Mavic Trans-Provence 2017 // Day 4
At the mid-week point of Mavic Trans-Provence 2017, racers would once again battle temperatures in excess of thirty degrees while taking in some of the most demanding and physical liaisons and stages of the week. An open start time saw a less hectic ascent to the opening two stages, followed by a steep, narrow transfer to the final two stages of the day.
Start: Valberg
Finish: Valdeblore
Distance: 36.18km
Ascent: 1200m
Descent: 3129m
No. of Special Stages: 4
Steep, loose and exposed was the order of business as riders took to Red Earth this time, doing their best to keep eyes ahead and not on the sheer drop mere inches away. A very different feel the the three previous days would see tired bodies and creaking bikes start to show the signs of fatigue. Mavic Trans-Provence is far from just a race, and riders help each other get through the tougher parts of the week, giving the event its unique vibe.
Valberg was the start point for the day and a long, steady climb would take racers to Red Earth territory where steep-sided gorges and canyons are flanked by tall, sheer mountains, giving the two stages before the feed zone a very different feel to the other Special Stages.
Today would see the winners start to show their class as bike and body started to tire. Mavic Trans-Provence is about playing the long game, taking calculated risks and pushing on where it’s safe.
