L'Aquila Gran Sasso Tour - 1
Stage 1: Colle di Roio - L'Aquila (ITT); 15,5 km
After several one day races I'm back with a stage race and this time it'll be exclusively for climbers. Except this first stage all have the same starting town - L'Aquila. It's pleasant to stay in the same hotel for the whole race. Therefore cyclist can fully concentrate on their performance.
First stage is individual time trial and it is a good one to set the ranking at the beginning of the race. First part contains long flat roads. At the end there is first ascent - Poggio di Roio, short but steep enough to break the tempo. Next there is descent on wide and straight road with just two turns. It is followed by technical part with some short walls and often on roads just 1-1,5 meters wide, though in good condition.
riders are now approaching L'Aquila, but firstly they have to climb up to get there. This ascent quite consistant and not so steep. After this remains just very technical passage in the downtown. Overall very balanced ITT with many possible favourites.
Climbs:
Poggio di Roio - 1 km; 9,4%
Pianola - 0,4 km; 9%
L'Aquila - 1,1 km; 7,7%
L'Aquila:
Stage 1: Colle di Roio - L'Aquila (ITT); 15,5 km
After several one day races I'm back with a stage race and this time it'll be exclusively for climbers. Except this first stage all have the same starting town - L'Aquila. It's pleasant to stay in the same hotel for the whole race. Therefore cyclist can fully concentrate on their performance.
First stage is individual time trial and it is a good one to set the ranking at the beginning of the race. First part contains long flat roads. At the end there is first ascent - Poggio di Roio, short but steep enough to break the tempo. Next there is descent on wide and straight road with just two turns. It is followed by technical part with some short walls and often on roads just 1-1,5 meters wide, though in good condition.
riders are now approaching L'Aquila, but firstly they have to climb up to get there. This ascent quite consistant and not so steep. After this remains just very technical passage in the downtown. Overall very balanced ITT with many possible favourites.
Climbs:
Poggio di Roio - 1 km; 9,4%
Pianola - 0,4 km; 9%
L'Aquila - 1,1 km; 7,7%
L'Aquila:
- Aug 29, 2011
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I've tried to design a Paris-Nice.
Stage 1: Troyes - Dijon (166km, flat)
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1444131
A start in the Champagne-region, a little unrealistic perhaps, but it allows integrating mountains earlier in the race. It's not a typical flat stage, as it will probably cater the strong Sagan-like spinters more.
Stage 2: Dijon - Cluny (183km, hilly)
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1444132
A true hilly stage, with a downhill finish into Cluny after climbing the Col de la Bois Rampon, 5km at 5% average, with steep sections of 18%.
Stage 3: Lyon - Chambery/Col de la Vacherie (240km, mountain)
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1444145
The first mountain stage of this Paris-Nice, with a total of 6 categorized climbs, including a MTF on top of the infamous Col de la Vacherie (16km, 7% average, 25.7% max), but also the Pointe de Faufriolet (11km, 7,6% avg, 27,7% max). This stage should cause some serious gaps among the contenders.
Stage 4: Grenoble ITT (39,1km, hilly)
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1444148
No rest for the riders after yesterday's monstrous stage, but a 39km hilly time trial. This should give the rouleurs that lost time yesterday a possibility to get some time back.
Stage 5: Grenoble - St. Jean de Maurienne/Col des Têtes (145km, mountain)
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1444158
The stage might be short, but it's definately not easy. Luckily for the sprinters there are two stages catered for them coming up in the following days. Today the riders have the pass over Combe du Goutail, the Galibier, Col de Charroute (10km 7,4% avg, 21% max), followed by a short descent and then a final ascent of the Col des Têtes (3km, 10% avg, 26% max)
Stage 6: Briancon - Aix-en-Provence (240km, downhill/flat)
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1444161
Finally an easier day for the riders. The stage is downhill all the way to the finish. One for the sprinters.
Stage 7: Aix-en-Provence - Frejus (240km, flat/along-the-coast)
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1444166
This stage starts with a few hills, but should eventually end with a mass sprint. The GC-riders should make sure not to lose time when the peleton is riding along the Mediterrean coast as strong winds could cause cracks and make them lose a lot of time.
