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September 11th 2007: LE TOUR ULTIME
Having slept only for 10 minutes since 4:00 in the morning today Julian has gathered all his strength to keep a firm pace no matter tiredness, sleep depravation and bad weather conditions. We were not so lucky with the weather today but he felt in his element riding in the pouring rain, eager to cross the yellow arch as soon as possible.
Some people think he will arrive in Oisterwijk at 7 o'clock in the morning, some others are not so optimistic and they say it will take him a bit longer but one thing is for sure, he will finish the race.
Le Tour Ultime 2007 is coming to an end that's why seeing the result of the supreme effort Julian is doing is a matter of time.
September 7th 2007: LE TOUR ULTIME
After the Pyrenees the road ran quite straight with scarcely any turns and it became a hard job for Julian to keep himself awake on never ending roads. Yet, he managed to get over boredom and keep on riding at 27 kph. He is still in good form but for a light infection in his mouth caused by coping with severe drops in temperature.
Julian has already completed 3000 kms. out of 4050. At this point of the race we might work out his arrival time on Sunday night. Sooner or later, we don't know it yet but I predict a very exciting ending.
September 6th 2007: LE TOUR ULTIME
We have left Pyrenees behind us. In 20 hours and a half Julian has completed 272 kms. finishing this part of the route, famous for the 2114 metres of climbing of the Tourmalet. He has amazingly managed to keep the same strong pace as the first day no matter what happened. This attitude of perseverance reminds me of a plastic ball that keeps staying afloat when you are trying to sink it.
As for the weather there have been some days when Julian was toasting with hot and many others when cold nearly paralysed his muscles but, all in all, weather conditions are quite good for riding this year.
As you can imagine, during all these days we have lived many difficult situations but Julian's optimism turns them into funny stories. I remember one of them now, but at the moment was not funny at all. We stopped for a rest in a little path at the edge of the road so that Antonio, the physiotherapist, could give Julian his massage. However we didn't realize it was a private property and the owner welcomed us shouting and firing into the air with his shotgun. We were off like a shot.
This day was also full of surprising news. At nine o'clock in the evening we were all surprised to know that Amat, the rider from Catalunya, had dropped out from the race. Some technical and physical problems overwhelmed him and he decided to give up. Far from being happy for the news, Julian felt sorry for him and without even having time to absorb his unexpected withdrawal we were informed that Valentin Zeller, who had been leading most of the race, had also decided to give up for medical reasons.
Therefore, If Julian arrived at the finish line he would be the new "World Champion long-distance riding" which, in his opinion, would not only mean the first position but a personal training to aspire higher.
September 5th 2007: LE TOUR ULTIME
At this stage of the race we have seen Julian doing anything on his bike, from meeting anybody's basic needs such as eating, drinking. up to an astonishing variety of positions to put on/take off clothes, stretch his muscles... We have also tried a wide range of games to keep himself awake on his bike for example guessing games using mimic. Everything is good to prevent him from sleeping.
Today Julian has maintained a good pace but sleeping only for 1 hour finally took its toll during the day. However, he stopped to sleep for 10 minutes several times which was enough for him to gather strength again and face a chilly night.
September 3rd 2007: LE TOUR ULTIME
This is our fifth day and Julian Sanz has spent most of it making his way through the Alps , crossing major hills such as de Graille, Du Lore and Mont Ventoux. This epic mountain, which stands out over the rest, is called "el calvo" which means "bald", since there is no vegetation on top of it. It has taken Julian just a little bit more of 2 hours and a half to beat this 1906 metres high gigant consisting on long climbs of about 21 kms.
We took delight in the beautiful scenery from the top of Mont Ventoux and as its name suggests the wind up there was hurricane-forced. Climbing it up was really hard but racing it down was dangerous. Our support vehicle was lurching from one side to the other because of the terrible wind which made it difficult to understand how Julian managed to stay on his bike. Nevertheless Julian's good mood and his endurance prevailed over adversity and he kept on riding leaving Mont Ventoux behind him. Tonight he will intend to reach St. Quentin la Pottedie so that we can go into the Pyrenees in the morning.
