Don't test them out in the 3 shires race though, or you'll set the ranters off again like I did training with them at Ennerdale!
Yeah - poles can make a massive difference, but only really on the longer races, especially on continental trails with a bit of altitude involved - and you've got to train a lot with them if it's gonna really help.
I only did the short race (CCC) in Cham this year - but it was interesting because for the first time a lot more people near the front of the field were using them very effectively - unsurprisingly they were all guys who do ski mountaineering races in the winter too + we'd all gone for carbon fibre nordic walking poles, rather than the foldable raidlight/camp bendy ones - ie much stronger, so you can push as hard as you like with them.
If you don't train loads with them, then they are of more limited benefit - but make progressively more difference the longer the race - ie for when your legs are shot later on. On the other hand though, if you do train with them a lot then they can really save the day if it all starts going wrong early on - ie I got bad cramp after first hour + all the rest of the way round this yr in the CCC, so had to shuffle the whole race, but pushed like hell instead & still did OK - without the poles I'd have been literally hours slower..
Killian Jornet (who got kit checked 4 times on the way round by the way & always had full compulsory kit with him - ie all the gear complaints were rubbish) certainly uses them far more effectively than Dawa for instance (who cuts more corners than anyone else, just to correct a few mis understandings about the 'worthy winner'...) On the other hand it doesn't seem to slow Marco Olmo down much...
If you are after a new pair - I got mine from a lass in Ilkley who sells Komperdell Poles online, or you can go round + try them out/pick them up in person if you live locally;
http://www.walkingsport.co.uk/index....c=list&catid=1
For racing I'd recommend 5cm longer than the nordic walking sizing chart.
http://www.walkingsport.co.uk/index....opic=equipment
'featherlight bamboo' model is slightly lighter than 'featherlight foam' coz it's got a cork grip - but both are made of carbon fibre, despite the name + graphics..
PS In Cham there's just been 50cm of fresh snow and it's fallen down to 1800m, so you might want a set of skis too for the Aig Rouges race!
Reply With Quote
