Just How Hard is the Galibier? (Two Amateurs Attempt Tour de France Cut-Off Pace)

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In this video, Mitch Boyer and I tackle one of the Tour de France's most epic climbs, the Col du Galibier. Initially we attempt to hold Grupetto pace and then we race each other. This video comes just before Stage 4 of the 2024 Tour de France, where they will be racing up the same climb. Thanks to Michi Sha and Lantern Rouge for helping us come up with the watts per KG number.
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#tourdefrance #cycling

[@MitchBoyer]

This was such a fun ride! I’m glad we filmed it so I could see what the top of the climb looks like-I was so deep I only saw the road in front of me 😂😂

[@CamNicholls]

The next day was the one that hurt me the most!

[@MitchBoyer]

@@CamNicholls me too 😵 excited to start editing that one!

[@global_nomad.]

rode the galibier in the Etape 2022 - 1hr 37 and 2.6w/kg av Watts 212W for the segment on strava - i was 54 at the time....seeing this just reminds us that when watching on tv, it's really hard to do justice to the speed the pros are going up

[@timpattydaechsel5988]

Awesome! I also rode the 2022 L’Etape ….. , got up the Galibier fairly easily, around 3 watts/kg….. but struggled mightily going up the Alp D’Huez at about little over 2 watts/kg …… the pros just don’t seem to get tired as Sepp Kuss set a new KOM AFTER doing Galibier and Col de Fir and it was as hot a day for them as it was us …… that’s incomprehensible next level

[@global_nomad.]

@@timpattydaechsel5988 ha ha, dont talk to me about Alpe d'huez...had to stop several times on the way up on both etape and marmote

[@gourami7]

They really looked like they were flying up, especially Pogicar

[@ryangolder705]

“Sorry Mitch, is it alright if I call you a dickhead?” Classic hahahaha

[@Lillee1969]

At least he asked politely 😆

[@thomasking1490]

Basically just translating Australian to US english.

[@rsam346]

More of this content Cam! This is great. So good to see you having fun with it

[@deanluke2182]

The views are awesome. Thanks to the both of you for keeping it real.

[@FitnessSynthesis]

Thanks for the video. that view from the top is amazing.

[@GCPerformance18]

Cam got that 90 cadence, love to see it

[@MitchBoyer]

Wait until you see his cadence the next day on Alpe d'Huez

[@TheBassallyear100]

great job! love seeing you both collaborate

[@klein-concept]

Wicked episode guys. Good to see you both together 🫶

[@joegamas1194]

Talk about an epic ride, well done, well done 👍 awesome video 👏💪

[@PixelVibe42]

My favourite climb! Have completed it 8 times now, but thankfully only ever felt the impact of altitude once - and that was a surprise when it happened. Best day on a bike was doing the Galibier with my son, we enjoyed it so much we turned around at the bottom and went straight back up again!

[@casparwhittey]

super entertaining - really cool content and super fun to actually see a decent competition for the top

[@altern8tive]

The other side from Valloire is more a challenge but your main view is limited somewhat by a wall of mountain lol. The landscape on the Lautaret side, especially looking over the Meije glaciers and down the valley to Briançon are to die for 👍

[@CamNicholls]

We did that the following day. I believe today they’re going up this side, hence the choice for this video 👍

[@jamesfearn]

Great and funny video. Love the collaboration!

[@gemmumma8354]

Great vid, Cam. Really enjoyed.

[@vaughanc4919]

Love it. The altitude is a very real 'thing'! I live at 1200m so am acclimatised to riding high, however when I return from a couple of weeks at sea level just climbing stairs is labourious

[@rolandmarichal1250]

My opinion, this is by far your best vid!

[@Jamesashleycoyle]

Killer edit! Love the crossover content ❤

[@n22pdf]

Brilliant guys love this kind of vid.. hard ride man wow well done dudes.. altitude looks like a killer.. Pete 🚴🏻👍💪🚴‍♀️

[@dasf89]

Excellent video, love the banter and self-deprecating humor! 1:08 calling Col du Galibier a hill is certainly a first 😁

[@CycoWarriorx]

Great video Cam… those views… 🔥🔥🔥…. I’m still 🤣🤣🤣 over that penetrated breathing… 😂😂😂

[@struancochrane753]

Great video, it just shows what Cav and others have to do today......not to mention the 2000meters of elevation gain they have done before the start this climb.

