- Feb 18, 2015
- 13,655
- 9,430
- 28,180
Sorry I wasn't at home today and I'm still not. 
Edit: I'm stupid, I thought you need the library today because we would get the week votes today
Anyway, here is my updated library:
viewtopic.php?p=2018884#p2018884
Edit: I'm stupid, I thought you need the library today because we would get the week votes today
Anyway, here is my updated library:
viewtopic.php?p=2018884#p2018884
- Mar 24, 2011
- 10,524
- 1,923
- 25,680
Here are stage 21 votes
JUDGE 1:
Gigs_98 T: 4 C: 3
Very nice stage. Last climb being cobbled makes it a lot better, but it also may discourage earlier moves
Brullnux T: 4 C: 2
It's a very good stage, though its a shame it uses all the weaker sides
Rghysens T: 3 C: 2
Yeah not much action before the final climb, which is a very good one.
mb2612 T: 3 C: 4
Really a hit or miss stage. I think the big climb is a bit too shallow, but I'd watch regardless. Nice little uphill finish in case nothing happens as well
JUDGE 2:
Gigs_98 T: 5 C: 2
Yeah this stage is very good. Meh culturally
Brullnux T: 4 C: 2
Solid mountain stage but tough to give cultural points
Rghysens T: 3 C: 3
Nice hilly stage. Not too thrilling culturally.
mb2612 T: 3 C: 4
Another nice stage. Possibly the best culturally today
JUDGE 3:
Gigs_98 T: 4 C: 3
I've marked you higher on the cultural because of Martigny, but as you admit yourself, outside of that it's nothing special culturally. On the other hand, from a technical point of view, surely everybody loves Nufenenpass? Creative way to get the Gotthardpass in from the cobbled side while still sticking to the Roman towns rule too.
Brullnux T: 5 C: 3
I really didn't expect anybody to go to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. A great mountain stage which includes many of those climbs we wish we could see more in the Tour, and the sting in the tail with the short but steep final climb. With a length and difficulty that isn't unbelievable for a real race, and the layout, we should see action from Bagargui at least as the amount of climbing adds up even if, as you say, many of these are from easier sides.
Rghysens T: 3 C: 3
Quite an interesting intermediate stage, with the steepness of the final climb (I didn't realise this was passable!) a guarantor of at least some action. Culturally it is interesting but not spectacular with yesterday's stage town being repeated so I can't really give double points for the same cultural heritage!
mb2612 T: 4 C: 4
While others are close to Roman heartlands and in high mountains giving them chances to create monster stages but sacrificing some cultural points, you continue to excel on the cultural side. I wouldn't be surprised if this produces the best racing of the four stages too, given the current trends in the bunch. The early climb should ensure a strong break, and with a chain of progressively easier climbs, the second half could be very interesting. Of course, it could also be a dull transitional stage coming this late depending on the GC, but hopefully it will live up to its potential.
JUDGE 4:
Gigs_98 T: 4 C: 3
Great stage, but unfortunately for you there's an even better one.
Brullnux T: 5 C: 2
This. Really great. A shame that culturally there's not much going on.
Rghysens T: 4 C: 3
Very interesting stage, although it is so only in the final part.
mb2612 T: 3 C: 4
Nice transitional stage. Culturally better than technically.
CLASSIFICATION FOR STAGE 21
mb2612: 29
Gigs_98: 28
Brullnux: 27
Rghysens: 24
CLASSIFICATION AFTER STAGE 21:
rghysens: 782
mb2612: 731
Gigs_98: 712
Brullnux: 688
JUDGE 1:
Gigs_98 T: 4 C: 3
Very nice stage. Last climb being cobbled makes it a lot better, but it also may discourage earlier moves
Brullnux T: 4 C: 2
It's a very good stage, though its a shame it uses all the weaker sides
Rghysens T: 3 C: 2
Yeah not much action before the final climb, which is a very good one.
mb2612 T: 3 C: 4
Really a hit or miss stage. I think the big climb is a bit too shallow, but I'd watch regardless. Nice little uphill finish in case nothing happens as well
JUDGE 2:
Gigs_98 T: 5 C: 2
Yeah this stage is very good. Meh culturally
Brullnux T: 4 C: 2
Solid mountain stage but tough to give cultural points
Rghysens T: 3 C: 3
Nice hilly stage. Not too thrilling culturally.
mb2612 T: 3 C: 4
Another nice stage. Possibly the best culturally today
JUDGE 3:
Gigs_98 T: 4 C: 3
I've marked you higher on the cultural because of Martigny, but as you admit yourself, outside of that it's nothing special culturally. On the other hand, from a technical point of view, surely everybody loves Nufenenpass? Creative way to get the Gotthardpass in from the cobbled side while still sticking to the Roman towns rule too.
Brullnux T: 5 C: 3
I really didn't expect anybody to go to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. A great mountain stage which includes many of those climbs we wish we could see more in the Tour, and the sting in the tail with the short but steep final climb. With a length and difficulty that isn't unbelievable for a real race, and the layout, we should see action from Bagargui at least as the amount of climbing adds up even if, as you say, many of these are from easier sides.
Rghysens T: 3 C: 3
Quite an interesting intermediate stage, with the steepness of the final climb (I didn't realise this was passable!) a guarantor of at least some action. Culturally it is interesting but not spectacular with yesterday's stage town being repeated so I can't really give double points for the same cultural heritage!
mb2612 T: 4 C: 4
While others are close to Roman heartlands and in high mountains giving them chances to create monster stages but sacrificing some cultural points, you continue to excel on the cultural side. I wouldn't be surprised if this produces the best racing of the four stages too, given the current trends in the bunch. The early climb should ensure a strong break, and with a chain of progressively easier climbs, the second half could be very interesting. Of course, it could also be a dull transitional stage coming this late depending on the GC, but hopefully it will live up to its potential.
JUDGE 4:
Gigs_98 T: 4 C: 3
Great stage, but unfortunately for you there's an even better one.
Brullnux T: 5 C: 2
This. Really great. A shame that culturally there's not much going on.
Rghysens T: 4 C: 3
Very interesting stage, although it is so only in the final part.
mb2612 T: 3 C: 4
Nice transitional stage. Culturally better than technically.
CLASSIFICATION FOR STAGE 21
mb2612: 29
Gigs_98: 28
Brullnux: 27
Rghysens: 24
CLASSIFICATION AFTER STAGE 21:
rghysens: 782
mb2612: 731
Gigs_98: 712
Brullnux: 688
- May 17, 2013
- 7,504
- 2,291
- 20,680
Romain and Lupicin (as we French call them) left Izernore, went to the mountains to live as hermits and pray for the salvation of the world, which seemed to be coming to an end (barbarian invasions, et caetera). They settled at the confluent of two rivers in what is now Saint-Claude and founded the monastery of Condat, which became a major pilgrimage site through the middle ages.rghysens said:
I thought that I would chime in
. Thank you for the mention rghysens. The Saint-Claudiens give you a 5 !
- Mar 24, 2011
- 10,524
- 1,923
- 25,680
I'm back! Here's week 3 votes. Please check the calculations, I just woke up
Tomorrow we can resume already. Stage day!
JUDGE 1:
Gigs_98 T: 4 C: 2
You have some very nice stages, and I think they hang together beautifully (maybe a little hard). I am not giving you much culturally. Two reasons; I think you have shot for the stars and gone to areas of good geography rather than history. But mainly I think your race doesn't feel Roman.
Brullnux T: 4 C: 2
Tough to judge. Too many hilly stages, but a great triptych of mountain stages at the end. On balance, I like it. Lots of your races would produce good racing from far out and there is enough terrain for rouleurs, grimpeurs and even puncheurs to affect GC. I don't like the cultural side of things though.
Rghysens T: 3 C: 4
Nice hilly stages and one or two corkers make for a solid 3rd week. Your route hang well together, albeit without some of the knockout punches of others) apart from the Aix les Bains stage. On the other hand, you hit the right notes culturally more often than not, and even in familiar areas, you visit unfamiliar, interesting sites.
mb2612 T: 3 C: 5
A great start to week 3, but it peters out a bit. Lots of good stages, only 1 or 2 corkers. But I reward you for going to innovative parts of the empire and showing interesting culture.
JUDGE 2:
Gigs_98 T: 5 C: 3
I do have some gripes in the week's racing - I'm not totally convinced by the use of the ultra stage, and a borderline flat stage in the Valle d'Aosta is a missed opportunity. However, there is a nice mix of stages and the use of the ultra stage does mean tired legs for the monster mountain stage the next day, and the MTF precedes a tough multi-climb without an MTF - all good traits. Culturally however, there isn't a great deal going on this week, and it's felt more like you've focused on simply finding Roman towns to join the mountain stages you have in mind.
Brullnux T: 4 C: 3
You yourself said it: probably too many back to back intermediate stages. The easiest stage of the week is the stage which has Mont-Ral early on so it's still hardly a walk in the park. However, the weekend is absolutely mighty and you're also the only contestant to balance out the week's racing with an ITT, which helps protect you against losing out in that respect somewhat. The only real question is whether you could have used Hourquette d'Ancizan to chain the climbs more directly on stage 20, and whether one of the hilly stages could be made flat to help with the balance.
Rghysens T: 4 C: 3
You've spent more or less the whole week in classic Roman territory, so all is well from that point of view. I think I might have preferred a real flat stage or an ITT in there to balance it out as while they do sacrifice points on the day, they are a necessity spread across the race. The Mont du Chat stage is great and with the Lyon stage the following day a potentially dangerous one for contenders with tired legs it might get really interesting. I was tempted to bump up the cultural value but as you used many similar sites to Gigs it would be a bit unfair.
mb2612 T: 3 C: 4
The week started brutally and then tapered off a little as you headed into Turkey, and after 170km of ITT in quick succession in week 2 that there was nothing to break up the intermediate and mountain stages here hurts you from a technical standpoint. Even the designated flat stage for the week has a lot of up and down in it, like a Vuelta "flat" stage that the sprinters complain about. As usual though, you've really done your homework to protect your scores through the cultural rating, and this week is no different.
