Race Design Thread

[roundabout]

Here's a small project that came about due to boredom. TdS under 2000 meters. Means no Ticino and Engadin or the passes in Uri.

Stage 1: Geneva-La Chaux-de-Fonds, 171km

http://www.tracks4bikers.com/tracks/show/79555

Le Tourne with 33km to go the biggest climb

Stage 2: La Chaux-de-Fonds-Solothurn, 151km

http://www.tracks4bikers.com/tracks/show/79556

Weissenstein with 25 and Balmberg with 12km to go

Stage 3: Solothurn-Schaffhausen, 185km

http://www.tracks4bikers.com/tracks/show/79558

The flattest stage of all

Stage 4:Schaffhausen-Zürich, 176km

http://www.tracks4bikers.com/tracks/show/79565

A mini revival of the Züri Metzgete with the Pfannenstiel and Wetzwil near the finish

Stage 5: Zürich-Melchsee-Frutt, 158km

http://www.tracks4bikers.com/tracks/show/79594

The one and only MTF

Stage 6:Sarnen-Kiental, 199km

http://www.tracks4bikers.com/tracks/show/79595

A tricky finish for the strongest sprinters to battle it out with classics riders

Stage 7: Spiez-Schwartzenburg, 180km

http://www.tracks4bikers.com/tracks/show/79597

Another tricky finish, same as the rl TdS stage of 2010

Stage 8: Fribourg, 38.16km

http://www.tracks4bikers.com/tracks/show/79599

2 laps of the course

Stage 9: Fribourg-Orsieres, 189km

http://www.tracks4bikers.com/tracks/show/79600

The big finish with Planches and Champex

 

[craig1985]

I've only done the first stage for my Mexico race, if anybody knows of any great passes or MTF's, it would also be a major help. Mexico doesn't feature in climbbybike, but Iceland does!

 

[Libertine Seguros]

The sub-2000m TdS is a very interesting idea given that it cuts so many of the greatest passes out and lets us see what else the country has to offer - and even then there's still so many options! (I saw no Col de Lein, Vue des Alpes or Ovronnaz, all of which were possibilities, for example).

Craig - http://www.altimetrias.net/aspbk/verPuertoW.asp?id=17

 

[Libertine Seguros]

Right, finally I'm going to finish off my Basque tour, by giving the chrono men a chance to make up some of the time they lost on Errozate, Arnostegi, Orzanzurieta, Arrate, El Vivero, Artxanda, Monte Oiz and Urkiola.

Stage 11: Amorebieta - Amorebieta, 42,3km (ITT)

The race-ending chrono is another Bizkaian affair, centring on the home of the Klasika Primavera (and of Movistar's Beñat Intxausti). It is pretty long, to try and negate some of the most obvious mountain gains and give those riders not fully at home on the brutally steep gradients of Monte Oiz and Urkiola the chance to recoup their losses.

As you might expect from Euskadi, however, this is not by any means flat. In fact, we come roaring out of the gate and straight uphill, on the gradual climb up to Autzagane. However, the climbs today are tempo grinds, not the usual Basque rhythm-killers that bite you with moments of 15%+; the chrono men should therefore be able to maintain their strength advantage over the pocket-climbers - Autzagane, at an average of just 4,5%, is the toughest climb of the day.

From here, the riders tackle the very straight and very gradual descent to Muxika, where our first time check takes place; speeds here for a Martin or a Cancellara could get very high indeed. The riders will then turn left and head towards the climb of Morga Gana. This is a gradual ascent of around 4%, and serves as a brief respite essentially halfway up the main climb of the day to Aretxabalgane. There is a pretty nasty route up here from Muxika, but we're taking the much easier route to keep this in favour of the power men. The second timecheck will be at the summit, even though no mountain points are available. From here, another fast but untechnical descent follows, taking the riders down into the valley at Larrabetzu. After this, it's 18 pan-flat kilometres, taking us around the small towns of Bekea, Usansolo (where the final timecheck takes place), Bedia and Lemona, before the final grind back into Amorebieta, where the race will end, and podium ceremonies will be held, outside the town frontón in Parque Zelaieta.

Timechecks:
Muxika (10,6km)
Aretxabalgane (20,8km)
Usansolo (33,0km)

Amorebieta:

 

[Sofía_]

After a killer stage 10 this ITT if more for a GC contender than a time trialist

 

[craig1985]

The sub-2000m TdS is a very interesting idea given that it cuts so many of the greatest passes out and lets us see what else the country has to offer - and even then there's still so many options! (I saw no Col de Lein, Vue des Alpes or Ovronnaz, all of which were possibilities, for example).

Craig - http://www.altimetrias.net/aspbk/verPuertoW.asp?id=17

I'm going to post the first 9 stages up soon, but the differences in altitude is incredible, I mean getting close to 4000m above sea level, and that's not in Mexico City!

