Training with Race3R in the vEveresting Assault

Early on a Saturday morning, most people are sound asleep. But not this crew! I joined 3R’s Mountain Madness Steady State ride as they were undertaking 3 Alpe du Zwift ascents in preparation for the vEveresting event scheduled for 29th May, which we reported on here.

vEveresting Event

For those who missed the original article, 3R are hosting a vEveresting Challenge on May 29th.  This will be group-led attempts to complete the endeavor up Alpe du Zwift, and at the same time raise sponsorship for the charity World Bicycle Relief.  World Bicycle Relief is an international, non-profit organisation that specializes in large-scale, comprehensive bicycle distribution programs to aid poverty relief in developing countries around the world. 

Training

For the last month, Race3R have been running training camps to prepare riders, and I joined one of these events.  It was a strong turnout with 64 riders completing one ascent, with 30 staying on to complete the second ascent, and 20 staying to complete the 3rd ascent. 

The first ascent of the Alpe was paced at around 3 watts per kilo, and the aim was to complete in 65-70 minutes (we crested in 66 minutes). The others were at 2.5 watts per kilo with the 3 reps taking 4.5 hours total.  The objective of doing a higher effort for the first ascent is to introduce fatigue without putting the body under too much stress which might impact recovery.

The ascent was perfectly paced and I spoke to George Parker-Fuller (who led the ride and is the creator of this excellent programme) how he was able to pace it so well.  He stated that he was able to ride the course using the data displayed on the head up display (HUD).  By understanding the time between each hairpin and effort, he is able to pace the ride to perfection.  He explained that this in turn builds confidence within the group at the same time ensuring people are able to pace themselves up each ascent. With 8.5 ascents to complete a vEveresting, pacing is essential!

The HUD on Alpe du Zwift breaks the climb down into segments for each of the famous 21 hairpin bends of Alpe d’Huez – which the Zwift mountain faithfully tracks in its ascent. This gives vital information regarding average power and average heart rate for each segment. Riders who have joined the 3R vEveresting Academy are familiarising themselves with how hard and long they can push by completing the guided repeat rides up the Alpe. The repeat rides not only build fitness but also build the correct ‘head-space’ so that those taking part have the confidence to know that they can complete the challenge.

There are 2 main training rides:

• Saturday 8am CET 3R Mountain Madness Steady State ride
• Thursday’s 3R vEveresting Academy Ride (8pm CET)

Each event has been attracting between 50- 80 riders. In addition, there are 4 ‘Meet-ups’, which are smaller groups and have anywhere between 10-30 riders.  George noted that that “it has been nice to see different cycling groups forming based on their time zones.”

Growing interest

Since I posted my original article promoting the event, 472 people have expressed an interest and the official sign-up for the event on the 29th May will be launched shortly. George is hoping that perhaps 100 people will undertake the event, which would far exceed his original target of 30.

Due to growing interest, 3R can confirm that this event will run next year, but will commence in January with a target of completing the vEveresting in April, enabling people to have a real structured training programme throughout the winter, peaking for cycling outside in spring and summer.

There are riders who this year are targeting a Base Camp ride, which is half the distance, and using this year to build endurance and gain experience to undertake the full challenge next year.

To learn more about the event 3R have issued an FAQ or check out the Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/4998456793557693/ or email [email protected]. There is a real camaraderie growing in the group which is very evident on the training rides. The participants in the Academy range from very experienced ultra-cyclists who have completed numerous Everest (and event multiple Everest) rides right through to people who are completing their first double ascent of Alpe du Zwift as part of the training programme. George said that one of the elements he is most pleased with is the knowledge sharing in the group with posts going into the Facebook group page from experienced Everesters sharing their experiences and advice to the wider group.

Cycling Kit

Everyone loves a new cycling jersey and if you complete the challenge and raise the required sponsorship amount, then you will be eligible to purchase a bespoke jersey from Hells 500. They are the custodians of the Everesting Hall of Fame, which will be a real badge of honour and unique to ‘graduates’ of the 3R vEveresting Academy. The kit has been designed by the 3R team in conjunction with Hells 500 and their kit suppliers Cuore.

Prize Draw

As well as qualifying to buy the bespoke cycling jersey everyone who completes the Base Camp or Full Everest ride and raises the required sponsorship (£120 for a Base Camp and £240 for an Everest ride) will be entered into the prize draw. The sponsors of the academy have provided the following prizes:

1. Saris (saris.com) the lucky winner can chose from Superclamp Ex 2 Bike, Bones Ex 3 Bike, or a Saris M2 trainer;
2. Marmot (marmot-tours.co.uk) – have provided two £100 holiday vouchers
3. Veloforte (veloforte.com) have provided a discount code for 30% discount to each person who has signed up and also 3 x full Veloforte packs for the draw

Yeti sighting?

Given the fact that the team have been training extensively on the Alpe, I asked the question you all want to ask, “Have you seen the Yeti?”

The answer was a straight “No”. In no group rides (and there have been many) has the Yeti been sighted.  And this turned into a discussion point – there is the belief that the Yeti is not visible when undertaking an event, in much the same way as other riders are not visible.  It has been spotted by various members of the group – but only when climbing the Alpe in free ride mode.

World Record Attempt

One of the very experienced Everesting members of the group, Ross Duncan, is going to use the event on the 29th May as a springboard for an attempt on the triple vEverest world record! Ross has been training with the group and sharing his experience gained over some 20 Everest rides (some of which have been double and triple Everest challenges) in a series of helpful posts in the group Facebook page as well as supporting the leaders with his wealth of knowledge during the group rides.

One recent top tip is that Zwift Power have a dedicated page where you can see everyone who is subscribed to Zwift Power and has completed an Everest ride either within the Hells 500 rules or as ‘unofficial Everests’.

Summary

This event is clearly gathering momentum.  I’m tempted myself to participate and if you already have a good base of fitness, there is still plenty of time to join in the training sessions, get the required sponsorship, and be at the start line for the challenge on 29th May.

Follow @GoZwiftTim for updates on daily Zwift Events to try