Stage 8: Nice MTT (13.7km, mountain)
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1444192
Starting on the famous Promenade des Anglais, this mountain time trial goes over the Col de Villefrance and finishes on the Col de Quatre Chemins. A chance for really strong GC-riders that have both climbing and TT abilities.
Stage 1: Troyes - Dijon (166km, flat)
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1444131
A start in the Champagne-region, a little unrealistic perhaps, but it allows integrating mountains earlier in the race. It's not a typical flat stage, as it will probably cater the strong Sagan-like spinters more.
Stage 2: Dijon - Cluny (183km, hilly)
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1444132
A true hilly stage, with a downhill finish into Cluny after climbing the Col de la Bois Rampon, 5km at 5% average, with steep sections of 18%.
Stage 3: Lyon - Chambery/Col de la Vacherie (240km, mountain)
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1444145
The first mountain stage of this Paris-Nice, with a total of 6 categorized climbs, including a MTF on top of the infamous Col de la Vacherie (16km, 7% average, 25.7% max), but also the Pointe de Faufriolet (11km, 7,6% avg, 27,7% max). This stage should cause some serious gaps among the contenders.
Stage 4: Grenoble ITT (39,1km, hilly)
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1444148
No rest for the riders after yesterday's monstrous stage, but a 39km hilly time trial. This should give the rouleurs that lost time yesterday a possibility to get some time back.
Stage 5: Grenoble - St. Jean de Maurienne/Col des Têtes (145km, mountain)
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1444158
The stage might be short, but it's definately not easy. Luckily for the sprinters there are two stages catered for them coming up in the following days. Today the riders have the pass over Combe du Goutail, the Galibier, Col de Charroute (10km 7,4% avg, 21% max), followed by a short descent and then a final ascent of the Col des Têtes (3km, 10% avg, 26% max)
Stage 6: Briancon - Aix-en-Provence (240km, downhill/flat)
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1444161
Finally an easier day for the riders. The stage is downhill all the way to the finish. One for the sprinters.
Stage 7: Aix-en-Provence - Frejus (240km, flat/along-the-coast)
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1444166
This stage starts with a few hills, but should eventually end with a mass sprint. The GC-riders should make sure not to lose time when the peleton is riding along the Mediterrean coast as strong winds could cause cracks and make them lose a lot of time.
Stage 8: Nice MTT (13.7km, mountain)
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1444192
Starting on the famous Promenade des Anglais, this mountain time trial goes over the Col de Villefrance and finishes on the Col de Quatre Chemins. A chance for really strong GC-riders that have both climbing and TT abilities.
L'Aquila Gran Sasso Tour - 2
Stage 2: L'Aquila - Campotosto; 207 km
Second stage is located in the nice surroundings of Lago di Campotosto. Riders will circumvent it three times.
Climbs:
Poggio Cancelli (42 km) - 10 km; 5%
Mascioni (51) - 4,6 km; 4,6%
Case Isaia (80) - 5,2 km; 6,1%
Mascioni (97) - 4,6 km; 4,6%
Case Isaia (126) - 5,2 km; 6,1%
Poggio Cancelli (161) - 6 km; 7,4%
Mascioni (170) - 4,6 km; 4,6%
Case Isaia (199) - 5,2 km; 6,1%
Campotosto (207) - 3 km; 6,5% (max. 19%)
Lago di Campotosto:
Stage 2: L'Aquila - Campotosto; 207 km
Second stage is located in the nice surroundings of Lago di Campotosto. Riders will circumvent it three times.