JUDGE 3:
Gigs_98 T: 3 C: 3
That is one helluva week. After the seeing the last stage I do understand the easier Aosta stage better. Individually, all mountain stages look very good, but the pacing seems off to me. Coming from the north, entering the Pyrenees, going over Ventoux and through the Alps in one week seems a bit odd to me, and the placement of the ultra stage makes me think the Pyrenees would be soft pedalled. Placement of the Briancon stage is very good though. Culturally I really, really liked the Ventoux stage, it just visits a huge bunch of interesting and pretty places and I'm a sucker of the Pont du Gard. Aosta is very nice as well.
Brullnux T: 3 C: 2
Week 3 starts of very well with a huge TT, but then it does lose quite a bit of steam. You have 3 consecutive rolling stages that all have some climbs that are on the flat side, and this low gradient issue comes back in 2 of the 3 mountain stages at the end of the week. Culturally, the week starts of nicely in Spain, but there's not much going on in the Pyrenees and I think that's understandable.
Rghysens T: 4 C: 4
Your third week is a very nice mix of big mountains stages (granted Ventoux is a one climb stage), medium mountains, hills and flats. I especially love the stage in the area of Monaco. Props for that. The Mont du Chat stage is brutal, but order of climbs could be better. Last two stages look very similar again and though they're quite good, some variety would be nice. I haven't checked, but I think I'd have preferred a TT somewhere rather than another medium mountain stage. Culturally, lots of nice places at the Cote d'Azur.
mb2612 T: 4 C: 5
First stage is a nice MTF to have in a race so devoid of MTF's, but then you place it before an absolute >>Insert Zomegnan Approves meme<< stage, and it kinda makes it unnecessary. The two big mountain stages are absolutely great, and after that it mellows down nicely, without going completely flat, except for one stage where it's an ok thing to do. Pacing is very good for 6 of the 7 stages. Culturally, you manage to make every stage very good, so I rate it a 5/7 perfect score.
JUDGE 4:
Gigs_98 T: 5 C: 3
Extremely good week mountain-wise. It is so good that it makes your decent amount of TTing definitely not enough to balance it, so be careful wrt the final week. On the cultural side, I'm afraid it seems a bit on the weak side.
Brullnux T: 4 C: 3
So many medium mountain stages... I like the concept, but it's very risky. The week opens with a nice ITT and your last two stages end it nicely. On the cultural side, a bit meh.
Rghysens T: 4 C: 4
Overall, a very well balanced week, although I think your overall route starts lacking a bit of TT mileage like Gigs's (yes, even though you already surpassed the 100 mark), with all that climbing. Culturally, nothing to complain, as almost all your towns are very solid choices.
mb2612 T: 3 C: 4
The techical side is a bit lacking (at least compared to your competitors), but you make up with the cultural side. However, I feel like the latter doesn't look as brilliant as in the previous weeks.
CLASSIFICATION FOR WEEK 3
mb2612: 31 -> 93
Rghysens: 30 -> 90
Gigs_98: 28 -> 84
Brullnux: 25 -> 75
CLASSIFICATION AFTER WEEK 3:
rghysens: 872
mb2612: 824
Gigs_98: 796
Brullnux: 763
Here's week 3 votes. Please check the calculations, I just woke up Tomorrow we can resume already. Stage day!
JUDGE 1:
Gigs_98 T: 4 C: 2
You have some very nice stages, and I think they hang together beautifully (maybe a little hard). I am not giving you much culturally. Two reasons; I think you have shot for the stars and gone to areas of good geography rather than history. But mainly I think your race doesn't feel Roman.
Brullnux T: 4 C: 2
Tough to judge. Too many hilly stages, but a great triptych of mountain stages at the end. On balance, I like it. Lots of your races would produce good racing from far out and there is enough terrain for rouleurs, grimpeurs and even puncheurs to affect GC. I don't like the cultural side of things though.
Rghysens T: 3 C: 4
Nice hilly stages and one or two corkers make for a solid 3rd week. Your route hang well together, albeit without some of the knockout punches of others) apart from the Aix les Bains stage. On the other hand, you hit the right notes culturally more often than not, and even in familiar areas, you visit unfamiliar, interesting sites.
mb2612 T: 3 C: 5
A great start to week 3, but it peters out a bit. Lots of good stages, only 1 or 2 corkers. But I reward you for going to innovative parts of the empire and showing interesting culture.
JUDGE 2:
Gigs_98 T: 5 C: 3
I do have some gripes in the week's racing - I'm not totally convinced by the use of the ultra stage, and a borderline flat stage in the Valle d'Aosta is a missed opportunity. However, there is a nice mix of stages and the use of the ultra stage does mean tired legs for the monster mountain stage the next day, and the MTF precedes a tough multi-climb without an MTF - all good traits. Culturally however, there isn't a great deal going on this week, and it's felt more like you've focused on simply finding Roman towns to join the mountain stages you have in mind.
Brullnux T: 4 C: 3
You yourself said it: probably too many back to back intermediate stages. The easiest stage of the week is the stage which has Mont-Ral early on so it's still hardly a walk in the park. However, the weekend is absolutely mighty and you're also the only contestant to balance out the week's racing with an ITT, which helps protect you against losing out in that respect somewhat. The only real question is whether you could have used Hourquette d'Ancizan to chain the climbs more directly on stage 20, and whether one of the hilly stages could be made flat to help with the balance.
Rghysens T: 4 C: 3
You've spent more or less the whole week in classic Roman territory, so all is well from that point of view. I think I might have preferred a real flat stage or an ITT in there to balance it out as while they do sacrifice points on the day, they are a necessity spread across the race. The Mont du Chat stage is great and with the Lyon stage the following day a potentially dangerous one for contenders with tired legs it might get really interesting. I was tempted to bump up the cultural value but as you used many similar sites to Gigs it would be a bit unfair.
mb2612 T: 3 C: 4
The week started brutally and then tapered off a little as you headed into Turkey, and after 170km of ITT in quick succession in week 2 that there was nothing to break up the intermediate and mountain stages here hurts you from a technical standpoint. Even the designated flat stage for the week has a lot of up and down in it, like a Vuelta "flat" stage that the sprinters complain about. As usual though, you've really done your homework to protect your scores through the cultural rating, and this week is no different.
JUDGE 3:
Gigs_98 T: 3 C: 3
That is one helluva week. After the seeing the last stage I do understand the easier Aosta stage better. Individually, all mountain stages look very good, but the pacing seems off to me. Coming from the north, entering the Pyrenees, going over Ventoux and through the Alps in one week seems a bit odd to me, and the placement of the ultra stage makes me think the Pyrenees would be soft pedalled. Placement of the Briancon stage is very good though. Culturally I really, really liked the Ventoux stage, it just visits a huge bunch of interesting and pretty places and I'm a sucker of the Pont du Gard. Aosta is very nice as well.
Brullnux T: 3 C: 2
Week 3 starts of very well with a huge TT, but then it does lose quite a bit of steam. You have 3 consecutive rolling stages that all have some climbs that are on the flat side, and this low gradient issue comes back in 2 of the 3 mountain stages at the end of the week. Culturally, the week starts of nicely in Spain, but there's not much going on in the Pyrenees and I think that's understandable.
Rghysens T: 4 C: 4
Your third week is a very nice mix of big mountains stages (granted Ventoux is a one climb stage), medium mountains, hills and flats. I especially love the stage in the area of Monaco. Props for that. The Mont du Chat stage is brutal, but order of climbs could be better. Last two stages look very similar again and though they're quite good, some variety would be nice. I haven't checked, but I think I'd have preferred a TT somewhere rather than another medium mountain stage. Culturally, lots of nice places at the Cote d'Azur.
mb2612 T: 4 C: 5
First stage is a nice MTF to have in a race so devoid of MTF's, but then you place it before an absolute >>Insert Zomegnan Approves meme<< stage, and it kinda makes it unnecessary. The two big mountain stages are absolutely great, and after that it mellows down nicely, without going completely flat, except for one stage where it's an ok thing to do. Pacing is very good for 6 of the 7 stages. Culturally, you manage to make every stage very good, so I rate it a 5/7 perfect score.
JUDGE 4:
Gigs_98 T: 5 C: 3
Extremely good week mountain-wise. It is so good that it makes your decent amount of TTing definitely not enough to balance it, so be careful wrt the final week. On the cultural side, I'm afraid it seems a bit on the weak side.
Brullnux T: 4 C: 3
So many medium mountain stages... I like the concept, but it's very risky. The week opens with a nice ITT and your last two stages end it nicely. On the cultural side, a bit meh.
Rghysens T: 4 C: 4
Overall, a very well balanced week, although I think your overall route starts lacking a bit of TT mileage like Gigs's (yes, even though you already surpassed the 100 mark), with all that climbing. Culturally, nothing to complain, as almost all your towns are very solid choices.
mb2612 T: 3 C: 4
The techical side is a bit lacking (at least compared to your competitors), but you make up with the cultural side. However, I feel like the latter doesn't look as brilliant as in the previous weeks.
CLASSIFICATION FOR WEEK 3
mb2612: 31 -> 93
Rghysens: 30 -> 90
Gigs_98: 28 -> 84
Brullnux: 25 -> 75
CLASSIFICATION AFTER WEEK 3:
rghysens: 872
mb2612: 824
Gigs_98: 796
Brullnux: 763
To the judges who expect another TT: don't worry, it will come.
Anyway, on the penultimate Sunday of the race we got this:
Stage 22: Lousanna – Augusta Praetorium Salassorum: 248.5km, high mountains
A short transfer along the shores of Lake Geneva brings the caravan to Roman Lousanna for the start of the final stage before the last restday.
Lausanne was founded as a Roman army camp next to lake Geneva, but in late antiquity the population moved to a better defendable hill a few hundred meters inland. That place would grow into the current city. Still, remains of the Roman harbour, a forum, a temple and the basilica can be seen on the lakeside.