Once again he has been forced to change some plans. On the one hand he will split his sleeping hours between evening and midday. On the other hand, he will change his nutrition. He has been having many food enriched with proteins, vitamins and carbohydrates but he is fed up with all that stuff so from now on he will take let's say."common food".
Well, another day is gone and this is turning into one of the most valuable experiences I've ever had, full of lovely and memorable moments above all. We all are learning a lot from Julian but we still can't understand where he gets his strength and courage.
September 2nd 2007: LE TOUR ULTIME 2007
When we are 2210 metres high I have started to understand everything. Julian enjoys so much winding down the hills of the big mountains of the Alps that it makes up for the superhuman effort he has to do climbing them up. Today he has completed 340 kms through the Alps which is not bad considering its difficulty. He flew past some of the most famous passes such as Col Du Vars, St. Jean , D'Ayen y Du Lore.
It is scorching hot today, one of the hottest days I would say, and it has been really hard for Julian, however it was at sunset that we all could see he was getting his strength back and he finally managed to find a good pace again on his BH Global Concept 2007 bike.
Everything concerning his health, food and clothes is being controlled every minute, especially his pain in his leg since it seems it hasn't disappeared completely. As for the planning he has decided to change his sleeping routine and he will try to wake up earlier so that we can climb up Mont Ventoux in the cool of the morning.
That's all for today. Julian is showing us that human endurance has no limits. Come on Julian!!! Go on!!!!! You are making everybody talk about this race!
September 1st and 2nd 2007: LE TOUR ULTIME 2007
Everything goes as planned on the third day. Julian is in a good mood as usual racing up the steep hills without ever losing his smile and maintaining a good pace. First climb up Frene followed by La Madelaine , Glandon-Croix de Fer, Telegraphe, Galibier and Lauteret. He has overcome successfully the toughest part of Los Alpes.
The weather conditions were optimal for riding but on the first day of September we had a very chilly night. It was only 2 degrees at the top of Galibier port but fortunately it didn't rain at all. He decided to wrap up to bear the low temperature and keep him warm and some hot chocolate made by his crew did the rest.
Julian is in very good shape today, without the least hint of that pain in his leg which has been bothering him. They only drawback we have had is that we have been having problems with internet, that's why we haven't been able to send these race reports for almost 2 days. However it seems to be solved since we have received your emails and messages of encouragement that help him so much to go through the difficult moments.
August 31st, 2007: LE TOUR ULTIME 2007
Julian faces the race with great strength and courage on the second day. At 8 o'clock in the morning we have gone into the French heartland, going through small little villages such as Goviller, Lamarche, Bèze, Seurre, Jallanges and many others where people received us with smiles and happy waves.
He has managed to keep a firm pace, completing 320 kms in 12 hours. However a pain in his leg has been bothering him lately, nothing that the great physiotherapist he is taking with him, Antonio Rodríguez Olivera, can't treat. He is a good help. It is not pain that will prevent him from going on, that's for sure.
There is no doubt that one of the hardest parts of Ultracycling is learning to control your body and mind. It means you have to learn to listen to your body and ignore pain, or at least distinguish between discomfort and pain. You only can get it with really hard training.
How Julian can be riding on his bike having slept only for two hours after being 22 long hours on it is something beyond my comprehension. You might wonder: What does he do to overcome sleep depravation? Well, he eats, he listens to his favourite music, he sprints and he even shouts with all his might. Do you still think you can try it?
August 30th, 2007: LE TOUR ULTIME 2007 (1st day)
Julián Sanz has been the first rider to start LTU 2007, being therefore, the first one to go under the yellow arch of the start line in Oisterwijk at 12:00. Once on the road he has been riding against the wind from Holland to Belgium , even so he has managed to do an average of 33,4kph completing 360 kms in 12 hours, being in a good mood during the whole day: optimistic and persistent, just the way he is.
Ultracycling involves hard training as well as perseverance that's why both mental discipline and hard physical training are key. LTU and RAAM are two good examples of long distance races. LTU is regarded as the toughest one for its profile whereas RAAM is the longest one. Jure Robic, winner of LTU 2007, finished LTU (4.000 Kms) in 8 days and a half and the RAAM (5000 Kms) in 8 days. This is a clear proof of its toughness.
