Race Design Thread

[Pricey_sky]

Ok I've decided to be brave and design my own race. I've started small and done an 8-stage Tour of Britain with something for everyone. I have also tried to keep transfer time between stages as low as possible and the route as viable as I could make it although its not perfect. Some climbs I had to just use the names of local roads/attractions as they had no name that I could find. I appreciate any feedback, I hope you enjoy it:

Stage 1: Edinburgh - Newcastle. 206km




I wanted to include Scotland in this Tour; I decided having the race start in the city of Edinburgh with a flattish stage down in to Newcastle. There are 3 categorized climbs featuring KOM points which will more than likely be swept up by the break. The climb by Akeld has some 9% parts however it comes over 80km's from the end meaning the first leader of this Tour will be decided by a bunch sprint.

Climbs

KM 32: George Wood 3.6km @ 5.4% CAT 3
KM 51: Louder Wood 3.4km @ 4% CAT 4
KM122: Akeld 4.8km @ 5.3% CAT 3

 

[Pricey_sky]

Stage 2: Darlington - Ripon. 166km




After yesterdays probable bunch sprint today is a little more trickier and the chance for a new leader of the race. This stage features 3 climbs of Fleet Moss, which is one of the tougher climbs in England. The middle 2 km's of the climb average nearly 10%. The riders that haven't fallen out the back will have then have another categorized climb of Kidstone's bank to contest with the summit around 50km's from the finish. If yesterdays winner loses contact then a select bunch sprint will surely decide who goes in to the leaders gold jersey by the end of the day.

Climbs

KM 62,81,100: Fleet Moss 5.8km @ 5.2% CAT 2
KM 115: Kidstone's Bank 3km @ 5% CAT 4

 

[Pricey_sky]

Stage 3: York - Blackpool. 161km




Another chance for the sprinters, We start in the historical city of York and make our way over to the popular seaside town of Blackpool. The final 10km's are along the coast so the GC riders will keep an eye on the wind as they don't want to get behind a potential late split in the peleton. Two small climbs along the way for the break to pick up some KOM points but nothing that will worry the bunch.

Climbs

KM 50 Hall Beck 2.4km @ 4.4% CAT 4
KM 115 Wyresdale Tower 2km @ 5% CAT 4

 

[Pricey_sky]

Stage 4: Whitehaven - Great Dunn Fell








The Queen stage of this years Tour as we reach the halfway point and a chance for the climbers to come out and play. Im not sure logistically if we could use Great Dunn Fell as a TOB climb but im using it anyway as its a monster. Over 7km's long with some sections of 20% and an average of 8%. The riders will also be going over the dreaded Wrynose pass with the last km around 14% and twice over Austhwaite Brow as they do a loop around the Lake district. There is also the Kirkstone Pass with the final KM of that pass around 13%.

Climbs

Km 31, 87: Austhwaite Brow 3.9km @ 5.5% - 25% hairpins. CAT 3
km 68: Wrynose Pass 2.3km @ 10% CAT 2
km 126: Kirkstone Pass 4.5km @ 8.6% CAT 2
km 183 Great Dunn Fell 7km @ 8% CAT 1

 

[Pricey_sky]

Stage 5: Macclesfield - Worcester. 171km.




After yesterdays tough stage the sprinters get another chance at glory today as i look to move further south with tomorrows stage starting in Cardiff. A small climb at the start will provide a springboard for the days break however the sprinters teams will look to bring this one back as we finish in the the riverside city of Worcester and the wide high street.

Climbs

Km 7 Cleulowcross wood 3km @ 4% CAT 4

 

[Pricey_sky]

Stage 6 Cardiff - Ammanford. 217km




I originally designed this stage as a classic stage in south Wales however I believe it would go well in the route. A tough day with lots of climbing which starts as soon as the riders get underway with Caerphilly mountain. There are lots of uncategorized lumps of over 10% in parts as well as the climbs I mention so any GC riders who aren't feeling well today could lose a lot of time on their rivals and see there hopes of a race win disappear. The top of the final climb at Rhiw Wen come's with 22 km's to go with a fairly tricky descent into Ammanford. A perfect chance for someone to go clear and claim a very good victory. Rhiw Wen could cause some problems to riders as its a fairly steep 5.5km's @ 7%. If anyone falls out of the back they may not have time to get back on before they hit the town of Ammanford.