The stage starts out quite easy, running along the lake and then following the river Rhône upstream to Aigle. Meanwhile the first Roman landmark sprint has already been contested in Glerula, current Saint-Saphorin, near a surviving milestone and the ruins of a Roman villa on which later the local church was built.
Apart from some scanty remains of their settlements the Romans left some more visible remains too. They introduced vines to the area, and now the wineterraces of the Lavaux area are recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site. (The terraces itself were only created from the 12thcentury onward)
After a bit more than 40km the first climb of the day kicks in, and if a breakaway hasn’t already been formed, this is a perfect opportunity to do so. The descent and valley floor can be used to build up a decent lead. Meanwhile the second Roman landmark sprint has been contested in Octodurus (Martigny).
Octodurus was conquered by the Roman Empire in 57 BC, and occupied by Julius Caesars subcommander Servius Galba with the twelfth legion and some cavalry in order to protect the strategically important pass of Poeninus. Galba, after capturing many local strongholds and receiving the submission of the people, sent troops into the country of the Nantuates, and with his remaining army determined to winter in Octodurus. Galba gave one part of the town to the Gauls to winter in, and assigned the other to his troops. He fortified himself with a ditch and rampart, and thought he was safe. He was, however, suddenly attacked by the Gauls before his defences were complete or all his supplies were brought into the camp, resulting in the Battle of Octodurus, and a very indecisive Roman victory. Nevertheless Galba burned the hamlet and retreated to the Province the next day. Octodurus was later incorporated into the Roman Empire, as part of the Alpes Poeninae province. Octodurus declined over the following decades, and between AD 41 and 47, a new Roman colony named Forum Claudii Augusti, was established nearby to take the role of capital of the Vallis Poenina province.
Several remnants of Roman occupation can still be seen today: above all the amphitheatre, which is still used today for cowfights (please make your own jokes about Spartakuh), a mithraeum, a Roman road, Roman baths and two domi.
After 95km this stage starts in earnest: from now on it’s either up or down, for more than 150km. It starts with the Col du Lein and the Col des Planches east of Octodurus, then the climb to Champex south of town. Its relative short descent to Orsières is followed by the climb to the Summum Poeninus from antiquity: the Great Saint Bernard pass. On its flanks, in the village of Bourg-Saint-Pierre the third Roman landmark sprint of the day takes place. Next to the church of this mountain hamlet one can see an original Roman milestone, dating from around 310AD. It was originally placed near the pass, but got moved to the village.
By 43 AD a good Roman road through the pass was completed with a mansio at the top and a temple to Jupiter Poeninus. Fragments of the marble temple, some with inscriptions, have been incorporated into many structures of the village of Bourg-Saint-Pierre on the Swiss side of the Great St Bernard.
A long descent leads the riders to the outskirts of Augusta Praetoria Salassorum, modern Aosta. There a final difficulty awaits the peloton: the Col de Lin-Noir. Short, but steepening towards the end, this one will separate the boys from the men, if that hasn’t already happened. The remaining 15km are mainly descending, with a flat final of 2.5km to the Roman remnants in the centre of town.
Aosta was settled in proto-historic times and later became a centre of the Salassi, many of whom were killed or sold into slavery by the Romans in 25 BC. The campaign was led by Terentius Varro, who then founded the Roman colony of Augusta Praetoria Salassorum, housing 3,000 retired veterans. After 11 BC Aosta became the capital of the Alpes Graies province. Its position at the confluence of two rivers, at the end of the Great and the Little St Bernard Pass, gave it considerable military importance, and its layout was that of a Roman military camp.
The ancient town walls of Augusta Prætoria Salassorum are still preserved almost in their entirety.
The Roman theatre, of which the southern façade remains today, is 22 metres (72 ft) tall. The structure, dating from the late reign of Augustus, could contain up to 4,000 spectators. Nearby was an amphitheatre, built under Claudius. A forum with a well preserved cryptoporticus surrounded by storehouses on three sides with a temple in the centre, as well as a thermae, have also been discovered.
Outside the town walls is the Arch of Augustus, a triumphal arch in honour of Augustus, built in 35 BC to celebrate the victory of consul Varro Murena over the Salassi.
Climbs:
Villars-sur-Ollon: km53; 10.8km @ 7.5%; 1st cat
Col du Lein: km111; 13.5km @ 8.3%; HC
Col des Planches: km132.5; 8.4km @ 8.3%; 1st cat
Le Champex: km157; 13.9km @ 7.2%; 1st cat
Summum Poeninus: km193.5; 26.5km @ 6.1%; HC
Col du Lin-noir: km233.5; 8km @ 8%; 1st cat
Roman landmark sprint:
Glerula: km12
Octodurum: km87.5
Bourg-Saint-Pierre: km181.5
Total distance raced: 4790.5km
Anyway, on the penultimate Sunday of the race we got this:
Stage 22: Lousanna – Augusta Praetorium Salassorum: 248.5km, high mountains
A short transfer along the shores of Lake Geneva brings the caravan to Roman Lousanna for the start of the final stage before the last restday.
Lausanne was founded as a Roman army camp next to lake Geneva, but in late antiquity the population moved to a better defendable hill a few hundred meters inland. That place would grow into the current city. Still, remains of the Roman harbour, a forum, a temple and the basilica can be seen on the lakeside.
The stage starts out quite easy, running along the lake and then following the river Rhône upstream to Aigle. Meanwhile the first Roman landmark sprint has already been contested in Glerula, current Saint-Saphorin, near a surviving milestone and the ruins of a Roman villa on which later the local church was built.
Apart from some scanty remains of their settlements the Romans left some more visible remains too. They introduced vines to the area, and now the wineterraces of the Lavaux area are recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site. (The terraces itself were only created from the 12thcentury onward)
After a bit more than 40km the first climb of the day kicks in, and if a breakaway hasn’t already been formed, this is a perfect opportunity to do so. The descent and valley floor can be used to build up a decent lead. Meanwhile the second Roman landmark sprint has been contested in Octodurus (Martigny).
Octodurus was conquered by the Roman Empire in 57 BC, and occupied by Julius Caesars subcommander Servius Galba with the twelfth legion and some cavalry in order to protect the strategically important pass of Poeninus. Galba, after capturing many local strongholds and receiving the submission of the people, sent troops into the country of the Nantuates, and with his remaining army determined to winter in Octodurus. Galba gave one part of the town to the Gauls to winter in, and assigned the other to his troops. He fortified himself with a ditch and rampart, and thought he was safe. He was, however, suddenly attacked by the Gauls before his defences were complete or all his supplies were brought into the camp, resulting in the Battle of Octodurus, and a very indecisive Roman victory. Nevertheless Galba burned the hamlet and retreated to the Province the next day. Octodurus was later incorporated into the Roman Empire, as part of the Alpes Poeninae province. Octodurus declined over the following decades, and between AD 41 and 47, a new Roman colony named Forum Claudii Augusti, was established nearby to take the role of capital of the Vallis Poenina province.
Several remnants of Roman occupation can still be seen today: above all the amphitheatre, which is still used today for cowfights (please make your own jokes about Spartakuh), a mithraeum, a Roman road, Roman baths and two domi.
After 95km this stage starts in earnest: from now on it’s either up or down, for more than 150km. It starts with the Col du Lein and the Col des Planches east of Octodurus, then the climb to Champex south of town. Its relative short descent to Orsières is followed by the climb to the Summum Poeninus from antiquity: the Great Saint Bernard pass. On its flanks, in the village of Bourg-Saint-Pierre the third Roman landmark sprint of the day takes place. Next to the church of this mountain hamlet one can see an original Roman milestone, dating from around 310AD. It was originally placed near the pass, but got moved to the village.
By 43 AD a good Roman road through the pass was completed with a mansio at the top and a temple to Jupiter Poeninus. Fragments of the marble temple, some with inscriptions, have been incorporated into many structures of the village of Bourg-Saint-Pierre on the Swiss side of the Great St Bernard.
A long descent leads the riders to the outskirts of Augusta Praetoria Salassorum, modern Aosta. There a final difficulty awaits the peloton: the Col de Lin-Noir. Short, but steepening towards the end, this one will separate the boys from the men, if that hasn’t already happened. The remaining 15km are mainly descending, with a flat final of 2.5km to the Roman remnants in the centre of town.
Aosta was settled in proto-historic times and later became a centre of the Salassi, many of whom were killed or sold into slavery by the Romans in 25 BC. The campaign was led by Terentius Varro, who then founded the Roman colony of Augusta Praetoria Salassorum, housing 3,000 retired veterans. After 11 BC Aosta became the capital of the Alpes Graies province. Its position at the confluence of two rivers, at the end of the Great and the Little St Bernard Pass, gave it considerable military importance, and its layout was that of a Roman military camp.
The ancient town walls of Augusta Prætoria Salassorum are still preserved almost in their entirety.
The Roman theatre, of which the southern façade remains today, is 22 metres (72 ft) tall. The structure, dating from the late reign of Augustus, could contain up to 4,000 spectators. Nearby was an amphitheatre, built under Claudius. A forum with a well preserved cryptoporticus surrounded by storehouses on three sides with a temple in the centre, as well as a thermae, have also been discovered.
Outside the town walls is the Arch of Augustus, a triumphal arch in honour of Augustus, built in 35 BC to celebrate the victory of consul Varro Murena over the Salassi.
Climbs:
Villars-sur-Ollon: km53; 10.8km @ 7.5%; 1st cat
Col du Lein: km111; 13.5km @ 8.3%; HC
Col des Planches: km132.5; 8.4km @ 8.3%; 1st cat
Le Champex: km157; 13.9km @ 7.2%; 1st cat
Summum Poeninus: km193.5; 26.5km @ 6.1%; HC
Col du Lin-noir: km233.5; 8km @ 8%; 1st cat
Roman landmark sprint:
Glerula: km12
Octodurum: km87.5
Bourg-Saint-Pierre: km181.5
Total distance raced: 4790.5km
- Feb 18, 2015
- 13,655
- 9,430
- 28,180
Sorry for being late, I just really didn't have time yesterday.