Julian seems to be so comfortable riding on his bike that I've started to think that the bike itself is not a simple machine but part of his body. It all makes him to be considered one of the favourite riders in this LTU 2007. COME ON JULIAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 24th, 2007: Gratitude words and Article about Le Tour Ultime in "arueda.com": I wish to express my gratitude to COMET and ALQUILERES LARREA for their efforts to help me.
Interview in "arueda.com" HERE
August 23rd, 2007: Part of the route through the Pyrenees (pdf.)
Map 1
Map 2
Map 3
August 22nd, 2007: Planning for "Le Tour Ultime 2007"
On August 27th at 16:30 in the afternoon me and my crew will set off to Oisterwijk in Holland from Vitoria (Autocaravanas Gorbea, Tratado de París, 19). The race starts on August 30th at 12:00 noon and it can be followed "live" on LTU official website www.letourultime.com, just the same as last year. My website www.juliansanz.com.es will also be updated everyday with first hand information from the crew.
August 22nd, 2007 : Video of "Santiago's Way in 24 hours"
A short video of the documentary "Santiagos's Way in 24 hours", broadcast on the Basque Tv Channel, is available here.
August 5th, 2007: We enjoyed a nice route across France to complete the 1000kms Brevet of San Sebastian in 50 hours.
The race started in San Sebastian and we rode through Bayona, Landas, Burdaux, and Bergerac up to the Pyrenees. We came back to San Sebastian through Bayona. You can see some photos HERE.
GORBEA in collaboration with Le Tour Ultime:
July 23rd, 2007: 1.000 kms. Brevet in San Sebastian
On Saturday July 28th I will take place in the 1.000 kms. Brevet in San Sebastian, the race that puts an end to the Spanish Cycling Championship. I will use this race, that goes on French soil, as the last hard training before Le Tour Ultime.
July 16 th , 2007
I have already started to make preparations to face the 4.070 kms. of LTU. I will be taking a crew made up of 9 brave people who will help me to carry out what I have been enthusiastically preparing for one year. We all will be suffering the same weather conditions (cold, heat.), sleep depravation and long hours on the road, that's why they deserve my admiration and they are worth mentioning:
Antonio (Sevilla)
Ana Cuesta (Sevilla)
Aida (Orozko)
Jairo (Valladolid)
Laña (Orduña)
Estancona (Orduña)
Berta Nogueira ( La Coruña )
Juan Carlos (Arrigorriaga)
Jagoba (Gipuzkoa)
Thank you very much!!!!!!!!
Santiago 's Way Challenge: 28 hours is not that bad
It's a shame the weather wasn't more favourable . It must be taken into account that I was riding against the wind from Logroño to the end of the route. Physically I'm in perfect condition so it was a good training for Le Tour Ultime. Everything is ready!!
" SANTIAGO 'S WAY IN 24 HOURS" CHALLENGE
Live Report....... HERE
Live Pictures...... HERE
Live Location..... HERE
June 27 th , 2007: Live updates of the challenge
My crew at the follow vehicle will update this website informing everybody about the progress of the race.
Click HERE to see live pictures of the challenge.
Click HERE to see live the exact place where I am thanks to the CompeGPS System.
June 24 th , 2007: We are on the home straight for " Santiago 's Way in 24 hours"
The training is finished and I hope the wind is not too strong and my body, especially my legs, let me keep an effective pace.
I would also like to say thanks to my crew in this race: Gondra, Oscar Salazar, J.M. Estancona, Juan Carlos, Laña y Aitor Ruiz de Zarate whose main function is to keep me rolling without incident to achieve the aim of riding Santiago's way in 24 hours.
Click HERE to see the estimated time of arrivals at the most important places.
Click HERE to see the map.
A location map will be available thanks to the CompeGPS System.
This is a "solo race" so it is considered No Drafting
We will be leaving Roscenvalles on June 30th at 12:00 noon and we will try to arrive in Santiago at 12:00 on July 1 st .