Climbs:
Poggio Cancelli (42 km) - 10 km; 5%
Mascioni (51) - 4,6 km; 4,6%
Case Isaia (80) - 5,2 km; 6,1%
Mascioni (97) - 4,6 km; 4,6%
Case Isaia (126) - 5,2 km; 6,1%
Poggio Cancelli (161) - 6 km; 7,4%
Mascioni (170) - 4,6 km; 4,6%
Case Isaia (199) - 5,2 km; 6,1%
Campotosto (207) - 3 km; 6,5% (max. 19%)
Lago di Campotosto:
L'Aquila Gran Sasso Tour - 3
Stage 3: L'Aquila - L'Aquila; 201 km
An easier stage for riders with a good kick uphill
Climbs:
Barisciano (17 km) - 8 km; 4,2%
Secinaro (84) - 12,8 km; 5,6%
Rocca di Mezzo (95) - 5,6 km; 5,5%
L'Aquila (201 (300 m before finish)) - 1 km; 7,8%
Stage 3: L'Aquila - L'Aquila; 201 km
An easier stage for riders with a good kick uphill
Climbs:
Barisciano (17 km) - 8 km; 4,2%
Secinaro (84) - 12,8 km; 5,6%
Rocca di Mezzo (95) - 5,6 km; 5,5%
L'Aquila (201 (300 m before finish)) - 1 km; 7,8%
L'Aquila Gran Sasso Tour - 4
Stage 4: L'Aquila - Gran Sasso (Campo Imperatore); 213 km
First high mountain stage with 3 tough mountain passes and MTF.
Climbs:
Passo Capannelle (32 km) - 16 km; 5%
Fossa di Paganica (63) - 14,5 km; 5,6%
Fossa di Paganica (200) - 17 km; 5,6%
Gran Sasso (Campo Imperatore) (213) - 7 km; 7,1%
Stage 4: L'Aquila - Gran Sasso (Campo Imperatore); 213 km
First high mountain stage with 3 tough mountain passes and MTF.
Climbs:
Passo Capannelle (32 km) - 16 km; 5%
Fossa di Paganica (63) - 14,5 km; 5,6%
Fossa di Paganica (200) - 17 km; 5,6%
Gran Sasso (Campo Imperatore) (213) - 7 km; 7,1%
CasperVg, a Paris-Nice in March with high mountains such as the Galibier is probably going to be impossible due to that white powdery substance that usually blankets the area around that time of year.
Actually, when I first conceived of my "Tour of the United States" (actually, this was a couple of years ago, during the UCI/RCS/ASO/Unipublic spat), it was designed as a replacement for Le Tour if that race were to have actually gotten pulled from the UCI calendar, which was threatening to happen. I'm assuming your Paris-Nice would be in March, when it currently is, and with a bunch of truncated (or entirely cancelled) stages due to snow.
Actually, when I first conceived of my "Tour of the United States" (actually, this was a couple of years ago, during the UCI/RCS/ASO/Unipublic spat), it was designed as a replacement for Le Tour if that race were to have actually gotten pulled from the UCI calendar, which was threatening to happen. I'm assuming your Paris-Nice would be in March, when it currently is, and with a bunch of truncated (or entirely cancelled) stages due to snow.
- Jul 2, 2012
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Tour of Beijing Stage 3
Zhuang Hucun - Zhouzhou (161km)
Well, even a slightly more interesting Tour of Beijing needs days for the sprinters, since they are one of the target rider groups. Besides, this late in the calendar, the GC guys will need a day to recover. So after we descend yesterday's finish, we are on our way through intermediate sprints in Beijing and Fangshan to Zhouzhou. It's an easy run-in without many bends or slopes so all the sprinters should be able to contest this one. Therefore all the sprinter's teams are gonna be working and a break won't have much chances.
BTW Did you notice how there's not a single kilometer of transfers in this race. That's a first for me
Route:
Profile:
Zhuang Hucun - Zhouzhou (161km)
Well, even a slightly more interesting Tour of Beijing needs days for the sprinters, since they are one of the target rider groups. Besides, this late in the calendar, the GC guys will need a day to recover. So after we descend yesterday's finish, we are on our way through intermediate sprints in Beijing and Fangshan to Zhouzhou. It's an easy run-in without many bends or slopes so all the sprinters should be able to contest this one. Therefore all the sprinter's teams are gonna be working and a break won't have much chances.
