I have been back from France and the ETape for almost a week. My legs are 80-90% recovered from the ETape. I can produce power but not for long periods of time. The good news is that I have never been stronger or faster. The bad news is I really have limited endurance.
What I miss the most is the change in scenery, the French countryside, long rides in the morning, the cheering crowds, the podium girls, the medals, the fame and fortune. Oops not me; thought I was Lance for a minute. I do miss the change in scenery. In the Chicagoland area there are really 2 rides. North up Sheridan and West to Barington. The French countryside was great.
I have been doing a lot of thinking about the Etape and how I would have changed my training. Basically I was very happy with my training and the help I got from my VQ buddies and coaches. I was in great shape for the ETape in fact I may have been in the best shape of my life. The only thing I would have done differently would be to do more intervals at lower power, just below lactic threshold or at LT and to do intervals at low revolutions inside. I think this would have helped on Ventoux and after all that was the real goal.
Now it is back to the grind. 10-12 hours a week doing LT intervals, submaxes and long rides on Sundays. Now that I have accomplished this years goals training is a tad harder. However the quest for speed and aerobic shape continue. Its upward and onward. So if you need me I will be on the road.