Climbs

Km 5: Caerphilly Mountain 3.2km @ 5.7% CAT 3
km 26: Nant Caermoel 4.8km @ 5.6% CAT 2
Km 39: Treharris Mountain 4.7km @ 4.4% CAT 3
Km 85: Hirwaun Common 6km @ 5.4% CAT 2
Km 95: Waterfall Road 4km @ 5.9% CAT 3
Km 126: Rheola Forest 4km @ 5.3% CAT 2
Km: 144 Gilfach Wood 2.5km @ 7% CAT 3
Km 189: Rhiw Wen 5.5km @ 7.5% CAT 2

 

[Pricey_sky]

Stage 7: Exeter - Dartmouth. 219km




Just like yesterdays stage I originally though of this as more of a classic stage however I have slightly modified it to include an uphill finish through the town of Dartmouth. As well as the KOM climbs there are also 2 laps near the finish where the riders go over Slappers hill and past Scabbacombe Lane. Both are quite steep and are around 1km long at 8% with the last 100m metres of Scabbacombe Lane at around 19%. The final climb to the finish is only 1.6km long but its very steep at 8%. Its the last chance for riders to gain time and win the jersey going into tomorrows procession into London. With no KOM points available tomorrow its also the final chance for a rider to cement his position at the top of the KOM standings.

Climbs

Do not let these profiles fool you. These climbs have some very tough sections and there are regular little banks of 10% which are not categorized.

Km 7: Six mile Hill 6km @ 3.5% CAT 4
Km 61: East Bowden Wood 4.7km @ 3.8% CAT 4
Km 121: Park Hill 3.4km @ 4.4% CAT 4
Km 155: Way Park 2.6km @ 5.5% CAT 4
Km 219: Dartmouth 1.6km @ 8% CAT 3

 

[Pricey_sky]

Stage 8: Southampton - London. 142km.




I toyed with the idea of having the last stage as a TT however after the last 2 hilly stages I have given the chance for the sprinters to get the last laugh on this years Tour of Britain. A short stage starting on the coast and working our way up to the capital city and onwards to the finish on the mall, where of course the olympic games RR ended last year.

 

[Another_Dutch_Guy]

Giro d'Italia

I like your Brittain Tour Pricey_Sky. It offers something for everybody, and the sequence of stages makes it likely to be raced hard. Good job!

But let's continue with my Giro...

Stage 16: Bolzano ITT (40 KM)

The third week starts with a long time trial around Bolzano. Whereas the first one was short and hilly, this one is more suited to the specialist. Since the Giro is historically more oriënted to the climbers; I think that a total of 65 Kilometres against the clock is just perfect. So no time trials anymore this Giro. In the grand finale of this Giro the riders have to battle each other face-to-face.

Btw: the first kilometre climb does not exists, It's just a bug in Tracks4bikers.

 

[Another_Dutch_Guy]

Giro d'Italia

Stage 17: Bolzano - Breno (188 KM)

After the time trial, today's stage is a bit more easy. As you can see, it's a typical transition stage. Not too hard, but still very tricky.

From the start in Bolzano, the route loosely follows the Autostrada del Brennero to the south. At Mezzolombardo the main road will be left, for the first climb of the day. This is a true classic one: the Passo del Tonale.

Despite the famous name, this isn't a hard climb at all. Since the top is located at nearly 80 kilometres before the finish, it is very unlikely that it will strongly influence the race. This time, the main spectacle may be expected at the local circuit in Breno. That route doesn't only include the steep first kilometres of the Passo di Croce Domni (7,5 KM, 7,2%), but also a tricky decend back to Breno.

In my opinion this stage is quite comparable with this year's Giro stage to Ivrea. (won by Benat Intxausti). Hopefully, the racing will be just as good.

 

[Pricey_sky]

I like your Brittain Tour Pricey_Sky. It offers something for everybody, and the sequence of stages makes it likely to be raced hard. Good job!

