After about 1300 m race in the streets of Luchon, we fall back on the road to rack, 20% average of 4 km. At the beginning I ran a little to win tickets and a lot of walking, the fastest possible
After Arbesquens Lake, we arrive on the slopes of Superbagnères, with slopes very irregular, sometimes up to 26% (to enlarge, click on the photo) 
To each his own pace ... 
Soon the culmination of the race (1832 m) and about 1 km downhill. Anyway, the scenery is magnificent, with peaks in the background Lézat, Quayrat (+ 3000 m) and Céciré 
Small vertical drop before arrival that allows to run the little path before donf final 
profile (click on picture to enlarge) 
Plan (click on picture to enlarge) 
After the hot weather of the day (33 °), the storm of the night brings a temperature more favorable for racing. The women start at 9 am, along with juniors for 9 km. This year, all the elite of the mountain race is present in Luchon, from the Alps, Vosges, Massif Central, Meeting ... Everything that has been climbing quickly go here! An unimpressive, but I came to make me happy in this beautiful setting, and change a little the path of the rack that I've done 8 times. Instead of 5.3 km usual, the menu is 10.5 km, almost double, with a little flat at the beginning and the middle and slightly downhill towards the end.
A warm-up, I thought for Maurice Sanson, very old friend who organizes annually the rack, which participated in the course of this championship, which goes under the knife for a double bypass surgery the next day in a clinic in Toulouse.
So at 10 o'clock sharp, we go with the 140 bib "Elite" in front, and "Open" at the end of the pack. Needless to say I'm part of this category! I go with my Mizuno Phantom, light and made for the road, but I see that 80% of competitors are equipped like me, very few have made the trail. No need to search cushioning, there is virtually no slope and the ground is not too wet, the grip is mounted to the right. So, 100 grams earned on each foot with each stride and is always good to take! I
the 1000 meters and a few flat in town at speed, but not about sprinting! I know too much more, with the terrible path of the rack. Even if we're not going to the top, you still have to swallow 800 m ascent before you find the path Arbesquens, about 2 km or less flat. Nice little moment the climb, a runner (Bouigue Andre, I think) told me he has seen on my blog and it looks, what makes me happy, and we exchanged some words between 2 breaths jerky!
Highest, I pass the bridge in 43 minutes (altitude 1300 m), which allows me to see that I'm in a good rhythm, the same as last year or I had a good climb. At elevation 1440, where I arrive 49'35 So we leave for the climb this path, where there should be run. The first impression after that made up most of walking is that the thigh muscles have shortened! I need at least 2 or 300 meters to find a stride running correctly and is about 12 km / h I do this way, gaining a few seats. (Incidentally, I spot a mushroom at the roadside ...). I estimated it would take me 1 hour to reach the lake Arbesquens, and that's exactly what I put (00'23 1 h). It is 450 m ascent for further, more downhill, and there I am a little cheated because I thought 30 minutes to get to, and I need 35.
After the lake we are emerging from the forest under a bright sun and wind, not too embarrassing. For cons, the slopes become very irregular and it must constantly alternating running and walking, difficult to manage the pace. Arrived on the crest of Céciré, the highest point of the race, I raised very well despite the very short breath, and it's getting faster and faster, but the descent is not technical and can be let go easily. Last short climb, and it's arrival in 1 h 35'49. In the "Open", I am 61st out of 129 entrants, and 6th on V2 22. Commemorative medal and tee shirt as a souvenir
Champion of France is Raymond Fontaine, in less than 57 minutes ... no comment on what time nor the fact that it is the 7th time he wins the title ... I understand why they made 2 categories ...
