On the trail of the pros

Polar RC3 GPS Tour de France

On Mt. Ventoux Polar presented its new bike training computer "RC3 GPS Tour de France Edition", which now also measures altitude meters. With its climbs, the notorious "Giant of Provence" proved to be the best place to check the new watch and personal limits.

by Henning Heilmann

Numerous professional cyclists such as Koen de Kort and Pierre-Luc Perichon have long used the sports watches and training computers of the popular sports watch manufacturer Polar in training and in cycling races. At Mont Ventoux, stage finish of the 2013 Tour, one of the toughest mountains of the Tour de France, the site of so many heroic stages and also the place where Tom Simpson died in 1967, Polar presented its latest model enhanced with practical features. Also present was Jussi Veik-kanen, winner of the 2009 Tour de France mountain jersey and professional rider in the 2009 ProTour racing team "Française des Jeux". Few know the notorious "Giant of Provence" like Jussi, and so he also gave tips on how to climb the Tour de France classic most safely.

Heart Rate & Altitude Measurement The Polar RC3 GPS, first released in fall 2012, has been enhanced with a useful altitude measurement and has been released as a limited Tour de France edition for the 100th anniversary of the world's most famous bike race. On Mt Ventoux, the press was able to test the individual functions of the training watch with heart rate and altitude measurement both on the road and on tricky single trails, and to tackle this year's Tour de France stage for once themselves on professionally geared road bikes and mountain bikes. The altitude measurement - a function requested by many - directly shows the altitude data covered, such as maximum altitude, ascent and descent, during and after training. This function expands the already existing measurements such as distance covered, maximum, minimum and average heart rate, calories burned, fat percentage of calories, average and maximum speed. According to the guideline value for the maximum heart rate (220-lifetime in years), it should not exceed 177 for me, which just about manages on the steep single trails on Mont Ventoux.

Training Effect Feedback 'Training Benefit' gives feedback on the training effect achieved immediately after the workout. After the day on Mont Ventoux, my Polar training computer says in flawless German: "You have improved your aerobic fitness, speed, and tolerance to long, intense efforts, as well as your resistance to fatigue." Weekly summaries allow conclusions to be drawn about training progress. The new RC3 GPS features the latest GPS technology and special 'Smart Coaching' functions developed over 35 years by the experienced sports watch manufacturer Polar.

Training programs for download Runners and cyclists can also download their data to www.polarpersonaltrainer.com download and analyze the training there online for free. This allows them to benefit from customized endurance programs that can be downloaded from the web service. These running and cycling programs are based on the user's training history and are automatically adapted to the new condition. By downloading the training plan to the RC3 GPS, the user receives clear instructions for warm-up, training and cool-down. In this way, the training is continuously improved.

"Back to Start" Function The RC3 GPS navigates the user on a direct line back to the starting point with a 'Back to Start' GPS function. Adventures in the great outdoors become more predictable and new trails can be tried, as with just the push of a button, the user of the training device is safely guided back to the start. Battery life is approximately 12 hours with continuous GPS use and recording of workouts, and up to 4 months in time-only mode. The watch can be charged at any time on the computer via an included USB cable. The scope of delivery also includes a cadence sensor.

Conclusion The Polar RC3 GPS is a reliable training computer with altitude measurement, heart rate measurement and convincing offers of training analysis, which is suitable for both hobby and professional cyclists.

Sales start and models The RC3 GPS Black is already available in stores as well as the new RC3 GPS Red/Orange (also with altitude measurement). The RC3 GPS Tour de France Edition in yellow is a limited special edition to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Tour de France, which is designed to match the coveted yellow jersey in yellow. The retail price remains unchanged and starts at Fr. 369.90.

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