 

[craig1985]

Vuelta a Mexico stage 1 - Mexico City (TT) 26km:

Map and Profile

The first stage of the 3 week Vuelta Mexico will start with a 26km time trial in Mexico City and ideally to start on a Saturday. Naturally the altitude will be the biggest issue here and it's not a TT for the pure specialists either, more of the rouleur-type. The start is at 2277m above sea level and goes as high as 2349m. I've tried to take in some of Mexico City's most famous sites by starting in the Paseo de La Reforma, which is home to the Mexican Stock Exchange, and El Ángel de la Independencia. The Paseo de La Reforma is also home to The Statue of Cuauhtémoc. The stage will finish in Chapultepec Forrest near the Museo Tamayo.

El Ángel de la Independencia:

Paseo de La Reforma with the Statue of Cuauhtémoc is in the background:

 

[roundabout]

Altitude?

I'd be more worried about air quality.

 

[craig1985]

Stage 2 - Toluca - Iguala - 225.5km:

Map and Profile

Stage two starts in the city of Toluca, 63km west-southwest of Mexico City. The stage will be one for the sprinters with a downhill run into Iguala. The main climb is through the Parque Nacional de Toluca which will go as high as 3840m above sea level.

Toluca:

 

[Libertine Seguros]

Altitude?

I'd be more worried about air quality.

If the WorldTour can handle Beijing, then I'm sure Mexico City can be done as well! Will be interesting to see where this one goes, I kind of assumed that Mexico City would the endpoint.

Don't laugh too hard, but I'm currently trying to do a Tour de France.

 

[Lupetto]

Don't laugh too hard, but I'm currently trying to do a Tour de France.

Why should we laugh? I'm looking forward to this.

 

[craig1985]

If the WorldTour can handle Beijing, then I'm sure Mexico City can be done as well! Will be interesting to see where this one goes, I kind of assumed that Mexico City would the endpoint.

Don't laugh too hard, but I'm currently trying to do a Tour de France.

I'm kind of predictable in that I'll always start with a TT and in the capital city of the region/country that I do a race in.

 

[craig1985]

Stage 3 - Iguala - Zicapa - 194km:

Map and Profile

So the sprinters had stage 2 for themselves and whoever had the leaders jersey after the stage time trial might lose it today as it contains plenty of climbing and a difficult finish, with some guys potentially struggling with their enemy, the time cut. Starting today in Iguala, the riders will finish outside of the small village of Zicapa, and it won't be as high in altitude as compared to the first two stages. The stage is full of up-and-down climbing with opportunities for those dropped to get back on if they're good enough. The big climb into Zicapa is selective enough even though it's only 3.5km long, it's really steep in sections which will no doubt test the riders, before a short descent, and a 600m climb through Zicapa, before another descent before the finish, making it one for either a lone finisher, or a sprint from a small group.


Stage 4 - Puebla - Coatepec - 195km:

Map and Profile

After yesterday's efforts, stage 4 is on another one for the sprinters. After the transfer to the city of Puebla, which dates back to 1531, Mexico's 4th largest city and is home to one of the largest Volkswagen factories outside of Germany. The stage starts near the San Miguel Las Pajaritias at nearly 2200m above sea level, and the peloton is soon racing out of Puebla. Aside froma couple of cat 4 climbs, there isn't a whole lot of climbing before the descent towards Coatepec. There are a few undulating hills with 15km to go that might inspire a late kamikaze attack, but it's unlikely it will stick. The sprint is slightly uphill so it might suit a Hushovd type sprinter, although Cavendish has certainly won on similar finishes.

Puebla:

 

[togo95]

Tour of Hungary

Stage 1: Szombathely - Veszprém; 187km

First stage o this race already suggests, that this won't be as flat as you would think. I tried to make most of the stages with potential of being interesting and so put all climbs to the end of stages.

First half of stage 1 is heading north-east, and it's completely flat, In Gyor riders will turn right towards rolling terain and sprinters may struggle now. The run into Veszprém is false rising flat. Last km has 2 90° turns and last 400 metres has 8% average.

Map and profile

Climbs:
Gézaháza (cat. 2) - 6,8km; 4%


Szombathely:

Veszprem:

 

[craig1985]

Phil Gilbert loves you with that finish.

 

[roundabout]

North or south, Mecsek or Matra?

Or both?

Gellért Hill in Budapest or bigger hills?

 

[togo95]

Tour of Hungary

Stage 2: Balatonfüzfö - Pécs; 197km

2nd stage isnn't completely flat from the start as before, but relevant climbs come in the last 60 kms.

Last climb is 8 km from finish. Descent isn't technical at all. However finish line is just after the descent.

Map and profile

Climbs:
Árpádtetö (cat. 3) - 3km; 5%
Rózsa-hégy (cat. 2) - 8,5km; 4,2%
Árpádtetö (cat. 3) - 3km; 5%

Pécs:

 

[togo95]

North or south, Mecsek or Matra?

Or both?

Gellért Hill in Budapest or bigger hills?