June 20 th , 2007: News in "Friends of cycling":
see feature " Santiago 's Way Challenge"
June 19 th , 2007: Jure Robic wins the RAAM!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
He finally completed it in first place, starting in San Diego, California, and finishing 3000 miles away,on the other side of the continent. He succeded in completing the amazing distance in 8 days, 18 hours and 56 minutes. This is the 4th time he wins the RAAM so he is undoubtedly one of the bests. Wolfgang Fasching is likely to finish it in the second place.
June 19 th , 2007: 600 kms. Brevet of Santillana del Mar (Cantabria)
I wish to emphasize that t his race is considered to be hard for its profile. Even so, and despite the miserable weather conditions (strong windy, rain.), as usual in the brevets this year, me and Cesar, from Reinosa, finished it in 27 hours. I would also like to say thanks to Cesar's girlfriend, Ana, for her unconditional support driving behind us day and night. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!
There is only one week left for " Santiago 's Way in 24 hours", starting on June 30th at 12:00 in Roscenvalles.
June 12 th , 2007: RAAM 2007 in "Youtube"
The progress of the race can be followed in this LINK. The favourite rider at the moment and winner of RAAM 2006 at the same time, Jure Robic, is still in the lead.
Wolfgang Fasching, who can be a hard competitor for Jure Robic since he has won 3 RAAM out of 7, is only 2 hours behind him.
June 10 th , 2007: 600 kms. Brevet of San Sebastian
This race is a good training for the " Santiago 's Way" challenge. I finished it in 25 hours. It was necessary to train the sleep, my position on the bike and the concentration on keeping a good pace, especially during the last 200 kms. completed in 6h. 45' .
Now let's follow the RAAM.. I wish I could take part in it some day which is difficult at the moment due to lack of financial support. Maybe next time!!
June 9 th , 2007: The RAAM has started!!!!
This is the 26 th occasion on which this race has been held. You can follow it HERE.
You can also see the videos HERE
You can follow it 24 hours a day HERE
June 4 th , 2007: 600 kms. Brevet of Bilbao
I covered the first 400 kms. in 14 hours and a half and the last 200kms in 7 hours, that's 21 hours and a half (hours on the bike) altogether.
June 1 st , 2007: 600 kms. Brevet of Bilbao
Part of the route (from 16:00 to 21:00) can be followed in the internet. The route can be downloaded HERE.
May 29 th , 2007: 600 kms. Brevet of Bilbao
On Saturday June 2nd starts the 600 kms. Brevet of Bilbao. A location map will be available for the first time thanks to the CompeGPS System.
May 28 th , 2007: 600 kms. Brevet of Salamanca
On Saturday May 26 th at 5 o'clock in the morning more than 25 riders were ready to face this long distance race organized by "Friends of Cycling in Salamanca ". During the first 400 kms. we headed for Extremadura, through Ciudad Rodrigo and Bejar, going back again through Salamanca . The last 20 kms., northwards, through Zamora .
Cesar from Reinosa, Jagoba from Azpeitia, Jairo from Valladolid and me finished the race, without sleeping, in 26 hours. We dealt with very bad weather conditions throughout the route.
May 22 nd , 2007: Santiago 's Way Challenge LIVE
It will be possible to follow the progress of the race every minute thanks to the CompeGPS System. A location map will appear just clicking on a button. Follow it from June 30 th at 12:00.
May 21 st , 2007: " Santiago 's Way in 24 hours" Support
The Xacobeo organization has decided to give me financial support so that I can carry it out.
May 21 st , 2007: New Website
My new website, with live reports on the sport events I will face in 2007, will be available on May 21 st , 2007.
May 19 th , 2007: 400 kms. Brevet of Bilbao
Starting from Bilbao on May 19 th at 00:00. The whole night ahead. We suffered bad weather conditions crossing La Rioja but fortunately we enjoyed good weather at the end of it.
Next Brevet
The hard training starts on May 26 th with the 600 kms in Salamanca . June will be full of Brevets ending on June 30 th with the so longed-for " Santiago 's Way" challenge.
Ugao-Miraballes
