I participated in the HR this year. Definitely one of the more challenging events I’ve ever done in my life. Did not help that I crashed my bike, one week before I was to fly to Europe, and had a few cracked ribs.
I went with a company called La Fuga and they were fantastic. Provided transportation to and from the airports, separate feed station from the main (and crowded) HR feed stations at the top of climbs, and took great care of our bikes after every stage. Would 100% use them again.
The first two stages were certainly the hardest (IMO). Day one was 182km and over 4000m of climbing. Day 2 had what I considered to be the hardest climb of the entire event….the Col d’Agnel (rode to it from the Italy side). This climb was almost 32km long but the last 10km were exceptionally steep. I don’t believe I ever saw my Garmin dip below 10% grade…..and many times it was 12-15%…..for the entire last 10km. For me, it was brutal, especially with the ribs.
The entire ride was stunningly beautiful and I repeatedly told any French citizen that their country was breathtaking. After the first two stages, my legs actually started feeling stronger, and the stages became more enjoyable.