I focused on north part of country, but as you can see in second stage, this race covers south too.

 

[togo95]

Tour of Hungary

Stage 3: Pécd - Kecskemét; 177km

First and last stage in which even Guardini has a chance to win

Map and profile

Kecskemét:

 

[togo95]

Tour of Hungary

Stage 4: Jászapáti - Erdöhorváti; 177 km

For 150 km this stage is almost pancake flat. However the only obstacle for spriters come just 13 km before finish. This climb is the longest used yet, but it isn't excessively tough. This climb is immediately followed by descent to finish line.

Climbs:
Regéc (cat. 2) - 11,5 km; 4,2%

Link

 

[togo95]

Tour of Hungary

Stage 5: Sárospatak - Olaszkapu

This is probably the queen stage. With four medium length climbs in the second half, the altitude gain, that riders will have to overcome is about 4000 metres. After 80 kilometres of flat transfer to Miskolc, first three climb are coming just after another without opportunity to rest. Before the last climb, where the finish is held, there is a 11 km long false flat. Olaszkapu isn't the steepest climb in average, but the steepest kilometer has an average gradient of 15%. And after hard day in the saddle, we can expect only small groups of riders coming together through the finish line.

Climbs:
Nagy-Som-Hegy (cat. 2) - 7,5 km; 6,7%
Bánkút (cat. 1) - 15 km; 4,7%
Bánkút (cat. 1) - 15 km; 4,7%
Olaszkapu (cat. 2) - 11km; 5%

Link

Sárospatak:

Olaszkapu (road near finish):

 

[roundabout]

I am going to do something unusual and design a Vuelta.

Prologue: Valladolid, 6km

Flat race to start things off

Stage 1: Valladolid-Aranda de Duero, 170km

A stage for the sprinters

Stage 2: Aranda de Duero-Laguna Negra de Urbion, 174km

http://www.tracks4bikers.com/tracks/show/80303

First "difficult" stage

Stage 3: Soria-Teruel, 223km

Another flat stage

Stage 4: Teruel-L'Alcora, 197km

http://www.tracks4bikers.com/tracks/show/80305

Stage 5: Castellon de la Plana-Tortosa, 121km

Flat stage

Stage 6: Mora d'Ebre-Manresa, 163km

Not flat, but another stage for the sprinters

Stage 7: Vic-Guardiola de Bergueda, 213km

Pradell with 27 to go the main difficulty

Stage 8: Berga-Port d'Aine, 188km

http://www.tracks4bikers.com/tracks/show/80295

A "new" arrival in the Pyrenees

Stage 9: Sort-Lerida, 124km

Flat

Stage 10: Sevilla-Sevilla, 50km

Flat ITT

Stage 11: Sevilla-Ubrique, 178km

http://www.tracks4bikers.com/tracks/show/80284

Stage 12: Ronda-Malaga, 137km

http://www.tracks4bikers.com/tracks/show/80320

Uphill finish

Stage 13: Nerja-La Calahorra, 205km

Most difficult stage

Stage 14: Almeria-Calar Alto, 196km

http://www.tracks4bikers.com/tracks/show/78662

Stage 15: Granada-Cordoba, 185km

http://www.tracks4bikers.com/tracks/show/80316

Tricky last 25km

Stage 16: Cuidad Real-Talavera de la Reina, 180km

sprint

Stage 17: Plasencia-El Travieso, 186km

http://www.tracks4bikers.com/tracks/show/80282

Final MTF

Stage 18: Bejar-Avila, 229km

The stage with the famous finish

Stage 19: El-Tiemblo-Avila, 47km

http://www.tracks4bikers.com/tracks/show/80313

A rerun of the Vuelta TT of old

Stage 20: -Madrid, 100km or so

 

[Libertine Seguros]

Some really cool stages there. What are all the lead-in climbs in the queen stage? I would probably have gone from Salas de los Infantes to Quintanar de la Sierra in stage 2 and put in the Lagunas de Neila-Pasil de Rozavientos on the way into La Rioja, but Urbión is a cool and underused climb. Maybe they need a Vuelta a Soría to use it. Also very interesting to be almost all Pyrenean and Andalucían mountains, redressing the balance after the all-in-the-north 2012 route.

 

[roundabout]

The queen stage is the one to La Calahorra, right? It is most difficult of the 3 without the map.

I think it's Itrabo, Conjuros(well, mostly Gualchos except for the last few km), Haza del Lino, Venta del Tarugo and Puerto de la Ragua

I thought quite a lot about the possible climb combinations on stage 2. For a stage 2/day 3 I decided not to make the stage too heavy as there are indeed even more options for that area as you mentioned.

And finally, yeah, I deliberately used the areas not visited by the 2012 Vuelta. There are enough mountains in Spain for that.

 

[Lupetto]

My next race will be a Tour de l'Avenir of 10-12 stages . Not sure right now. And no Tour de Ski experiments this time.