[@michaelb1716]

Fantastic video! This puts into perspective how the likes of Mark Cavendish and the other sprinters are incredible climbers capable of beyond what the vast majority are able to do. When then makes the true climbers seem even more freakish! You fellas are miles above average and rode a great climb! 💪

[@kevinteig8693]

That was a good watch!

[@kennedystuart5685]

Way to go guys. You guys are beasts on the bike. Truly inspired by the climb. Time to get my ass moving. Lol.

[@SpockCycles]

Quality Lads, Thanks from the UK 🖖

[@goodcompanycoffee]

Sick editing and choice of music

[@veloperformance]

So much fun, love it.

[@Dav0London]

Wow, it hurts to watch this video. Kudos to you both for reaching the peak. Peace.

[@zingleraster9124]

Awesome ride & video. On my Wishlist….

[@grantmcalpine6364]

That was awesome.

[@jerrycampion]

Great spin guys lots of suffering!

[@benduncan4027]

If this is grupetto, then what the GC guys are doing 😳

[@stevengordon-head2420]

Simon Yates was tempo at 450w a few weeks ago then he took off for the stage win

[@carl-axelhallgren9401]

Likely above 7w/kg 😅

[@serdiezv]

Contador said that to be in top form for the Tour he aimed for 7 w/kg in the FTP test

[@thedronescene7474]

I see both of you are using the Coros Dura. Surprised 😮

[@philipk4475]

Yeah this is gruppeto pace, eg big sprinter boys like Jacobsen are doing this with weeks of racing in their legs

[@nicholkid]

What a beautiful climb, would love to do it.

[@hunters641]

The joys of altitude without acclimation. Very entertaining 😊

[@shannonparker7404]

Bloke. Seriously. When you reflect on your start on the Yoootoobs and then you create this mad content, it must be hard to believe the journey you have made. Bravo. Nice work. Holding over 320 watts for 12 minutes is no average effort. Swap to Marlboro menthols?

[@nicholasc.niggli6307]

@MitchBoyer - Thanks for sharing this great ride and superb landscapes! What selfie stick is this, that you can attach to the front of the roadbike ? Thanks!

[@rodcosta2345]

Damn boys, great day!

[@bitminerbob6731]

Great vid. Got to admit that descent would have worried me, with those wet corners!! That looks sketchy af.

[@5teve85]

Absolutely fantastic video and music, well done! Will you get over to col de la Croix de fur / glandon? My favourite day on the bike, highly recommend!!

[@duanebosch9508]

My wife and I took 3 1/2 hours to get up Monte Grappa. The record is less than an hour.

[@jaydeister9305]

[@onlyonecjb001]

Nice one gents 👌🏻

[@richardggeorge]

If you want a cycling altitude challenge try riding Idaho Springs (altitude 2208m) to the summit of Mt Evans (4307m) in Colorado. 45km climb of 2208m! Took me 4 hours at fat ass 93kg (sprinter). It certainly was a shock to the system after flying in from Australia !

[@richardggeorge]

Love your work! Stay safe over there. I found it was quite easy to crack 100km/h at altitude.

[@songfta]

I rode the Galibier 5 days after you and that last bit after the tunnel is definitely hard! I maintained about 3.1 w/kg over the whole distance from the Col du Lauteret and it was a LOT. It's a helluva climb, though, and the scenery distracts from the pain.

[@-P-Z-]

Legends!

[@jamesmckenzie3532]

Awesome to see the ride. I have planned to do the Zwift version tomorrow. I just need something to simulate the altitude.

[@iddn]

Cigarettes

[@jamesmckenzie3532]

@@iddn Racers used to smoke, not anymore.

[@briansteele2723]

You should sign up for La Marmótte guys, you get to do Croix de fer, Mollard, Telegraphe, Valloire, Galibier then Huez! I'm 51 and made it, just!

[@CamNicholls]

We did that the next day. Pretty much. Mitch will have a video up soon. You’re right, it destroyed me.