Thank you, I might try a 3 week GT soon however it's surprising how even a week long stage race can take so much time and research. Glad you liked it though and well done on a great Giro route so far!

 

[togo95]

Závod Zlínským krajem

The idea to create this stage race occured to me when I created two formerly one day race designs (being the last two days of the stage race). It lasts for five days and gives oppurtunity to every kind of rider to shine.

Prologue: Kroměříž; 6 km

The race begins with a prologue, but it is not an ordinary one. It is almost completely flat over distance of 6 km. However, there are other difficulties on the course. Firstly, there are 26 bends, one is even 180 degrees, because it's on a roundabout. Still, there are some flat parts, where riders can go on full power. Moreover, 1,5 km of the course is on gravel road (most of the time in good condition) which requires maximum focus especially in corners. As if that wasn't enough, there are some cobbled section thrown in.

Start and finish is located at the Big square in Kroměříž. After 500 meters on tarmac road we enter the castle park, where are the mentioned gravel roads. After getting back to the town, riders immediately change gravel for well maintained cobbles. This first sector is about 1 km long, as we move to the other side of the old town. For another more than 2 km course follows wide tarmacked roads. Only the last 300 meters are cobbled, as the route returns to the Big square. This would be a spectacular prologue with nice surroundings and hopefully few riders will suffer from either fall or puncture.

Kroměříž:

 

[togo95]

Závod Zlínským krajem

Stage 1: Kroměříž - Kohútka; 154 km

First road stage is the only one with a MTF and also it is the shrtest, if we don't take prologoue into account. There are 6 climbs along the way to Kohútka. First one - Malá Lhota - begins in Valašské Meziříčí after 55 flat kilometers and even though it is expected to be ridden slowly at this point, first part is really steep with maximum at 14%. The next ascent is an easy one and it is followed by harder but fairly regular climb to Soláň, which tops with 60 km to go. Antoher climb on the menu is Veľký Javorník, which begins in Velké Karlovice and offers nice views. This is a challenging climb, but it's still 40 kms to the line from its top, the highest point of this stage and whole race, which is already in Slovakia. But race won't stay for long there. After quite long descent we turn back to Czech Republic. Border is on the pass called Makovský průsmyk with this 2.WW memorial. Although it is penultimate climb, I wouldn't expect decisive moves to be made here, because the 20 kms remaining under the last ascent are very straightforward. Kohútka begins moderately, since first 4,5 kms leading through this valley have average under 4%. However, then the road kicks up and average gradient of the second part (3 kms long) is more than 10%. There are nice views from the top as well.

KOM
Malá Lhota - 5,5 km; 6,4% (steepest kilometer has about 12% average)
Žáry - 5,3 km; 3,8%
Soláň - 6,1 km; 6,2%
Veľký Javorník - 3,9 km; 8,5%
Makovský průsmyk - 5,4 km; 4,8%
Kohútka - 7,5 km; 6,7%

 

[Libertine Seguros]

Zlín used to be called Gottwaldów, right? So this will be Peace Race heartlands.

 

[togo95]

Zlín used to be called Gottwaldów, right? So this will be Peace Race heartlands.

Yes, during the communism period

 

[togo95]

Závod Zlínským krajem

Stage 2: Vsetín - Zlín; 167 km

 

[Another_Dutch_Guy]

Giro d'Italia

Stage 18: Breno - Plan di Montecampione (128 KM)

After the stage finish in Breno, some of you were propably already expecting this stage. In the most recent Giro Topics, a lot of you were lobbying for the Passo di Croce Dominii and Plan di Montecampione. Well, this stage features both!

Straight from the start in Breno the peloton has to tackle the Croce Dominii; a hard and irregular climb that averages 7,4% over more than 20 kilometres. No softpedalling, but action direct from the start of the stage! After decending to Bagolino, immediately the next HC climb awaits the riders. The Passo del Maniva averages 8,2% over 12 kilometres. Especially, the first half of this climb is very steep.