BTW Did you notice how there's not a single kilometer of transfers in this race. That's a first for me
Route:
Profile:
- Jul 2, 2012
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Tour of Beijing Stage 4
Zhouzhou - Jiulongzhen (164km)
Did you know that the road data is horrible in China? Well if not see what profile data it generates. I was able to edit out most of the horribly inappropriate 50%+ ascents that don't exist in the stages so far, but on this one Google really outdid themselves. The road is constantly a bunch of meters beside the real and in the hills that's really a problem. However, I think the bigger ascents namely the 3rd category ones to Fendao Road (5km@4% maybe) and to Dongshang (about 4,5km@6,5%) seem to actually exist, even if the data is not completely right. There also actually are some kind of hills near the finish, even if they're different from those in the profile. Top that off with an intermediate sprint before the hills in Yi and we're done with this mess. (Thankfully, after this race, I'll tackle an area with better data)
TL;DR: Disregard those random needle-like ascents that don't make any sense
Route:
Profile:
Zhouzhou - Jiulongzhen (164km)
Did you know that the road data is horrible in China?
Well if not see what profile data it generates. I was able to edit out most of the horribly inappropriate 50%+ ascents that don't exist in the stages so far, but on this one Google really outdid themselves. The road is constantly a bunch of meters beside the real and in the hills that's really a problem. However, I think the bigger ascents namely the 3rd category ones to Fendao Road (5km@4% maybe) and to Dongshang (about 4,5km@6,5%) seem to actually exist, even if the data is not completely right. There also actually are some kind of hills near the finish, even if they're different from those in the profile. Top that off with an intermediate sprint before the hills in Yi and we're done with this mess. (Thankfully, after this race, I'll tackle an area with better data)TL;DR: Disregard those random needle-like ascents that don't make any sense
Route:
Profile:
- Jul 2, 2012
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Tour of Beijing Stage 5
Jiulongzheng - Beijing (134km)
Well, not only do we always take off exactly where we finished last time, we have also come around exactly full circle. So that leaves us with a detour through the Western Hills, where we get through some lumpy terrain (disregard the extreme spikes again) and one cat.4 climb to 3rd Road Gangcun (3,5km@6,5%). When we get to the intermediate in Mentougou (We were there before, remember?) we're out of there though and its a typical city run-in from there on in. The difficulties before might tire out some sprinters, so we could see a different sprinter emerge victorious here.
Route:
Profile:
Jiulongzheng - Beijing (134km)
Well, not only do we always take off exactly where we finished last time, we have also come around exactly full circle. So that leaves us with a detour through the Western Hills, where we get through some lumpy terrain (disregard the extreme spikes again) and one cat.4 climb to 3rd Road Gangcun (3,5km@6,5%). When we get to the intermediate in Mentougou (We were there before, remember?) we're out of there though and its a typical city run-in from there on in. The difficulties before might tire out some sprinters, so we could see a different sprinter emerge victorious here.
Route:
Profile:
- Jul 2, 2012
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Tour of Beijing Review
This time I don't have that much to say, so here's the route picture of the 635km long route:
As you can see we used the hills just north and west of Beijing, but didn't go too far away from the city.
Here's the usual stats, first the climbs:
2 cat. 2 climbs
2 cat. 3 climbs
1 cat. 3 summit
1 cat. 4 climb
That means only 194 climbing points in total, of which one rider could gain 60 maximum.
Also we had 5 intermediate sprints, 2 flat stages, 2 hilly stages and 1 time trial for a total of 1233 total sprint points , of which one rider could gain 442.
I already have a Giro d' Italia gpx'ed, only need to make profile and route pictures, classify the climbs, set the sprints and write the accompanying texts then it's ready for publication. (Little spoiler: It's from the area around Napoli to one of the major italian cities where the Giro never finished before with some never covered in the Giro terrain in between and the third week is probably the easiest. Anyone got any ideas what the finish town might be? ;-))
This time I don't have that much to say, so here's the route picture of the 635km long route:
As you can see we used the hills just north and west of Beijing, but didn't go too far away from the city.
Here's the usual stats, first the climbs:
2 cat. 2 climbs
2 cat. 3 climbs
1 cat. 3 summit
1 cat. 4 climb
That means only 194 climbing points in total, of which one rider could gain 60 maximum.
Also we had 5 intermediate sprints, 2 flat stages, 2 hilly stages and 1 time trial for a total of 1233 total sprint points , of which one rider could gain 442.