CONSTANTINOPOLIS-ROMA stage 22: Curia - Aquae Bormiae (210 km)
Remember the stage to Briançon? Yeah, turns out that stage wasn't the queen stage yet.
The stage starts in Curia (Chur) a town which formed after the Romans conquered Raetia. However the town became more important up to the point where it became a city and the capital of the new Roman province Raetia prima. The diocese of Curia was the first diocese in the north of the Alps and therefore the first cathedral in the city was already built in the 4th century AD.
If the riders want a short warm up phase before the climbing starts...well then they are unlucky because directly after the start the riders tackle the first big pass of the day, the Lenzerheidepass. This climb is somewhere between being 1st category and HC, but since there are enough HC climbs on this stage anyway I decided to give it the lower category. That doesn't change the difficulty of the climb though. The average gradient isn't that high due to about 5 relatively flat kilometers in the middle, but both the first and the last part of the climb are very hard with the steepest kilometer being the penultimate one with a gradient of 10%, and in the first half there are 6 kilometers with a gradient of 8.5%.
It doesn't take long before the next climb starts which is the HC Albulapass. This climb is a bit longer and more consistent, however in this case that only means that there are less flat sections and not that the climb is smooth. Moreover for the first time in this stage a climb is higher than 2300 meters so for everyone who has problems with a high altitude this day won't be fun.
Then, after a steep descent, for the first time the stage eases of slightly. First there is a short flat section, followed by a 3rd category climb, the Passo del Bernina. And yes, from this side the Bernina is really not that brutal. As a comparison this is the famous south side which will be descended and which is the reason why the climb is pretty infamous, however the profile of the north side looks like this. Therefore the only interesting things about this climb is again the altitude and the scenic landscape.
After a long descent the riders pass the only intermediate sprint in Tirano before the climbing madness goes on with one of the most famous passes in the world, the Passo del Mortirolo. Yeah, this climb maybe doesn't have such a high altitude but it's the highlight of the day nonetheless. 11.8 kilometers at 10.9% are absolutely brutal and especially after an already very hard day this ascent will cause carnage. Many leaders will probably already be isolated, even the strongest teams won't have many riders left anymore and there might even already be big attacks. The next stage will be easy so riders who have to gain time have to give it all on a stage like this. After all this will be the last stage with so much climbing (not the last mountain stage though) and probably there is no place where you can gain as much time as here. If a rider cracks on the Mortirolo he will lose minutes and I'm not talking about 1 or 2 minutes.
After a tricky descent there is some false flat before the start of the last climb, so the riders still can't really rest. I decided to put the Golden Mile here since I think some movements on the Mortirolo aren't that unlikely and a few bonus seconds would surely encourage even more attacks. But about 40 kilometers before the finish the false flat is over and finally the last monster of the day, the Passo di Gavia starts. This pass maybe isn't quite as difficult as the mortirolo, but it's probably about as famous and for good reasons. 1.) The pass has a lot of Giro history including one of the most famous giro stages ever on which the riders rode over the pass during a blizzard. 2.) Despite being maybe not as hard as the Mortirolo this is still a super hard ascent. The climb is 3% less steep (which is still 8% --> still pretty steep) but longer than the Mortirolo and with a top at 2600 meters on a way higher altitude. Moreover this pass is extremely scenic, due to its relatively narrow road which winds its way up to such a high altitude.
After the descent which gives the riders the last chance to attack, the stage finishes in Aquae Bormiae (Bormio). In the Roman age this city was mainly known for its warm springs and the most famous Roman ruins from the time are also baths. The great thing about these baths is that they can still be used and that they were built on the mountainside so whoever baths can enjoy the beautiful landscape around Bormio.
One of the judges already wrote it. While others searched for famous Roman places around which they could make a race I basically searched for regions in which I've always wanted to make brutal stages and then searched for Roman towns in that area. And after I saw that Bormio was already a city in the Roman age I simply had to use it. The stage is one of the absolutely crucial stages in my tour. If you have a bad day on this stage you've basically already lost because if you drop on the Mortirolo and there is still the Gavia to go you will lose a big chunk of time. And because of the super hard mortirolo there is also a chance for good racing from far out. I think this is a dignified queen stage for my tour and I hope you agree.
CONSTANTINOPOLIS-ROMA stage 22: Curia - Aquae Bormiae (210 km)
Remember the stage to Briançon? Yeah, turns out that stage wasn't the queen stage yet.
The stage starts in Curia (Chur) a town which formed after the Romans conquered Raetia. However the town became more important up to the point where it became a city and the capital of the new Roman province Raetia prima. The diocese of Curia was the first diocese in the north of the Alps and therefore the first cathedral in the city was already built in the 4th century AD.
If the riders want a short warm up phase before the climbing starts...well then they are unlucky because directly after the start the riders tackle the first big pass of the day, the Lenzerheidepass. This climb is somewhere between being 1st category and HC, but since there are enough HC climbs on this stage anyway I decided to give it the lower category. That doesn't change the difficulty of the climb though. The average gradient isn't that high due to about 5 relatively flat kilometers in the middle, but both the first and the last part of the climb are very hard with the steepest kilometer being the penultimate one with a gradient of 10%, and in the first half there are 6 kilometers with a gradient of 8.5%.
It doesn't take long before the next climb starts which is the HC Albulapass. This climb is a bit longer and more consistent, however in this case that only means that there are less flat sections and not that the climb is smooth. Moreover for the first time in this stage a climb is higher than 2300 meters so for everyone who has problems with a high altitude this day won't be fun.
Then, after a steep descent, for the first time the stage eases of slightly. First there is a short flat section, followed by a 3rd category climb, the Passo del Bernina. And yes, from this side the Bernina is really not that brutal. As a comparison this is the famous south side which will be descended and which is the reason why the climb is pretty infamous, however the profile of the north side looks like this. Therefore the only interesting things about this climb is again the altitude and the scenic landscape.
After a long descent the riders pass the only intermediate sprint in Tirano before the climbing madness goes on with one of the most famous passes in the world, the Passo del Mortirolo. Yeah, this climb maybe doesn't have such a high altitude but it's the highlight of the day nonetheless. 11.8 kilometers at 10.9% are absolutely brutal and especially after an already very hard day this ascent will cause carnage. Many leaders will probably already be isolated, even the strongest teams won't have many riders left anymore and there might even already be big attacks. The next stage will be easy so riders who have to gain time have to give it all on a stage like this. After all this will be the last stage with so much climbing (not the last mountain stage though) and probably there is no place where you can gain as much time as here. If a rider cracks on the Mortirolo he will lose minutes and I'm not talking about 1 or 2 minutes.
After a tricky descent there is some false flat before the start of the last climb, so the riders still can't really rest. I decided to put the Golden Mile here since I think some movements on the Mortirolo aren't that unlikely and a few bonus seconds would surely encourage even more attacks. But about 40 kilometers before the finish the false flat is over and finally the last monster of the day, the Passo di Gavia starts. This pass maybe isn't quite as difficult as the mortirolo, but it's probably about as famous and for good reasons. 1.) The pass has a lot of Giro history including one of the most famous giro stages ever on which the riders rode over the pass during a blizzard. 2.) Despite being maybe not as hard as the Mortirolo this is still a super hard ascent. The climb is 3% less steep (which is still 8% --> still pretty steep) but longer than the Mortirolo and with a top at 2600 meters on a way higher altitude. Moreover this pass is extremely scenic, due to its relatively narrow road which winds its way up to such a high altitude.
After the descent which gives the riders the last chance to attack, the stage finishes in Aquae Bormiae (Bormio). In the Roman age this city was mainly known for its warm springs and the most famous Roman ruins from the time are also baths. The great thing about these baths is that they can still be used and that they were built on the mountainside so whoever baths can enjoy the beautiful landscape around Bormio.
One of the judges already wrote it. While others searched for famous Roman places around which they could make a race I basically searched for regions in which I've always wanted to make brutal stages and then searched for Roman towns in that area. And after I saw that Bormio was already a city in the Roman age I simply had to use it. The stage is one of the absolutely crucial stages in my tour. If you have a bad day on this stage you've basically already lost because if you drop on the Mortirolo and there is still the Gavia to go you will lose a big chunk of time. And because of the super hard mortirolo there is also a chance for good racing from far out. I think this is a dignified queen stage for my tour and I hope you agree.
Via Roma Stage 22 Nicomedia (Izmit) --> Constantinople (Istanbul) 148 km
In this sign you will conquer - Constantine the Great
The final stage before the rest day, and it's another shortish stage, between the two capitals of the Eastern Roman Empire. The four previous stages in this part of Turkey have all been relatively short, without guaranteed action, but giving the riders a chance to make the race, and this stage keeps up the tradition. The between 50 and 10 km to go multiple short climbs give aggressors a chance, and then the final rise to the line ensures that there will be at least some action before the day off tomorrow.
As mentioned when the race passed through Nicaea, Nicomedia and Nicaea had an ongoing rivalry over which of the cities was preeminent. Initially Nicaea was more important, however after Nicomedia built a temple to the worship of Augustus its cultural and hence political power increased, until in 18 AD Nicaea's title of metropolis was stripped and handed to Nicomedia. Nicomedia continued to grow and was named the capital of the Eastern Roman empire in AD 286, when the Roman empire with split with the Tetrarchy system. This was maintained until Constantine the Great won the battle of Chrysopolis 40 years later. Once one of the four biggest cities in the empire, Nicomedia's ruins have barely been excavated, however those that have are interesting in that they still maintain their colouring:
The stage starts with an 11% wall for 1,500 metres to wake up legs, and allowing anyone who's been on the rollers a chance to breakaway before it settles down to a more reasonable gradient, although the first 14 kilometres still average 4%, with second category KoM points as a prize for the first person to reach the top.
The stage then heads inland, with the next 20 kilometres being mostly downhill, until 4 short uncategorised ascents follow, one after the other. After that, there is another 10km of relatively shallow terrain, although nothing today is ever flat, followed by the longest sustained steep section of the race, a cat three 2 kilometres at 8.3%, topping out with 66 km completed.