No easy parts on this stage, since after another downhill the third climb appears. TheColle di San Zeno is somewhat easier than the former two (14 KM, 6,6%), but at this stage of the race it will definetely kick in. After decending this climb, something unique will happen. The riders may enjoy no less than 5 kilometres of total flat course! They will need it, because the last 20 Kilometres of this stage lead to the top of the ski station Plan di Montecampione. Again, this is a 'Horse Category' climb: 20 KM at 7,5%. This one is for the real champions; the last two winners were Bernard Hinault and Marco Pantani.

This is the shortest stage of this Giro, and I see it like the 2011 Alpe d'Huez stage on steroids. May this stage ever happen, I advice everybody to watch from kilometre 0!

 

[Another_Dutch_Guy]

Giro d'Italia

Stage 19: Cantù - Cherasco (198 KM)

After all the mountains and the time trial, today is finally for the sprinters again. Not much to say about this one. It's pretty flat, and therefore a nice moment of rest before the start of the decisive weekend. However, sprinters who want to win need to be alert, the penultimate kilometre goes up at 6%.

 

[togo95]

Závod Zlínským krajem

Stage 2: Vsetín - Zlín; 167 km

The flattest stage of this race (at least in the last 40 kms) starts in Vsetín and then heads towards the finishing town. There is one categorised climb along the way, but harder ascents come in the neighborhood of Zlín from km 30 to 55. After leaving Zlín behin, riders will make one big loop in counterclockwise direction. Igoes through the town Holešov and Kroměříž with first cobbled sectors on this stage. There are few more hills on the route back to Zlín, but nothing to be afraid of, even though they are quite irregular, it's still long way to go. Next long flat and straight section ends in Malenovice (already part of Zlín) with about 20 kms to the finish. There is a short cobbled hill in Malenovice, 800 metres long with 6% average and 10% maximum near the top. Cobbles are in good condition, but they are more rough than standard town paving. Here is a photo of a hill we are not climbing, but the cobbles are very similiar.
In the centre of Zlín, there is a 10 kms long loop before finish on Tomáš Baťa street. Riders have to tackle cobbled hill (500 meters with 8% average) on T. G. Masaryk square twice, which could disrupt sprinter trains. Particulartly the second ascent, which is only 3 kms before finish. All in all, this is flat stage with a few opportunities for those willing to have a go. Sprinter who wants to win this stage has to be able to get over small hills and position himself well, as some parts of the circuit are not very wide, especially T. G. Masaryk square and cobbled sector Lesní čtvrť.

KOM:
Sirákov - 3,2 km; 3,8%
Švambovce - 3,5 km; 6%
Zlín, Podlesí - 2 km; 5%
Zlín, Mladcová - 4,2 km; 4,5%
Motorest Samota - 2,9 km; 6,2%
Holý kopec - 2,4 km; 5%

Cobbled sectors:
Holešov (starts on km 62) - 0,7 km long
Kroměříž 1 (78) - 0,7 km
Kroměříž 2 (79) - 1,3 km
Zlín, Malenovice (146) - 1,3 km
Zlín, Náměstí T. G. Masaryka (154) - 0,5 km
Zlín, Lesní čtvrť (157) - 0,5 km
Zlín, Příluky (160) - 0,3 km
Zlín, Náměstí T. G. Masaryka (164) - 0,5 km

 

[Another_Dutch_Guy]

Giro d'Italia

Stage 20: Camagnola - Sestriere (180 KM)

I really like stages with a really hard climb directly followed by an easy MTF. Most times it leads to great racing with loads of attacks on the hard climb, and subsequently a nice tactical battle towards the finish. Since the field is completely split, everybody will have to look for companions to help them finishing the stage as good as possible. In my opinion, that is bike racing as it is supposed to be.

Luckily, the Giro organisers share my vision about this. The latest years they have included quite a lot of stages with such design. For example, the 2010 stage to Apricia where Ivan Basso used the steep slopes of the Mortirolo to ride himself into the 'Maglia Rosa'. Still, my favourite will always be the 2005 stage to Sestriere. I will never forget the heroic battle between Savoldelli, Simoni and Rujano I saw that day. It changed me from someone who likes cycling into one who seriously loves it. And off course, I will use my fantasy Giro to honour this stage!

