The Alpe d’Huez Triathlon is so unique, with its mountain course combining altitude and long climbs, that the bike choice is a crucial parameter not only for performance, but also for enjoyment. France Bike Rentals, the event’s bike hire partner, offers invaluable advice.
The main feature of the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon is undoubtedly its mountainous nature. With 28km and 1415m D+ of cycling in the M format and 118km and 3200m D+ in the L format, the event is undeniably one where the long climbs and altitude have to be taken into account not only in the sports preparation beforehand, but also in the choice of equipment. As a partner of the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon, France Bike Rentals has developed real expertise in choosing the right bike for a successful race. Téo Katgely, e-commerce manager at FBR and a seasoned triathlete, gives us his expert advice.
Tip 1: Optimise energy consumption
On mountainous courses where the climbs can be long and successive, it’s crucial to manage your energy expenditure so as not to endure the climbs (too much). The Alpe d’Huez Triathlon is a tough race, particularly in the L format, as it involves a series of mountain passes. So it’s important to avoid unnecessary energy expenditure. “In that sense, a road bike is more economical than a time trial bike,” says Téo Katgely. “It’s less demanding and lighter.”
Tip 2: Go for lightness
Lightness is another essential factor to consider. When it comes to climbing the 21 bends of the Alpe d’Huez, the weight of the bike is a central parameter of performance and comfort. “A time trial bike is better suited to hilly or flat courses than to mountain courses. A road bike is lighter and better suited to climbs, especially if it’s fitted with an electric drivetrain, which improves fluidity and reduces overall weight”, explains Téo Katgely. Triathletes who are aiming for performance should therefore opt for a top-of-the-range bike that is very light.
Tip 3: Choose the right gear
To climb a mountain pass several kilometres long with steep gradients, you need the right gear ratio. A road bike has a wider cassette than a time trial bike, which makes it more versatile and, above all, better suited to the mountains. “A time trial bike offers much less scope for changing gears and is therefore less suitable for steep gradients, unlike a road bike,” confirms Téo Katgely.
Tip 4: Focus on handling
While climbs are one of the key criteria for choosing a bike, descents are another. “You can quickly get scared on a descent if the bike isn’t easy to handle,” warns Téo Katgely. “There’s no doubt that a road bike is easier to handle than a time trial bike. It allows you to work on angles, trajectories and turns in a much calmer, more fun and safer way than a time trial bike.”
Tip 5: Play the versatility card
When it comes to tackling the bike courses at the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon, versatility seems to be the best card to play. In this respect, a road bike is the best strategy in the eyes of Téo Katgely: “I recommend choosing a bike that handles well on climbs, offers good stability on descents, isn’t too demanding and can handle all the changes of gradient. For me, the ideal bike is a road bike with the right cassette and a light weight.” Those who are unconditionally loyal to extenders can opt for a hybrid set-up: France Bike Rentals offers premium road bikes with the option of triathlon bars to satisfy all riders’ profiles.
About France Bike Rentals
France Bike Rentals is the specialist in premium bike hire for the most prestigious triathlons. With unprecedented technical resources and a team of enthusiasts, FBR is committed to a single concept: triathlete satisfaction.
Who is Téo Katgely?
He is an e-commerce manager at France Bike Rentals and has been a triathlete for 10 years. He raced in the 1st division for 4 years as part of the Montpellier Triathlon team and is currently in the 2nd division, still with Montpellier Triathlon. He joined the Club France scheme in 2022 and takes part in international races in the 25-29 age category. In 2024, he won the titles of European and World Champion in the Olympic distance and World Champion in the sprint. He has been competing in the Elite aquathlon category for the last two years and this year he will be taking part in the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in the 25-29 age category.