The next 45 kilometres are the flattest of the stage, giving the peloton to relax before the race kicks off in earnest again. First up, starting with just 36 kilometres to go is 2.4 km at 5.5%, followed shortly after by a 9% kick for 700m. Another small rise follows, before a sharp descent takes us to 23km to go. There are now 10km until the intermediate sprint, but two short climbs still in the way. Both are 1.2km in legth, the first at a 7% gradient, and the second averaging over 9% and peaking with 15km left.
The intermediate sprint comes just as we enter the former town of Chrysopolis (Üsküdar). Chrysopolis was the location of the decisive battle ending the civil wars of the the Tetrarchy, where Constantine defeated Licinius. After losing a naval battle, Licinius withdrew his forces from Byzantium, across the straight to Chrysopolis, however Constantine managed to follow, and decided to force the issue. Reportedly, Constantine lined his troops up under a Christian Labarum (below), which Licinius, superstitiously refused to allow his troops to look at. This presumably hindered them somewhat, and Constantine's frontal assault was successful and he routed the opposing army.
After the sprint the road rises for the penultimate time to cross the Bosphorus, and then descends back to the coast before the final run in to the line, a 7.5% grind up the final 700 metres to the finish line in the city of Constantinople.
After winning the civil war, Emperor Constantine decided that Rome asn't the ideal location for a capital, and hence he should build a new one on the site of Byzantium. It took him 6 years for it be completed, while he ruled from Nicomedia, but in AD 330 it was finally consecrated. Initially, obviously, Constantinople paled in comparison to Rome. However, a combination of being in the perfect location for trade and the building of the Theodosian Walls, protecting it from Vandals in a way Rome wasn't, meant that it's power gradually and decisively overtook that of Rome.
In this sign you will conquer - Constantine the Great
The final stage before the rest day, and it's another shortish stage, between the two capitals of the Eastern Roman Empire. The four previous stages in this part of Turkey have all been relatively short, without guaranteed action, but giving the riders a chance to make the race, and this stage keeps up the tradition. The between 50 and 10 km to go multiple short climbs give aggressors a chance, and then the final rise to the line ensures that there will be at least some action before the day off tomorrow.
As mentioned when the race passed through Nicaea, Nicomedia and Nicaea had an ongoing rivalry over which of the cities was preeminent. Initially Nicaea was more important, however after Nicomedia built a temple to the worship of Augustus its cultural and hence political power increased, until in 18 AD Nicaea's title of metropolis was stripped and handed to Nicomedia. Nicomedia continued to grow and was named the capital of the Eastern Roman empire in AD 286, when the Roman empire with split with the Tetrarchy system. This was maintained until Constantine the Great won the battle of Chrysopolis 40 years later. Once one of the four biggest cities in the empire, Nicomedia's ruins have barely been excavated, however those that have are interesting in that they still maintain their colouring:
The stage starts with an 11% wall for 1,500 metres to wake up legs, and allowing anyone who's been on the rollers a chance to breakaway before it settles down to a more reasonable gradient, although the first 14 kilometres still average 4%, with second category KoM points as a prize for the first person to reach the top.
The stage then heads inland, with the next 20 kilometres being mostly downhill, until 4 short uncategorised ascents follow, one after the other. After that, there is another 10km of relatively shallow terrain, although nothing today is ever flat, followed by the longest sustained steep section of the race, a cat three 2 kilometres at 8.3%, topping out with 66 km completed.
The next 45 kilometres are the flattest of the stage, giving the peloton to relax before the race kicks off in earnest again. First up, starting with just 36 kilometres to go is 2.4 km at 5.5%, followed shortly after by a 9% kick for 700m. Another small rise follows, before a sharp descent takes us to 23km to go. There are now 10km until the intermediate sprint, but two short climbs still in the way. Both are 1.2km in legth, the first at a 7% gradient, and the second averaging over 9% and peaking with 15km left.
The intermediate sprint comes just as we enter the former town of Chrysopolis (Üsküdar). Chrysopolis was the location of the decisive battle ending the civil wars of the the Tetrarchy, where Constantine defeated Licinius. After losing a naval battle, Licinius withdrew his forces from Byzantium, across the straight to Chrysopolis, however Constantine managed to follow, and decided to force the issue. Reportedly, Constantine lined his troops up under a Christian Labarum (below), which Licinius, superstitiously refused to allow his troops to look at. This presumably hindered them somewhat, and Constantine's frontal assault was successful and he routed the opposing army.
After the sprint the road rises for the penultimate time to cross the Bosphorus, and then descends back to the coast before the final run in to the line, a 7.5% grind up the final 700 metres to the finish line in the city of Constantinople.
After winning the civil war, Emperor Constantine decided that Rome asn't the ideal location for a capital, and hence he should build a new one on the site of Byzantium. It took him 6 years for it be completed, while he ruled from Nicomedia, but in AD 330 it was finally consecrated. Initially, obviously, Constantinople paled in comparison to Rome. However, a combination of being in the perfect location for trade and the building of the Theodosian Walls, protecting it from Vandals in a way Rome wasn't, meant that it's power gradually and decisively overtook that of Rome.
Iter per Imperium Romanum Stage 22: Valentia-Arelate 182km
A very flat stage after the last rest day, and one for the sprinters, whose chances I don't think have come any easier than this in the Tour. These stages are necessary, and being situated most likely in the middle of the week I don't think will affect too many people's happiness.
The stage starts in Valentia, now Valence, which was foudned in 12 BC. It gained importance due to its strategic location: near Massalia and Nemausus, and near Lyon too. In fact, it quickly grew to become the biggest crossroads behind in Gaul behind Lyon. And so, the riders begin the day after a day of travel in ancient travelling hotspot
The stage is pretty easy, however, it is based in Drome and Provence. what does that mean? Wind. Possibly a ot of wind, like we saw this year in the Tour. The mistral wind would mean that the riders have cross-tailwind for almost all the stage, which is the best kind imo. The last 30km or so would be a tailwind. The stage in other words, if it is affected by the mistral, will be very very fast. Tomorrow is not too difficult, so the roleurs may have indeed targeted this stage, with its flat (perhaps very slightly rolling actually), open and straight roads. The last 30km with a tailwind would make it very difficult for any gaps already created to be brought back.
The stage passes by Nemausus, or Nimes, which is sometimes referred to as the French Rome. It has a very famous arena and of course its beautiful Pont du Gard, which this stage passes very near to. It was home to 60,000 people back in the time. The town was one of the most prosperous and important of the region until the third century, when Arles properly began to take over.
And Arles is where we finish. After siding with Caesar in the civil war, it was given all of Massalia's power and possessions, and so taking the leap from second most important coity of the province to the most. The city, despite being greatly important and a cultural hub in the early centuries, reached a peak in the 4th and 5th centuries. It was Constantine I's favourite city, and was his son's birthplace. The city is also home to a fantastic amphitheatre, and plenty of other Roman architecture.
A very flat stage after the last rest day, and one for the sprinters, whose chances I don't think have come any easier than this in the Tour. These stages are necessary, and being situated most likely in the middle of the week I don't think will affect too many people's happiness.
The stage starts in Valentia, now Valence, which was foudned in 12 BC. It gained importance due to its strategic location: near Massalia and Nemausus, and near Lyon too. In fact, it quickly grew to become the biggest crossroads behind in Gaul behind Lyon. And so, the riders begin the day after a day of travel in ancient travelling hotspot
The stage is pretty easy, however, it is based in Drome and Provence. what does that mean? Wind. Possibly a ot of wind, like we saw this year in the Tour. The mistral wind would mean that the riders have cross-tailwind for almost all the stage, which is the best kind imo. The last 30km or so would be a tailwind. The stage in other words, if it is affected by the mistral, will be very very fast. Tomorrow is not too difficult, so the roleurs may have indeed targeted this stage, with its flat (perhaps very slightly rolling actually), open and straight roads. The last 30km with a tailwind would make it very difficult for any gaps already created to be brought back.
The stage passes by Nemausus, or Nimes, which is sometimes referred to as the French Rome. It has a very famous arena and of course its beautiful Pont du Gard, which this stage passes very near to. It was home to 60,000 people back in the time. The town was one of the most prosperous and important of the region until the third century, when Arles properly began to take over.
And Arles is where we finish. After siding with Caesar in the civil war, it was given all of Massalia's power and possessions, and so taking the leap from second most important coity of the province to the most. The city, despite being greatly important and a cultural hub in the early centuries, reached a peak in the 4th and 5th centuries. It was Constantine I's favourite city, and was his son's birthplace. The city is also home to a fantastic amphitheatre, and plenty of other Roman architecture.
I have no time at all tomorrow and very little today, so I am going to have to post today, but it will have to be short post
Iter per Imperium Romanum Stage 23: Massalia-Nicaea 273km
The stage connects two of the other Roman bastions of Southern Gaul, Nice and Marseille. The stage is very long and very rolling, so will most likely go to a breakaway especially the upcoming, harder mountain stages. a puncheur/climber low on GC may try his luck entering the break and trying to get himself up on GC, l'Aquila 2010 Giro style. There is, due to the terrain, positioning and length of the stage a real possibility for this. The last climb includes a section of 3km at 8-9%, before a false flat which drags down the average percentage of the climb considerably. The descent into Nice is fairly technical and the finish is in the Roman suburb of Nice, Cimiez
Iter per Imperium Romanum Stage 23: Massalia-Nicaea 273km
The stage connects two of the other Roman bastions of Southern Gaul, Nice and Marseille. The stage is very long and very rolling, so will most likely go to a breakaway especially the upcoming, harder mountain stages. a puncheur/climber low on GC may try his luck entering the break and trying to get himself up on GC, l'Aquila 2010 Giro style. There is, due to the terrain, positioning and length of the stage a real possibility for this. The last climb includes a section of 3km at 8-9%, before a false flat which drags down the average percentage of the climb considerably. The descent into Nice is fairly technical and the finish is in the Roman suburb of Nice, Cimiez
Mare Nostrum stage 23: Mediolanum - Colonia Verona Augusta: 349.5km, “high” mountains, ultra stage
After a short transfer on the last restday the caravan arrives in Mediolanum, current Milan. Founded by the Gallic tribe of the Insubres, Mediolanum came under Roman control in 222BC. Its name, meaning “in the middle of the plains” showed its importance, as it was a hub in the road network of northern Italy. During the Augustan age, Mediolanum was famous for its schools and in 286AD Emperor Diocletianus made it the capital of the Western part of the empire. While Diocletianus himself chose to reside in the capital of the eastern part (back then it was still Nicomedia), his colleague Maxentius ruled the western part from Mediolanum. Maximian built several gigantic monuments, the large circus, the thermae or "Baths of Hercules", an impressive complex of imperial palaces and other services and buildings of which few visible traces remain.