After leaving the starting town Carmagnola, the riders will head to the nortwest right into the Susa Valley. After 70 easy kilometres, the first serious climb awaits the peloton. The famous Mont Cenis will even bring them into France. However, they won't stay long; after a small tour around the lake, they will decend the same road back to Susa. From there on, it's showtime! Hopefully the steep Finestre (18,3 KM at 9,3%) and the Sestriere (10 KM at 5%) will again bring such good racing as that day Jose Rujano nearly won the Giro. The race is nearly finished; so I'm sure the riders will be keen to show themselves one last time!

 

[Another_Dutch_Guy]

Stage 21: Bussoleno - Torino

I do agree that a Grand Tour needs a prestigious last stage. But why does it always have to be a time trial or a boring parade? I believe the best way to honour a race, is to finish it with great racing. Luckily, we're in Piedmond. This region's capital offers opportunities for both a prestigious finish and some serious racing. Yes indeed, this Giro will finish in Torino!

The day will start in the middle of the Alps; so it won't take long until the first climb appears. The Camparnaldo is basically no more than a parralel road in the Susa Valley, still it takes 7 kilometres of climbing around 8,8% to reach the village at the top. After a short downhill, the route brings the peloton through the valley into Torino. There it's time for today's second climb: the well known Superga! The riders don't need to climb all the way up to the basilica, but still have to tackle 4 kilometres around 10%. Yes, the Milano - Torino climb will hurt!

After some riding at the plateau, the riders will find themselves at the base of the Eremo climb. As you can see on this profile this climb features some really steep sections. The riders only have to climb from Redentore to Eremo. Still, this means a 1,7 KM klimb averaging 11 percent! However, the best thing is that this climb is located extremely close to the city centre. Just 7 kilometres after reaching the top the peloton will cross the finish line! However, we all know that a Grand Tour needs to end with a finishing circuit. No way that the race is finished!

Normally, finishing circuits are pancake flat and around 7 kilometres. This time, things are slightly different. Today's circuit is 22 kilometres long and features two punchy climbs! After passing the finish line, the route follows the Po river until the Ponte Isabella. From there on the route goes back into the hills, thus leading to a 6 KM klimb at 6% nearly to the top of the Maddalena. After a short decend (4 KM), it's immediately time for the next climb. Again the riders have to climb the crazy steep Eremo. Since this time the climbing starts more downhill, it will lead to a climb of 3,3 kilometres averaging 8,4%. Still the 11% part keeps in tact. Again, after 7 kilometres decending the riders will cross the finish line for the second time.

In total, the riders will have to tackle this circuit four times. Therefore, the last 100 kilometres will be constantly up and down. Despite that the climbs are not very hard, some daring rider can definetely use this 'parade stage' to steal the pink jersey!

Hopefully, you've enjoyed this Giro. For a better overview of the course: here's a link featuring the whole route.

 

[togo95]

Závod Zlínským krajem

Stage 3: Uherské Hradiště - Uherské Hradiště; 186 km

This stage is the harder from the two including cobbled roads, but don't get fooled by the exaggerated profile, it is not that hard, at least in terms of climbing. As for pavé, cyclists have to tackle 25 kms of cobbled roads, but only few of them are comparable to those from Paris-Roubaix. Stage starts and ends on the very same place - Mariánske square in Uherské Hradiště. You can see the cobbles used in the whole downtown here. The finish is also on this kind of road.

After leaving main city of this stage to start first out of three circuits, route heads southeast to picturesque village Hluk. Uherský Brod is another important (by the way it's the finishing town of last stage) and for sure beautiful point on this course. First part of the hill in Uherský Brod is on narrow road, so it's important to be in front of the peloton here in the last of three ciscuits that are planned for this stage. More so, when at the end of this narrow street, another cobbled section begins. This time it's rougher and in worse condition, compared to previous sectors.

After descent from the highest point in the stage two small villages, Prakšice and Pašovice, come in short period of time. The latter has another cobbles and is the base of the steepest hill on the route with nice meadows at the top. Here begins the easiest part of the loop, more than 10 kms without any difficulties.