[@chriswitek9455]

drove from around 640 feet of elevation where i live to colorado where the start of pikes peak is like 7400 feet and rode to the top of that. 4 hours at 55rpm and like 170bpm later i "sprinted" at the top with like 600w cuz thats all i had left

[@davidanderson215]

A few years back I drove from sea level to Lone Pine. The next day I climbed Mt Whitney (8,000' to 14,505'). Interesting experience.

[@dominicbritt]

More Alpine mountains please - my happy place.

OMG you came to my country haahah can't believe it !!!

[@Mr_Zzzeee]

WHAT ARE THE CHANCES?!?!

[@choanlpoto]

@@Mr_Zzzeee like almost 0 right ??? who would came to France to road bike

[@tt-tk9076]

🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@clint9470]

scenery is amazing ♥

[@Real28]

Mitch absolutely sending his HR so far north of 190 for so long is crazy. Cardiac tissue got a nice workout but DAMN.

[@shaunluckham1418]

A school friend and I did the Galibier same week as we did Alp D’Huez and I’d say I found the Galibier more fun, maybe I was better prepared than when we did Alp D’Huez. We were both in our 40s when we did them.

[@DaveWills23]

Just done Le Marmotte up it last week, horrific but incredible climb.

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Probably the two most likable guys on KZbin. Very interesting premise, and then to see live data during the ride. I WILL NOT be trying this 😀

[@hernanhernandez3861]

Wout van Aert is also around 78 kilos. Imagine the watts he had to hold when he won on Mont Ventoux (2x ascent!). I like Mitch's "boom boom" move at the end....

[@philipk4475]

420 W +- 5% is my guess

[@ronnyhormann262]

... es ist ein harter anstieg !!!

[@Greg.Sutton]

Ridden that segment back in summer 2020 (yes lockdown) as guy i used to go to school with, owns a B&B is Le Bourg D'Osains and i stayed with him. I managed a whopping 54:33 @ 2.2wkg - trouble is i stopped for a further 8min 40secs so it was actaully 1hr 03min to cover the segement. Altitude really kicked my butt, i have to say, and this was the first time i felt it properly as had ridden a few "deux millie" cols prior but nothing this high.

[@Seanobb]

oomg... imagine if they had chest cameras on some riders during a stage like this during the tour. that would be insane!

[@clairenelson3095]

Ryan is in trouble on return!

[@rof8200]

Impressive

[@lukacalov1988]

Amazing video Do Tourmalet next

[@xuchenglin6256]

Yeah the altitude is real! The first time I encounter that was when I went for a cycling trip to Qinghai Lake (3000 meter above sea level). When I was just ride along with family it all feels good except you become more easily out of breath. But later when I tried to do some effort... that is crucial... it mostly just moves your threshold. 250 watts feels like 300, which is about my threshold at sea level. And it takes way more effort to recover. It hurt me so much both physically and mentally so that I didn't bother sleep that night but went to do some researching into the impact of altitude to cycling performance. It turns out that at 3000m you should expect a 20% loss in power. However because the air is less dense, you should expect not as much a speed drop at flat. However it didn't feel exactly that way either... Lung just explodes! BTW there's an UCI stage race there and a lot of research data on altitude is from this race -- not so many pro races take place at this high altitude. However it's very different to feel it first hand even if you thought you know the theory. It's devastating! Plus side is when you return to your sea level, you'll have your super power, for... about 2 weeks. For me it's threshold pace becomes easy-ish pace and you'll suspect your watch's broken.

[@FaiscaaaH]

Welcome to the alps 💪💪💪 Galibier said hello

[@CamNicholls]

I am still feeling the French Alps. I think I am sick TBH hahaha. The day after this one Mitch and I did a 188km loop. Almost killed me.

[@FaiscaaaH]

@@CamNicholls You are a tough one, you can handle it !!! Chapeau mate

[@MeMurphy10Feb]

Nice great video and these are always the best to compare the TDF guys to mere mortals (albeit A grade mortals) 😂

[@dominicbritt]

Did Mitch bin the gruppetto run to save for the race?😁

[@NeilKasselman]

I guess don't come to the Andes then... We start a 31km, 6% climb at 3000m and it summits at 4600m..thats the biggest road pass in my area though we have some bigger, higher gravel climbs.

