Étape 2009 recce in the can

Mike Cotty is just back from recceing next year's Étape route which culminates in a nice pleasant climb up the Ventoux. He timed his run well because temperatures on the "Giant of Provence" are now down to a decidedly brisk -17C. That said, as this pic of Mike on the ride (courtesy of Rory Hitchens) shows it wasn't looking all that balmy there last week either.

Mike was riding the route as part of the Cyclefilms series of big ride recces and the resulting Étape recce film will be out on December the 8th including footage on riding the route and technique and training tips from the man himself. Back in 2006 Mike was first Brit home in the Marmotte and then a couple of days later repeated the feat in the Étape - so when it comes to cracking big rides he knows what he's talking about.

Check out the gallery of shots from his Étape recce ride on his website www.mikecotty.co.uk where you will find a whole load of other interesting stuff too.

The film, Road to Ventoux, starts shipping on the 8th of December and the first 100 orders get a free piece of the Ventoux (Cyclefilms would like you to bring it back when you ride the Étape) and a piece of nougat (you don't need to bring that back though).