On the other hand, decicive section comes sthraight after, as we enter Uherské Hradiště again with 11 kms remaining to the end of circuit. There is cobbled hill on Vinohradská street to begin with. Cobbles then continue on wide 1. Máje street as well, but that's already on false flat. After short descent comes the last hill on the route - Mařatice. I begins on Kordon cobbled "street", which is challenging, even though only 200 metres long. After short respite on tarmac, another tough sector is lying in front of peloton - Na Bahně and Jordán streets in Mařatice. Both are quite short but together with uphill rise and additional cobbles on 1.Máje and Konečná streets, some damage should be definitely done. Sharp descent follows with 2,5 kms on wide road and last 1 000 meters are on cobbles again. there are 2 corners in the last 500 meters (both have more than 90°), last being just over 300 m to go.

KOM (everything ridden 3 times):
Nový Dvůr (tops on km 7, 69, 131) - 3,6 km; 2,7%
Hluk (16, 78, 140) - 1,5 km; 4%
Uherský Brod (30, 92, 154) - 3 km; 3,6% (consists of two parts: 0,5 km; 7% and 2,1 km; 4,2%)
Pašovice (36, 98, 160) - 1,3 km; 7,3%
Uherské Hradiště, Vinohradská (53, 115, 177) - 1 km; 4,7%
Uherské Hradiště, Mařatice (57, 119, 181) - 1,2 km; 5%

Cobblad sectors:
Uherské Hradiště downtown 1 (starts on km 0, 62, 124) - 0,7 km
Hluk 1 (12, 74, 136) - 0,6 km
Hluk 2 (13, 75, 137) - 0,7 km
Vlčinov (20, 82, 144) - 0,2 km
Uherský Brod 1 (26, 88, 150) - 0,4 km
Uherský Brod 2 (29, 91, 153) - 1 km
Pašovice (34, 96, 158) - 0,8 km
Jarošov (49, 111, 173) - 0,4 km
Uherské Hradiště, Vinohradská & 1. Máje (52, 114, 176) - 2 km
Uherské Hradiště, Družstevní (54, 116, 178) - 0,1 km
Uherské Hradiště, Kordon (55, 117, 179) - 0,2 km
Uherské Hradiště, Mařatice (56, 118, 180) - 0,6 km
Uherské Hradiště, Konečná (57, 119, 181) - 0,3 km
Uherské Hradiště downtown 2 (61, 123, 185) - 1,1 km

 

[Libertine Seguros]

This truly IS a Peace Race classic!

Back in Switzerland, the calm before the storm.

Stage 7: Zofingen - Neuchâtel, 155km

Climbs:
Wolfisberg (cat.3) 2,9km @ 7,1%
Côte de Chabrey (cat.4) 1,0km @ 6,2%
La Coudre (cat.4) 1,2km @ 5,3%

After yesterday's time trial today's race is a short flat stage which heads west and will probably be quite fast-paced as the sprinters, the few that have bothered to show up, have their last chance to shine today. The durable ones could have contended in Locarno, but only the Hünenberg and Neuchâtel stages are truly suited to them. This is a fairly unspectacular stage, with only the one notable climb, to Wolfisberg from Niederbipp early in the stage. The riders then pass places like Solothurn and Biel before a little loop-de-loop around the lakes - first looping around the Murtensee, which includes a small climb, then through Cudrefin, on the southern banks of Lac Neuchâtel (with the finishing city visible in the background), then back northeast towards Erlach and its picturesque castle on the Bielersee before turning back to Neuchâtel.

There is actually a small climb that crests on the outskirts of Neuchâtel, just 5km from the finish. This small climb only averages around 5%, but there are a hundred metres at 12% or so early on. This will give the opportunity for an attacker to make a difference, but the roads are wide and it's meant more as an opportunity for the trains to disorganise themselves and give a sliver of opportunity to an attacker rather than something that is legitimately going to make this an attack-fest. The run-in will still suit the sprinters' teams.