I already have a Giro d' Italia gpx'ed, only need to make profile and route pictures, classify the climbs, set the sprints and write the accompanying texts then it's ready for publication. (Little spoiler: It's from the area around Napoli to one of the major italian cities where the Giro never finished before with some never covered in the Giro terrain in between and the third week is probably the easiest. Anyone got any ideas what the finish town might be? ;-))
- Jul 2, 2012
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Giro d' Italia Stage 1
Capri ITT (9km)
Although the road up to the Villa Iovis is not in Google's data, we still have some great ascending roads on this island, so we can hold our almost prologue here nicely. We start just in the Southwestern corner of the island ascend the Monte Solari all the way to Anacapri (3km@8%), where the best timed riders will get 3rd category mountain points, continue on some mixed roads for another km or so before we descend through the main city of Capri to the Marina Grande. Since there are only 1-2 flat kms or something, this is something for the climbers, who can descend nicely as well. Whoever takes the maglia rosa today shouldn't feel safe in keeping it for a few days though because I think Zomegnan will definitely approve of my idea of a first road stage.
Route:
Profile:
Capri ITT (9km)
Although the road up to the Villa Iovis is not in Google's data, we still have some great ascending roads on this island, so we can hold our almost prologue here nicely. We start just in the Southwestern corner of the island ascend the Monte Solari all the way to Anacapri (3km@8%), where the best timed riders will get 3rd category mountain points, continue on some mixed roads for another km or so before we descend through the main city of Capri to the Marina Grande. Since there are only 1-2 flat kms or something, this is something for the climbers, who can descend nicely as well. Whoever takes the maglia rosa today shouldn't feel safe in keeping it for a few days though because I think Zomegnan will definitely approve of my idea of a first road stage.
Route:
Profile:
Tour de France Stage 6: Belfort - Grand Ballon 145km
A lazy day out in the Vosges before the second MTF of the race on Grand Ballon. I would have preferred a finish in Colmar, but it's very hard to get a run in which would have any GC relevance. That said, there may only be another one or two MTFs in the coming two weeks.
24km Belfahy 8.2km @ 5.4%
53km Ballon de Servance 15.6km @ 4.3%
93km Ballon d'Alsace 9.6km @ 5.5%
122km Kuppelthannkopf 3.9km @ 5.0%
145km Grand Ballon 12.3km @ 7.7%
Tour de France Stage 7: Colmar - Metz 184km
A Cat II climb early as they cross back East will give the break something to play for, but a flat run in to Metz should see a bunch sprint.
Tour de France Stage 8: Metz - Charleville-Mezieres 224km
The first two thirds are dead flat, but then begins a hard sequence of hills and dodgy roads in the Ardennes.
Final 38km
Tour de France Stage 9: Charleville-Mezieres - Paris 235km
The Tour comes to Paris two weeks early. Due to the direction of the route it would be difficult to get back to Paris for the final day, at least from the point of view of keeping long distance transfers to a minimum.
Rest Day 1: Paris - Bordeaux Transfer
Tour de France Stage 10: Bordeaux ITT 52km
Long and flat ITT ahead of the Pyrenees.
A lazy day out in the Vosges before the second MTF of the race on Grand Ballon. I would have preferred a finish in Colmar, but it's very hard to get a run in which would have any GC relevance. That said, there may only be another one or two MTFs in the coming two weeks.
24km Belfahy 8.2km @ 5.4%
53km Ballon de Servance 15.6km @ 4.3%
93km Ballon d'Alsace 9.6km @ 5.5%
122km Kuppelthannkopf 3.9km @ 5.0%
145km Grand Ballon 12.3km @ 7.7%
Tour de France Stage 7: Colmar - Metz 184km
A Cat II climb early as they cross back East will give the break something to play for, but a flat run in to Metz should see a bunch sprint.
Tour de France Stage 8: Metz - Charleville-Mezieres 224km
The first two thirds are dead flat, but then begins a hard sequence of hills and dodgy roads in the Ardennes.