Mediolanum deserved its place in history for another reason, as emperor Constantine issued the edict of Milan from here in 313AD, ensuring freedom of religion in the empire and basically putting an end to the persecution of Christians.
Anyway, let’s take a look at the stage.
Given the name of the starting location, it is no surprise that we start with a long stretch of flat roads from Mediolanum to Brixia.
Current Brescia became Roman in 225 BC, when the Cenomani submitted to the Romans. During the Carthaginian Wars, Brixia was allied with the Romans. Subsequently, the city and the tribe entered the Roman world peacefully as faithful allies, maintaining a certain administrative freedom. Emperor Augustus founded a civil colony there in 27 BC, and he and Tiberius constructed an aqueduct to supply it. Roman Brixia had at least three temples, an aqueduct, a theatre, a forum with another temple built under Vespasianus, and some baths.
When Constantine advanced against Maxentius in 312, an engagement took place at Brixia in which the enemy was forced to retreat as far as Verona.
Brescia has its own capitoline hill and can boast one of the most complete sets of Roman edifices in northern Italy and hosts today’s first Roman landmark sprint.
Leaving Brescia, the first difficulty of the day makes its appearance. Although rather short, it will certainly have an impact on the race, as Monte Maddalena from this side is steep, very steep. It may be an ideal launching pad for a strong breakaway, as the descend is followed by more than 75km flat roads, ideal to increase an eventual lead over the bunch. In these 75km three more Roman landmark sprints have to be contested. The first of this three, at Lonato, is rather symbolic for the Roman empire as a whole. It’s no temple, amphitheater or political building, but far more down to earth: a brick furnace. We all know about the emperors and senators and poets, but the Roman empire could only be what it was, for the time it was because of the masses who provided food and clothing, constructed the famous roads and temples, who paid the taxes to sustain the military. Those masses often lived in insulae, a kind of apartment buildings, often made of brick. Therefore, to the glorious brick:
Less than 10km further on the road there’s another Roman landmark sprint, now in front of a more mundane Roman villa with some beautiful mosaics, near the shores of lake Garda.
The course keeps on following the southern shore of Lake Garda, on the traces of the old Roman road between Brixia and Verona. On the southeastern point of the lake, just before today’s stage heads north, there’s the 4th Roman landmark sprint of the day. In current Peschiera del Garda the remains of the old Roman settlement Arilica can be seen.
A bit further, on the halfway point, this stage can finally begin in earnest as the peloton nears the first of five climbs that will decide over the stage, and maybe even shake up the GC.
The climb to San Zeno di Montagna will probably only shed the worst climbers from the main pack, but its descent is soon followed by the steep climb of Punta Veleno. In between there’s the final Roman landmark sprint, at the Roman villa of Castelletto del Garda.
The descent of Punta Veleno, more shallow than the ascent and not that technical, will connect immediately with the climb to Monte Baldo. This will start at ease, with gradients around 5-6%, but the final 6km are steeper again. The descent to the Adige river, with a little bit of valley floor is followed by the final big climb of the day: the climb to Monte Cornetto. This is basically the climb to Sega di Ala, as used in the 2013 Giro del Trentino, or the first 11km of the Passo delle Fittanze, followed by a wall of 2.5km @ 10.5%, with the final km around 14%.
Its fast descent ends with 19km to go, and the start of the final difficulty of the day.
After everything that came before, the climb to Volpare is only a minor one, but almost 5 km at more than 7% is still not easy.
The descent and final flat kilometres will lead to a finish in front of the Veronese amphitheatre, one of the most famous still around and one of the biggest in the empire at its heyday. As you'll notice when looking at the picture, it was for a large part made of bricks (as so many other landmarks), with only the outer layer of a more durable and beautiful stone like marble.
I know I could have included the climb to Torricelle, not as a reference to Roman history, but to cycling history. However, I don't think that would have added anything to the design.
Verona can boast some other Roman edifices. Not far from the amphitheatre is the Ponte di Pietra, another Roman landmark that has survived to this day.
The Arco dei Gavi was built in the 1st century AD, and is famous for having the name of the builder (architect Lucius Vitruvius Cordone) engraved on it, a rare case in the architecture of the epoque. It originally straddled the main Roman road into the city, now the Corso Cavour.
Nearby is the Porta Borsari, an archway at the end of Corso Porta Borsari. This is the façade of a 3rd-century gate in the original Roman city walls. The inscription is dated 245 AD and gives the city name as Colonia Verona Augusta. Corso Porta Borsari, the road passing through the gate is the original Via Sacra of the Roman city.
Verona became a Roman colony in the year 89 BC, receiving the franchise in 59 and became a municipium in 49 BC. The former ford was replaced by two bridges, one of which, the Pothumius Bridge, also functioned as an aqueduct, as well as a dam for setting naval battles in the Theater. Its strategic importance lay in its position at the junction of four main roads: the Via Gallica, from Turin to Aquileia; the Via Claudia Augusta, from Modena to Germany; the Via Postumia, from Liguria to Illyria; and the Vicum Veronensis, which connected the city to Ostiglia.
Due to its leading position in northern Italy, Verona was often involved in civil Roman wars. Famous figures who fought here include Vespasian and Vitellius (AD 69); Philip the Arab and Decius (249); Carinus and Sabinus Julianus (283); and Constantine the Great, who defeated Ruricius Pompeianus here after a long siege in 312. The city was also the residence of emperors on a frequent basis. In 265 the emperor Gallienus, to improve safety, extended the walls to include the Arena.
Roman Landmark sprints:
Brixia: km90
Lonato: km144
Desenzano del Garda: km153
Arilica: km167
Castelletto: km215
Climbs:
Monte Maddalena: km104.5; 5.6km @ 11.3%; 1st cat; 844m
San Zeno di Montagna: km203.5; 12.2km @ 4.5%; 2nd cat
Punta Veleno: km226.5; 8km @ 12.5% (6.7km @ 14.4%); HC; 1134m
Monte Baldo: km 265.5; 23.8km @ 5.7%; 1st cat; 1615m
Monte Cornetto: km306; 13.5km @ 9.7%; HC
Volpare: km335.5; 4.8km @ 7.2%; 2nd cat
Total distance raced: 5140km
After a short transfer on the last restday the caravan arrives in Mediolanum, current Milan. Founded by the Gallic tribe of the Insubres, Mediolanum came under Roman control in 222BC. Its name, meaning “in the middle of the plains” showed its importance, as it was a hub in the road network of northern Italy. During the Augustan age, Mediolanum was famous for its schools and in 286AD Emperor Diocletianus made it the capital of the Western part of the empire. While Diocletianus himself chose to reside in the capital of the eastern part (back then it was still Nicomedia), his colleague Maxentius ruled the western part from Mediolanum. Maximian built several gigantic monuments, the large circus, the thermae or "Baths of Hercules", an impressive complex of imperial palaces and other services and buildings of which few visible traces remain.
Mediolanum deserved its place in history for another reason, as emperor Constantine issued the edict of Milan from here in 313AD, ensuring freedom of religion in the empire and basically putting an end to the persecution of Christians.
Anyway, let’s take a look at the stage.
Given the name of the starting location, it is no surprise that we start with a long stretch of flat roads from Mediolanum to Brixia.
Current Brescia became Roman in 225 BC, when the Cenomani submitted to the Romans. During the Carthaginian Wars, Brixia was allied with the Romans. Subsequently, the city and the tribe entered the Roman world peacefully as faithful allies, maintaining a certain administrative freedom. Emperor Augustus founded a civil colony there in 27 BC, and he and Tiberius constructed an aqueduct to supply it. Roman Brixia had at least three temples, an aqueduct, a theatre, a forum with another temple built under Vespasianus, and some baths.
When Constantine advanced against Maxentius in 312, an engagement took place at Brixia in which the enemy was forced to retreat as far as Verona.
Brescia has its own capitoline hill and can boast one of the most complete sets of Roman edifices in northern Italy and hosts today’s first Roman landmark sprint.
Leaving Brescia, the first difficulty of the day makes its appearance. Although rather short, it will certainly have an impact on the race, as Monte Maddalena from this side is steep, very steep. It may be an ideal launching pad for a strong breakaway, as the descend is followed by more than 75km flat roads, ideal to increase an eventual lead over the bunch. In these 75km three more Roman landmark sprints have to be contested. The first of this three, at Lonato, is rather symbolic for the Roman empire as a whole. It’s no temple, amphitheater or political building, but far more down to earth: a brick furnace. We all know about the emperors and senators and poets, but the Roman empire could only be what it was, for the time it was because of the masses who provided food and clothing, constructed the famous roads and temples, who paid the taxes to sustain the military. Those masses often lived in insulae, a kind of apartment buildings, often made of brick. Therefore, to the glorious brick:
Less than 10km further on the road there’s another Roman landmark sprint, now in front of a more mundane Roman villa with some beautiful mosaics, near the shores of lake Garda.
The course keeps on following the southern shore of Lake Garda, on the traces of the old Roman road between Brixia and Verona. On the southeastern point of the lake, just before today’s stage heads north, there’s the 4th Roman landmark sprint of the day. In current Peschiera del Garda the remains of the old Roman settlement Arilica can be seen.
