Cammas back in the saddle

17 Aug 2012, 03:48UTC

Cammas back in the saddle

IAN ROMAN/Volvo Ocean Race

Franck Cammas, fresh from leading Groupama to victory in the Volvo Ocean Race at the first attempt, will swap sails for pedal power next week when he rides a stage of the Haute Route Alps.

Cammas has a competitive streak a mile wide and shortly before the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 he led a Groupama team up the fearsome Alpe d'Huez on the Tour de France route.

He will have another crack at Alpe d’Huez on Tuesday when he rides Stage 3 of the week-long event, riding 138 km and climbing 4,700 m on the way from Courchevel.

“I love road biking in the mountains, and the Haute Route has all the ingredients,” said Cammas. "Unfortunately I cannot do the whole event, but even doing this one long stage will be a big mental and physical challenge.

"I got back into cycling two years ago, but having only finished the Volvo Ocean Race last month, I haven’t got much power in my legs for the big climbs. I have tried to fit in some training, in Bretagne and I’m now in Corsica, which is superb.”