Final 38km
Tour de France Stage 9: Charleville-Mezieres - Paris 235km
The Tour comes to Paris two weeks early. Due to the direction of the route it would be difficult to get back to Paris for the final day, at least from the point of view of keeping long distance transfers to a minimum.
Rest Day 1: Paris - Bordeaux Transfer
Tour de France Stage 10: Bordeaux ITT 52km
Long and flat ITT ahead of the Pyrenees.
L'Aquila Gran Sasso Tour - 5
Stage 5: L'Aquila - Capestrano; 178 km
This stage starts with the climb of Fossa di Paganica (climbed for the 3rd time already) and then there are almost 5 laps around Sella Cavone in Parco Nazionale del Gran Sassa e Monti della Laga. The main difficulty when approaching Capestrano is descent from Castel del Monte. I counted 34 corners in it and the road isn't wide either. After this descent comes 4 km of false flat and final steep town ascent in Capestrano 1,5 km long.
Climbs:
Fossa di Paganica (31) - 14,5 km; 5,6%
Sella Cavone (53, 76, 100, 123, 146) - 3 km; 5%
Sella di San Cristoforo (63, 86, 110, 133) - 5,1 km; 6%
Capestrano (178) - 1,3 km; 12,7%
Castel del Monte:
descent:
Stage 5: L'Aquila - Capestrano; 178 km
This stage starts with the climb of Fossa di Paganica (climbed for the 3rd time already) and then there are almost 5 laps around Sella Cavone in Parco Nazionale del Gran Sassa e Monti della Laga. The main difficulty when approaching Capestrano is descent from Castel del Monte. I counted 34 corners in it and the road isn't wide either. After this descent comes 4 km of false flat and final steep town ascent in Capestrano 1,5 km long.
Climbs:
Fossa di Paganica (31) - 14,5 km; 5,6%
Sella Cavone (53, 76, 100, 123, 146) - 3 km; 5%
Sella di San Cristoforo (63, 86, 110, 133) - 5,1 km; 6%
Capestrano (178) - 1,3 km; 12,7%
Castel del Monte:
descent:
L'Aquila Gran Sasso Tour - 6
Stage 6: L'Aquila - Lugnano; 197 km
Last stage and its another HTF. But this time there should be some fireworks in the mountains bacause the toughest climb of this race tops just 24 km before finish.
Firstly peloton heads to the town of Rieti. This part is ideal for the BOTD to establish. From Rieti begins first ascent to Monte Terminillo. There may be some suicidal attacks, but from the top it is still over 100 kilometers to the finish. From this side its the longest ascent and definitely the best tarmac. Then comes decent to Leonessa which is on tarmac too, but in rather worse condition. It's quite technical too, but this far from finish no one should have problems.Next cca 50 km contain some hills but nothing demanding.
The most important part of the stage and probably whole race too begins just 40 km before finish. First 7 km of second ascent to Monte Terminillo are paved and a bit easier. However the second part of this climb is sterrato like Finestre, but surface is not as smooth as there so one can expect some punctures. At the top riders will connect to paved road and descent down the same side they once climbed.
In Pian de Valli Lisciano route turns left towards small village Lugnano. Road is narrow, but I wouldn't expect big groups here. Unfortunately the road is not in ideal state, but after the sterrato part it won't be too big problem. This final rise is really steep and it won't do good things to all those tired legs.
Climbs:
Sella di Corno (27) - 3 km; 7,8%
Monte Terminillo (91) - 22 km; 6,2%
Prata di Laculo (138) - 4,4 km; 7,7%
Monte Terminillo (173) - 16,4 km; 7,9%
Lugnano (196) - 3 km; 8,2%
Monte Terminillo:
Lugnano:
Stage 6: L'Aquila - Lugnano; 197 km
Last stage and its another HTF. But this time there should be some fireworks in the mountains bacause the toughest climb of this race tops just 24 km before finish.
Firstly peloton heads to the town of Rieti. This part is ideal for the BOTD to establish. From Rieti begins first ascent to Monte Terminillo. There may be some suicidal attacks, but from the top it is still over 100 kilometers to the finish. From this side its the longest ascent and definitely the best tarmac. Then comes decent to Leonessa which is on tarmac too, but in rather worse condition. It's quite technical too, but this far from finish no one should have problems.Next cca 50 km contain some hills but nothing demanding.
