Mountain Sensations

By Ian Cleverly • 16th July 2010 01:26pm • Posted in Rouleur

So we head for the Pyrenees this weekend and a much-anticipated showdown between Contador and Schleck. Will they be listening to the buzzing in their ears coming from the team car, or using their initiative to crack their opponents? To quote maverick climber and master of the Pyrenees, Robert Millar, from issue 18 of Rouleur:

“In reality, climbing mountains has always been more about feeling and sensations than doing as you are told by an electronic device or a know-it-all at the side of the road.”

Not a heart monitor in sight on the Scot’s debut Tour in 1983, with victory in next Monday’s finish town of Bagnères-de-Luchon taken with all the style and panache of a man working on gut instinct. If the two-time King of the Mountains’ acceleration on the Peyresourde to drop Jiminez was spectacular, his descent into Luchon was absolutely jaw-dropping. Watch Millar fly on Stage 10 of the 1983 TdF»

To hell with your computers, power meters and race radios. Feel is everything in the mountains.

Brought to you by Rouleur magazine.

Comments

David Bayendor

17th July 2010 03:38pm

Have to agree with Mike. Great writing, and to the point. Sometimes you just have to feel it and dig deep. Technology has it's place, but ultimately it is the lungs, the legs, and the spirit that make the ride worthwhile.

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