraderie throughout the trip.”

Preparation is the essential key to individual success, as well as to that of the whole event. To train as much as possible with other riders is more effective, more stimulating and more enjoyable too. To enter the event as a team is the perfect way to help each other create the time necessary to train.

Riding as a team also enhances the overall safety of the event: with a sudden change of weather in the mountains conditions can quickly deteriorate. It is not pleasant being alone when this happens. By teams regrouping after descents, for instance, anyone missing could be quickly spotted.

ARE YOU STRONG ENOUGH TO DO THIS?

It is hard to answer the question. Ride hard two ‘century’ rides back-to-back, well spiced up with hills, and then judge how you feel. Could you do this another eight times?!

“Phil, thank you again for your patience with us in the back. We rode as hard as we could. Please know that our experience at the back was as rich and sweet as those up front. It was a tremendous experience, that would not have been possible without your vision (route planning) and more importantly your organization.”