The most important part of the stage and probably whole race too begins just 40 km before finish. First 7 km of second ascent to Monte Terminillo are paved and a bit easier. However the second part of this climb is sterrato like Finestre, but surface is not as smooth as there so one can expect some punctures. At the top riders will connect to paved road and descent down the same side they once climbed.
In Pian de Valli Lisciano route turns left towards small village Lugnano. Road is narrow, but I wouldn't expect big groups here. Unfortunately the road is not in ideal state, but after the sterrato part it won't be too big problem. This final rise is really steep and it won't do good things to all those tired legs.
Climbs:
Sella di Corno (27) - 3 km; 7,8%
Monte Terminillo (91) - 22 km; 6,2%
Prata di Laculo (138) - 4,4 km; 7,7%
Monte Terminillo (173) - 16,4 km; 7,9%
Lugnano (196) - 3 km; 8,2%
Monte Terminillo:
Lugnano:
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Giro d' Italia Stage 2
Sorrento - Monte Faito (153km)
At the beginning of the stage the riders will climb to San Pietro a cat. 4 climb (4km@6%). However, that is not the only climb they will face today as they ascend the Monte de Chiunzi about thirty kilometers later, which is a much harder cat. 2 difficulty (10km@6%). After the intermediate sprint in Salerno, where some of the tougher points jersey competitiors might gain some points, if the break isn't too large the riders may think they made it, but we can't let our first real road stage go by without a MTF. So we make our way up a nice little climb called Monte Faito, which is categorized as 1st category with an average gradient of 9,5% for 10km, where the finish is judged. That maglia rosa wearer might just lose it again immediately. This is the first act of my fight against backloading. Isn't that a perfect leadout for Zomegnan?
Route:
Profile:
Sorrento - Monte Faito (153km)
At the beginning of the stage the riders will climb to San Pietro a cat. 4 climb (4km@6%). However, that is not the only climb they will face today as they ascend the Monte de Chiunzi about thirty kilometers later, which is a much harder cat. 2 difficulty (10km@6%). After the intermediate sprint in Salerno, where some of the tougher points jersey competitiors might gain some points, if the break isn't too large the riders may think they made it, but we can't let our first real road stage go by without a MTF. So we make our way up a nice little climb called Monte Faito, which is categorized as 1st category with an average gradient of 9,5% for 10km, where the finish is judged. That maglia rosa wearer might just lose it again immediately. This is the first act of my fight against backloading. Isn't that a perfect leadout for Zomegnan?
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- Jul 2, 2012
- 343
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Giro d' Italia Stage 3
Potenza - Cerignola (217km)
The sprinters would probably kill me if they didn't get one after that, so the maglia rosa will be safe for a day. The danger of crashes should be reduced, however, since some riders will already be more or less out of contention for the GC. That's why there's only two cat. 4 obstacles on the parcoues today: the climbs to Cagilo(5km@3,5%) and Gravina (2,5km@5,5%). After that it's only two intermediate sprints in Altamura and Bari before the finish. They better not let anybody get away since the maglia rossa will be hard to get for them otherwise. Everyone else should save energy since tomorrow won't be that easy.
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Potenza - Cerignola (217km)
The sprinters would probably kill me if they didn't get one after that, so the maglia rosa will be safe for a day. The danger of crashes should be reduced, however, since some riders will already be more or less out of contention for the GC. That's why there's only two cat. 4 obstacles on the parcoues today: the climbs to Cagilo(5km@3,5%) and Gravina (2,5km@5,5%). After that it's only two intermediate sprints in Altamura and Bari before the finish. They better not let anybody get away since the maglia rossa will be hard to get for them otherwise. Everyone else should save energy since tomorrow won't be that easy.