A bit further, on the halfway point, this stage can finally begin in earnest as the peloton nears the first of five climbs that will decide over the stage, and maybe even shake up the GC.
The climb to San Zeno di Montagna will probably only shed the worst climbers from the main pack, but its descent is soon followed by the steep climb of Punta Veleno. In between there’s the final Roman landmark sprint, at the Roman villa of Castelletto del Garda.
The descent of Punta Veleno, more shallow than the ascent and not that technical, will connect immediately with the climb to Monte Baldo. This will start at ease, with gradients around 5-6%, but the final 6km are steeper again. The descent to the Adige river, with a little bit of valley floor is followed by the final big climb of the day: the climb to Monte Cornetto. This is basically the climb to Sega di Ala, as used in the 2013 Giro del Trentino, or the first 11km of the Passo delle Fittanze, followed by a wall of 2.5km @ 10.5%, with the final km around 14%.
Its fast descent ends with 19km to go, and the start of the final difficulty of the day.
After everything that came before, the climb to Volpare is only a minor one, but almost 5 km at more than 7% is still not easy.
The descent and final flat kilometres will lead to a finish in front of the Veronese amphitheatre, one of the most famous still around and one of the biggest in the empire at its heyday. As you'll notice when looking at the picture, it was for a large part made of bricks (as so many other landmarks), with only the outer layer of a more durable and beautiful stone like marble.
I know I could have included the climb to Torricelle, not as a reference to Roman history, but to cycling history. However, I don't think that would have added anything to the design.
Verona can boast some other Roman edifices. Not far from the amphitheatre is the Ponte di Pietra, another Roman landmark that has survived to this day.
The Arco dei Gavi was built in the 1st century AD, and is famous for having the name of the builder (architect Lucius Vitruvius Cordone) engraved on it, a rare case in the architecture of the epoque. It originally straddled the main Roman road into the city, now the Corso Cavour.
Nearby is the Porta Borsari, an archway at the end of Corso Porta Borsari. This is the façade of a 3rd-century gate in the original Roman city walls. The inscription is dated 245 AD and gives the city name as Colonia Verona Augusta. Corso Porta Borsari, the road passing through the gate is the original Via Sacra of the Roman city.
Verona became a Roman colony in the year 89 BC, receiving the franchise in 59 and became a municipium in 49 BC. The former ford was replaced by two bridges, one of which, the Pothumius Bridge, also functioned as an aqueduct, as well as a dam for setting naval battles in the Theater. Its strategic importance lay in its position at the junction of four main roads: the Via Gallica, from Turin to Aquileia; the Via Claudia Augusta, from Modena to Germany; the Via Postumia, from Liguria to Illyria; and the Vicum Veronensis, which connected the city to Ostiglia.
Due to its leading position in northern Italy, Verona was often involved in civil Roman wars. Famous figures who fought here include Vespasian and Vitellius (AD 69); Philip the Arab and Decius (249); Carinus and Sabinus Julianus (283); and Constantine the Great, who defeated Ruricius Pompeianus here after a long siege in 312. The city was also the residence of emperors on a frequent basis. In 265 the emperor Gallienus, to improve safety, extended the walls to include the Arena.
Roman Landmark sprints:
Brixia: km90
Lonato: km144
Desenzano del Garda: km153
Arilica: km167
Castelletto: km215
Climbs:
Monte Maddalena: km104.5; 5.6km @ 11.3%; 1st cat; 844m
San Zeno di Montagna: km203.5; 12.2km @ 4.5%; 2nd cat
Punta Veleno: km226.5; 8km @ 12.5% (6.7km @ 14.4%); HC; 1134m
Monte Baldo: km 265.5; 23.8km @ 5.7%; 1st cat; 1615m
Monte Cornetto: km306; 13.5km @ 9.7%; HC
Volpare: km335.5; 4.8km @ 7.2%; 2nd cat
Total distance raced: 5140km
- Feb 18, 2015
- 13,655
- 9,430
- 28,180
Sorry, but I really can't spend any time for write ups right now. I'm currently writing on my graduating work for school and I have to be finished in 5 days. I hope I have time on Saturday to post my stage but I hope you understand that right now I don't want to spend my very little free time on making write ups for the Race Design Challenge, and since one of the judges has a problem with his internet anyway I hope this is okay for you.
Via Roma Stage 23 Philippi (Krenides) --> Pharsalus (Farsala) 407 km
O wretched Virtue, thou wert but a name, and yet I worshipped thee as real indeed; but now, it seems, thou were but fortune's slave - Brutus
After the final rest day the race enters it's final stages. The riders should be feeling fresh after the day off yesterday, so to fix that, today they get to experience the race's first ultra stage, 407 km from Macedonia to central Greece. Today's stage celebrates two decisive battles in the ending of the Roman Republic, and the establishment of the Empire.
First up we start in the town of Philippi, scene of two battles, 20 days apart, between Mark Anthony and Octavian on one side, and Brutus and Cassius on the other, in the battle for supremacy after Caesar's assassination. In the first battle, Anthony successfully flanked Cassius through some marshes, while Brutus engaged Octavian, with Brutus emerging triumphant. Cassius however, was unaware of Brutus' victory, due to the chaos, and decided to commit suicide in shame.
Following the battle Anthony and Octavian were cut off from the sea, and unable to resupply, forcing them to re-engage in a desperate hand to hand battle against Brutus' better fed troops. Somehow in a brutal battle they managed to emerge victorious, establashing themselves as leaders of Rome, as part of the Second Triumvirate.
The stage itself heads south west out of Philippi, and after 14km starts the first climb of the day, a category 2 9.8km, 5.4% warm up, before the racing settles down into monotony. With distance the real challenge today, it's unlikely the early kilometres will be too hard fought. After 60km the riders head through Amphipolis, a major city in the early centuries AD, before hitting the coast line which they follow for another 30km. After that the route turns west, with 50 more kilometres of flat before the second category 2 obstacle of the day turns up, this one shorter,at just 4.4km, but with a gradient of 8.8%. Over the top of the climb, and there is 15km of descending before the intermediate sprint in the city of Thessalonica.
Thessalonica was a major city in Roman Greece, after its capture from Macedon in the 2nd Century BC. It was breifly capital of all Roman Greece, but it's location, on the main Roman road between Byzantium and the Adriatic, as well as its large port, made in a center of trade. It was also one of the first location St Paul preached in Europe, and hence was the location of the first European Church.
After leaving Thessalonica the next 100km the riders face will be a large flat loop around the bay towards the shadow of Mount Olympus. As the route varies from west to south, should there be any strong wind crosswind will below, and on these exposed roads echelons do have the potential to form, even if it's not likely at this point in the race. The stage the turns left, and up Mount Olympus, rated HC at 6.7% for 13.6km with the road capping out at 1,000 m after almost exactly 300km.
At the top there's a short decent before the road starts to climb again, this time 6.7% for just over 3km, giving any wannabe aggressors their last chance to take advantage of their climbing legs before the descent back to the plateau. Following the descent the riders will have 70km to the line across the valley, and a likely scenario is one where a group of stronger sprinters will be desperately trying to catch a bunch of GC riders and variably quick classics specialists. After 390km there is a 5km section at 2%, which normally wouldn't even be worth mentioning, but at this distance any obstacles can be used to create gaps. After that there is an equivalent descent before the final 7km run in to a flat finish in Pharsalus.
Pharsalus itself was location to the battle that first ended the Republic. It was here that Caesar faced off against Pompey in a decisive battle. Like the battle in Philippi,Caesar was under supplied and desperately in need of reinforcement, having only half the troops of the Republican army, even if his troops were veterans compared to Pompey's raw recruits. Pompey initially wanted to wait Caesar out, however the senators travelling with his army pushed him into battle. Here Caesar laid an elaborate trap, hiding a line of troops behind a hill, and allowing his cavalry to be chased into them, leading to the Republic cavalry being routed, and exposing the infantry flank, to terrible consequences. Following his defeat, Rome's client states all started to abandon Pompey and support Caesar, thus functionally ending the civil war, even if the fighting continued for a while longer.
O wretched Virtue, thou wert but a name, and yet I worshipped thee as real indeed; but now, it seems, thou were but fortune's slave - Brutus
After the final rest day the race enters it's final stages. The riders should be feeling fresh after the day off yesterday, so to fix that, today they get to experience the race's first ultra stage, 407 km from Macedonia to central Greece. Today's stage celebrates two decisive battles in the ending of the Roman Republic, and the establishment of the Empire.
First up we start in the town of Philippi, scene of two battles, 20 days apart, between Mark Anthony and Octavian on one side, and Brutus and Cassius on the other, in the battle for supremacy after Caesar's assassination. In the first battle, Anthony successfully flanked Cassius through some marshes, while Brutus engaged Octavian, with Brutus emerging triumphant. Cassius however, was unaware of Brutus' victory, due to the chaos, and decided to commit suicide in shame.
Following the battle Anthony and Octavian were cut off from the sea, and unable to resupply, forcing them to re-engage in a desperate hand to hand battle against Brutus' better fed troops. Somehow in a brutal battle they managed to emerge victorious, establashing themselves as leaders of Rome, as part of the Second Triumvirate.
The stage itself heads south west out of Philippi, and after 14km starts the first climb of the day, a category 2 9.8km, 5.4% warm up, before the racing settles down into monotony. With distance the real challenge today, it's unlikely the early kilometres will be too hard fought. After 60km the riders head through Amphipolis, a major city in the early centuries AD, before hitting the coast line which they follow for another 30km. After that the route turns west, with 50 more kilometres of flat before the second category 2 obstacle of the day turns up, this one shorter,at just 4.4km, but with a gradient of 8.8%. Over the top of the climb, and there is 15km of descending before the intermediate sprint in the city of Thessalonica.
Thessalonica was a major city in Roman Greece, after its capture from Macedon in the 2nd Century BC. It was breifly capital of all Roman Greece, but it's location, on the main Roman road between Byzantium and the Adriatic, as well as its large port, made in a center of trade. It was also one of the first location St Paul preached in Europe, and hence was the location of the first European Church.