Zofingen:

Neuchâtel:

 

[Libertine Seguros]

Stage 8: Romont - Verbier, 183km

Climbs:
Champex (cat.1) 10,8km @ 8,1%
Col du Lein (HC) 14,7km @ 8,4%
Verbier (cat.1) 8,7km @ 7,7%

Our tough, GC-settling final weekend begins with this Romandie stage that you all will have known was coming as soon as I started on the Tour de Suisse even if you hadn't already seen the stages on tracks4bikers. After all, I ramble about the ease of connecting Lein to Verbier fairly regularly, so it ought to have been clear what was coming.

This is a tough mountain stage, so to make it up to the riders I ease them into the stage with a rolling beginning as we descend via undulating terrain to the shores of Lac Léman near Lausanne. The subsequent stretch of flat racing along the side of the lake allows for a scenic opening as we pass places such as Vevey and Montreux before leaving the lake behind and heading through the valley that takes us from Montreux to Martigny over a pan-flat 40km that allows us to take in our contractually obliged passing of UCI HQ in Aigle.

Then the climbs begin. The first is Champex, a well-known climb of the 1st category. To include this within the stage there is a bit of a loop-de-loop (the riders must, at the tail end of the descent, use some of the same roads they had before the start of the climb, but in the opposite direction, in order to head back through Martigny to Saxon; this does mean that, as the Sembrancher on the Champex descent and Vollènes on the Lein descent link to each other, if there is any problem with the Col du Lein we can do double-Champex into Verbier to minimise the disruption to the stage). Champex is fairly tough, with its toughest gradients in the middle but easing up towards the top, twisting and turning its way to the scenic ski resort town of Champex-Lac. Here's a better view that lets you see the descent as well. The descent is not especially steep but is pretty technical so will challenge the riders, although with over 70km remaining it's not a likely action spot.

The riders then return to Martigny and have a short flat stretch in the valley as far as Saxon. And then, se armó un zapatiesto. The Col du Lein is waiting to be used, but not in the way that you might see an impatient child or a calm adult in a queue. Oh no. The Col du Lein waits much in the way that, say, Cthulhu waits. Destruction is coming. Here is the profile of this beast, averaging over 8% for nearly 15 kilometres of hateful, spiteful brutality. It first suckers you in with normalcy, then starts to ramp up, gradually getting higher and higher. Pretty sights can distract from the pain, but when the riders are taking on the stretch averaging over 11% in the 2km after Sapinhaut, you can forgive the riders for not caring about the view. While the gradients start to ease up a bit more later on (only averaging a mere 8%) the lacets remain difficult and more frequent, and when you feel you're ready to have the climb conquered, the Col du Lein has one more challenge in store... a kilometre from the summit, the tarmac ends. The sterrato is perfectly passable, but just throws a bit more difficulty out there near the end of the climb.

The first 800m of the descent are similarly sterrato-covered, but these are not steep and the tarmac shortly begins again, so I feel that this is doable in a race in its present state. The descent from the Col du Lein leaves us in Vollènes, just 2km from the start of the ascent to Verbier. This means that the Col du Lein, one of the unheralded brutes of Switzerland and a climb just begging to be raced (perhaps needing the Giro to go there since nobody else probably will, but then it would need a good Giro Aosta type stage to precede it to justify being this far out, and those are rare), crests a mere 24 kilometres from the finish. This surely makes the long range attack feasible bearing in mind that the difficulty of the climb will surely shred the field absolutely to pieces. This then makes the now-familiar ascent to Verbier (ie the last 9km of this profile), which is comparatively short and on its own only opens fairly small gaps as seen from Rui Costa's triumph in the 2012 Tour de Suisse, into a really tough 'bonus', like Aprica after Mortirolo, Bormio 2000 after Gavia, Pontechianale after Sampeyre and so on. And while there's a tough day in the saddle tomorrow as well, the sheer difficulty of the Col du Lein ought to mean that even if conservatively raced, the riders' legs are shattered enough that there can be fireworks on the shorter, final climb.

Romont:

Verbier:

 

[Ferminal]

No Planches? Zomegnan not approve.