[@adamweb]

0:13 This is the first time I've heard penetrate used as an adjective LOL

[@fastestmilkman3840]

Try col de croix de fer from Vaujany side, the view is even more special.

[@CamNicholls]

We did a that the following day. It was a 190km loop I’ll never forget haha

[@andrewcaligiuri2722]

How did you mount your insta360 camera? I have an S5 Cervelo which have wide/flat intergraded handlebars (similar to the BMC) and have struggled to find a mount that is secure enough to hold the weight of the camera with similar set up (carbon pole)

[@Allthingsblaise]

Cam, tell us about your strength program. Your quad looks like that of a bodybuilder

[@barrycorney3665]

At sea level oxygen is 20.9%...at 2,600m you're down to 15% or so.... I live at 300m and train between 3-600m(19-20%), always have a bit more "oomph" down at sea level when visiting the folks! (Could be worse on Everest it's 6.9%....)

[@global_nomad.]

stage 4 TdF 2024... UAE smashing it up the Galibier...awesome show of strength

[@burgess_and_his_bike]

Makes you appreciate the dudes sitting at the back. I think this provides perspective. Sprinters aren’t just phoning it in

[@veganpotterthevegan]

Mitch needed a full bidon full of ketones

[@AdamEwart]

I think the star of the show here is your lower jaw, Cam. Holding perfect extreme trauma pose the whole way up! 😅 (and you at least managed to avoid any traffic fines 😉)

[@bicycle56]

Cam. What gearing were you both using?

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

At $40 USD per ounce, who is this Ketone stuff for? What do independent test and research say about it?

[@reddiver7293]

Striking difference in handlebar width. The narrower one seems too close for proper breathing on sustained, intense climbs. Props to both riders, though!

[@jean-francoismoro6207]

I looked everywhere how to attach my insta360 to my aero handlebar but I couldn't find a good solution anywhere. I'm curious how you managed. thx and great Video 👌

[@CamNicholls]

Use a handlebar mount into a GoPro mount that sits under your head unit. It’s not intended for that but it works. There’s a piece on the handlebar mount that goes into a go pro mount.

[@tommyg5971]

curious what gearing you both used?

[@user-gp3co5nk9m]

Cam, What did you use for gearing?

[@phezter]

Great

[@martinberry1540]

Interesting you had a second wind and still did close to 300w

[@daviddjerassi]

When i looked at the drop off the roadside into oblivion i thought you Guys are on your own i wouldn't even drive up there ,love the video but that place is to dangerous for words.

[@JAViewer]

Do you have a video explaining % and degrees?

[@tariqcollins2609]

9:14 yo this looks so sketchhhhhh my goodness I’d be scared

[@ThomasLantz-k9z]

Great video! What's the second background music track from 1:15-4:10 ? Thx

[@CamNicholls]

I can’t recall off the cuff. I’ll try and come back to this.

[@ThomasLantz-k9z]

@@CamNicholls appreciate it

[@CamNicholls]

@@ThomasLantz-k9z kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIGof4ejg5h_prcsi=MNRL8RsA_PwsZXMq

[@adamjd7645]

So Mitch, what was going through your mind? "My heart!" (190+bpm for the last few minutes... the definition of suffering)

[@shepshape2585]

I'd feel bad for you both, but alas, while not being able to keep groupeto pace up the climb, you still got to ride in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. I'd rather ride up that climb at a super easy pace and enjoy the scenery than suffer up it and not be able to enjoy all of that.

[@ChrisWagner-bh3vn]

RITTE!

[@dandicristina1389]

The pros smash that it’s crazy I race as a cat 3 I think I am fast lol

[@andreemurray7039]

What was your gearing?

[@TrondBakkeFlgstad]

What is the last song?

[@ohadrefael42]

whar we learned kids ? pro riders are from another planet !

[@batbawls]

ehh ehhh oooh ooohh

[@Hekyeh]

“Penetrated” 🤣🤣🤣

[@lodvaessen]

Are you on Galibier today?

[@CamNicholls]

Yes in the Visma back car / van