After leaving Thessalonica the next 100km the riders face will be a large flat loop around the bay towards the shadow of Mount Olympus. As the route varies from west to south, should there be any strong wind crosswind will below, and on these exposed roads echelons do have the potential to form, even if it's not likely at this point in the race. The stage the turns left, and up Mount Olympus, rated HC at 6.7% for 13.6km with the road capping out at 1,000 m after almost exactly 300km.
At the top there's a short decent before the road starts to climb again, this time 6.7% for just over 3km, giving any wannabe aggressors their last chance to take advantage of their climbing legs before the descent back to the plateau. Following the descent the riders will have 70km to the line across the valley, and a likely scenario is one where a group of stronger sprinters will be desperately trying to catch a bunch of GC riders and variably quick classics specialists. After 390km there is a 5km section at 2%, which normally wouldn't even be worth mentioning, but at this distance any obstacles can be used to create gaps. After that there is an equivalent descent before the final 7km run in to a flat finish in Pharsalus.
Pharsalus itself was location to the battle that first ended the Republic. It was here that Caesar faced off against Pompey in a decisive battle. Like the battle in Philippi,Caesar was under supplied and desperately in need of reinforcement, having only half the troops of the Republican army, even if his troops were veterans compared to Pompey's raw recruits. Pompey initially wanted to wait Caesar out, however the senators travelling with his army pushed him into battle. Here Caesar laid an elaborate trap, hiding a line of troops behind a hill, and allowing his cavalry to be chased into them, leading to the Republic cavalry being routed, and exposing the infantry flank, to terrible consequences. Following his defeat, Rome's client states all started to abandon Pompey and support Caesar, thus functionally ending the civil war, even if the fighting continued for a while longer.
- Mar 24, 2011
- 10,524
- 1,923
- 25,680
We finally have stage 22 votes! Now we wait for Gigs
JUDGE 1:
Gigs_98 T: 5 C: 3
Yeah, brutal stage. Nice to have the hot baths still working for the riders afterward.
Brullnux T: 2 C: 4
Impresed by the flatness, and by the Pont du Gard.
Rghysens T: 4 C: 4
Looks great, both technically and cuturally, though it may just not be steep enough to create absolute havoc.
mb2612 T: 3 C: 5
Very nice hilly stage between great locations
JUDGE 2:
Gigs_98 T: 4 C: 2
In any normal situation you'd probably have a T5 here, since Mortirolo-Gavia is a time-honoured legendary combo, but I just preferred rghysens' stage slightly more. By your own admission you've staked more on the technical side so culturally this is decent and no more, but you've been penalized slightly (see mb2612)
Brullnux T: 2 C: 4
I really hope the wind blows because otherwise you've just got the misfortune of posting a flat stage at the same time as the others are on some much more interesting terrain. That said, if the mistral does its job this could be a good stage nonetheless. Culturally it's pretty spot on, couldn't decide between you and mb2612 for 5 so gave you both 4.
Rghysens T: 5 C: 2
This is what the Valais and the Valle d'Aosta allows for - a real brute of a stage with big climbs of all kinds. Consistent and inconsistent, steep and gradual, high altitude, and with the last one deceptively tough. Culturally it's not special but still plenty of history there, but you've been penalized slightly (see mb2612)
mb2612 T: 3 C: 4
As ever, the cultural points are your staple diet. The stage would be an excellent stage for a trap if it was somewhat longer, as the amount of short climbs and digs are reminiscent of hilly Classics - fatigue will be the key factor here I think, with the rest day to follow. The only reason you only get 4 is that I couldn't decide on the cultural points between you and Brullnux for 5, so I cut one off the other two to compensate.
JUDGE 3:
Gigs_98 T: 4 C: 3
A very nice mountain stage. Other judges may disagree, but I have you pipped at the post by Rghysens. It is a classic set piece at the end though, and the type of stage I would be booking a half day off work for. Culturally it is decent, too.
Brullnux T: 1 C: 4
Yeah, sprint stages are necessary, but don’t tell me that you couldn’t have put in a Cat 4 30km from the finish to spice it up a little bit. And yes, you have visited some nice places, but I think mb2612’s attention to details during the stage is the reason why you are getting trumped for top cultural points here.
Rghysens T: 5 C: 4
Basically, this stage rocks. It hits me in all the right spots. Culturally, you have gone to some very interesting places. This shows that tough mountain stages do not have to be at the expense of cultural points. And I love the sequence of climbs at the end. Realistically speaking, it is probably going to come down to the last section of the Grand Saint Bernard, and there is nothing wrong with that. But after the pain in the weeks prior to this, and with the rest day to come, there is every chance that a struggling leader will pop on the Planches or Champex and the last 100km is a slugfest.
mb2612 T: 3 C: 5
A nice transitional stage, I like the short sharp kicks on the run into the finish in Istanbul. Culturally, it is a very nice stage; it “feels” Roman and there is little to fault even in the places you visit along the way. And Istanbul is necessary in a race such as this of course.
JUDGE 4:
Gigs_98 T: 5 C: 2
Can I say it's a bit short? But yeah, still good enough to get 5.
Brullnux T: 2 C: 4
So... flat... why...?
Culturally though, spot on.
Rghysens T: 4 C: 3
Great stage, but I'm not totally sold about the GSB. I'd have preferred a better climb in that spot (yes, I realize there aren't, but still)
mb2612 T: 3 C: 5
Well, I'm pretty sure I gave 5 cultural points for every visit to Costantinopolis...
CLASSIFICATION FOR STAGE 22
mb2612: 31
Rghysens: 31
Gigs_98: 28
Brullnux: 23
CLASSIFICATION AFTER STAGE 22:
rghysens: 903
mb2612: 855
Gigs_98: 824
Brullnux: 786
JUDGE 1:
Gigs_98 T: 5 C: 3
Yeah, brutal stage. Nice to have the hot baths still working for the riders afterward.
Brullnux T: 2 C: 4
Impresed by the flatness, and by the Pont du Gard.
Rghysens T: 4 C: 4
Looks great, both technically and cuturally, though it may just not be steep enough to create absolute havoc.
mb2612 T: 3 C: 5
Very nice hilly stage between great locations
JUDGE 2:
Gigs_98 T: 4 C: 2
In any normal situation you'd probably have a T5 here, since Mortirolo-Gavia is a time-honoured legendary combo, but I just preferred rghysens' stage slightly more. By your own admission you've staked more on the technical side so culturally this is decent and no more, but you've been penalized slightly (see mb2612)
Brullnux T: 2 C: 4
I really hope the wind blows because otherwise you've just got the misfortune of posting a flat stage at the same time as the others are on some much more interesting terrain. That said, if the mistral does its job this could be a good stage nonetheless. Culturally it's pretty spot on, couldn't decide between you and mb2612 for 5 so gave you both 4.
Rghysens T: 5 C: 2
This is what the Valais and the Valle d'Aosta allows for - a real brute of a stage with big climbs of all kinds. Consistent and inconsistent, steep and gradual, high altitude, and with the last one deceptively tough. Culturally it's not special but still plenty of history there, but you've been penalized slightly (see mb2612)
mb2612 T: 3 C: 4
As ever, the cultural points are your staple diet. The stage would be an excellent stage for a trap if it was somewhat longer, as the amount of short climbs and digs are reminiscent of hilly Classics - fatigue will be the key factor here I think, with the rest day to follow. The only reason you only get 4 is that I couldn't decide on the cultural points between you and Brullnux for 5, so I cut one off the other two to compensate.
JUDGE 3:
Gigs_98 T: 4 C: 3
A very nice mountain stage. Other judges may disagree, but I have you pipped at the post by Rghysens. It is a classic set piece at the end though, and the type of stage I would be booking a half day off work for. Culturally it is decent, too.
Brullnux T: 1 C: 4
Yeah, sprint stages are necessary, but don’t tell me that you couldn’t have put in a Cat 4 30km from the finish to spice it up a little bit. And yes, you have visited some nice places, but I think mb2612’s attention to details during the stage is the reason why you are getting trumped for top cultural points here.
Rghysens T: 5 C: 4
Basically, this stage rocks. It hits me in all the right spots. Culturally, you have gone to some very interesting places. This shows that tough mountain stages do not have to be at the expense of cultural points. And I love the sequence of climbs at the end. Realistically speaking, it is probably going to come down to the last section of the Grand Saint Bernard, and there is nothing wrong with that. But after the pain in the weeks prior to this, and with the rest day to come, there is every chance that a struggling leader will pop on the Planches or Champex and the last 100km is a slugfest.
mb2612 T: 3 C: 5
A nice transitional stage, I like the short sharp kicks on the run into the finish in Istanbul. Culturally, it is a very nice stage; it “feels” Roman and there is little to fault even in the places you visit along the way. And Istanbul is necessary in a race such as this of course.
JUDGE 4:
Gigs_98 T: 5 C: 2
Can I say it's a bit short?
But yeah, still good enough to get 5.Brullnux T: 2 C: 4
So... flat... why...?
Culturally though, spot on.
Rghysens T: 4 C: 3
Great stage, but I'm not totally sold about the GSB. I'd have preferred a better climb in that spot (yes, I realize there aren't, but still)
mb2612 T: 3 C: 5
Well, I'm pretty sure I gave 5 cultural points for every visit to Costantinopolis...
CLASSIFICATION FOR STAGE 22
mb2612: 31
Rghysens: 31
Gigs_98: 28
Brullnux: 23
CLASSIFICATION AFTER STAGE 22:
rghysens: 903
mb2612: 855
Gigs_98: 824
Brullnux: 786
- Feb 18, 2015
- 13,655
- 9,430
- 28,180
I'm really sorry that I haven't posted a stage yet. I have a shitload of work to do, I just don't have the time to spend another 1-2 hours on posting the stage. I will post my stage on Thursday, I know I completely interrupt the challenge and I'm really really sorry for it, but the only other option I have would be to drop out.
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