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- Jul 2, 2012
- 343
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Giro d' Italia Stage 4
Foggia - Vesuvio (202km)
Wasn't there some other climb not too far from that one from stage two? Well, since we're still in the area let's make it the second act against backloading. We start by ascending to Volturino (cat.2; 11km@4,5%) and after the descent we climb up to Riccia (cat.3; 9km@4,5%), then we move through some kilometers of alternating lumpy and flat terrain and the intermediate sprint in Caserta until we reach the foot of the Vesuvio. It may not be quite as hard as Monte Faito, but it's still a category 1 ascent of 11km at 8% average gradient. The GC contender will have to bring their best form again and one of them will find himself in the leader's jersey, it may have changed on the road for the second time already.
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Foggia - Vesuvio (202km)
Wasn't there some other climb not too far from that one from stage two? Well, since we're still in the area let's make it the second act against backloading. We start by ascending to Volturino (cat.2; 11km@4,5%) and after the descent we climb up to Riccia (cat.3; 9km@4,5%), then we move through some kilometers of alternating lumpy and flat terrain and the intermediate sprint in Caserta until we reach the foot of the Vesuvio. It may not be quite as hard as Monte Faito, but it's still a category 1 ascent of 11km at 8% average gradient. The GC contender will have to bring their best form again and one of them will find himself in the leader's jersey, it may have changed on the road for the second time already.
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- Aug 29, 2011
- 239
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- 9,030
I tried designing an Eneco Tour that wouldn't be so much "win the time trial, win the entire race"
Stage 1: Middelburg TTT (6,9km, flat)
http://ridewithgp...es/1449693
A small stage to warm up the legs. Strong teams with a lot of rouleurs should be able to take a few seconds from the rest here. At just short of 7km though, time differences won't be big and definately not descisive.
Stage 2: Middelburg - Eindhoven (171km, flat)
http://ridewithgp...es/1449700
This will definately end in a bunch sprint, as the elevation never goes above 40m (ah, one has to love the Dutch geography
) The winning sprinter will probably take the leaders' jersey with bonus seconds here.
Stage 3: Eindhoven - Liege/Côte de St. Nicolas (224km, hilly with finish on slope)
http://ridewithgp...es/1449925
A long stage with a fairly hard finish. A selection of climbs from the famous Ardennes classics will be ridden. Before a tough finish on the Côte de St. Nicolas in Liège, the riders will also face the Cauberg for the first time. They better take note, as this climb will feature more prominently later on in the Eneco Tour.
Stage 4: Seraing - Ettelbruck(LUX) (220km, hilly)
http://ridewithgp...es/1449823
Also a long stage, but unlike yesterday it's tough from beginning to end. Less known climbs today, but some are definately leg-breakers as well.
Stage 5: Charleroi - La Louvière ITT (17.9km, flat)
http://ridewithgp...es/1449836
The poor rouleurs that lost time in the previous stages will be happy with this one. This stage should enable them to take back some lost time, without making it a "take the time trial, take the stage race" kind of race.
Stage 6: Ninove - Roosendaal (110km, flat)
http://ridewithgp...es/1449847
We enter the Netherlands again, and what better way to promote it than with a boring flat stage? Another chance for the sprinters here, as the route from East-Flanders through Antwerp into Roosendaal is almost pancake-flat.
Stage 7: Turnhout - Valkenburg/Cauberg (193km, hilly with sloped finish)
http://ridewithgp...es/1449891
The first hundred k's are flat, but then the gruesome and cruel windy, curvy, steep roads around Dutch Limburg come in. Amongst those are Vrakelberg, Keutenberg, Eyzerbosweg and more, but the riders will have to keep some energy for the final ascent up the Cauberg, where this Eneco Tour will finish.
Stage 1: Middelburg TTT (6,9km, flat)
http://ridewithgp...es/1449693
A small stage to warm up the legs. Strong teams with a lot of rouleurs should be able to take a few seconds from the rest here. At just short of 7km though, time differences won't be big and definately not descisive.
Stage 2: Middelburg - Eindhoven (171km, flat)
http://ridewithgp...es/1449700
This will definately end in a bunch sprint, as the elevation never goes above 40m (ah, one has to love the Dutch geography
Stage 3: Eindhoven - Liege/Côte de St. Nicolas (224km, hilly with finish on slope)
http://ridewithgp...es/1449925
A long stage with a fairly hard finish. A selection of climbs from the famous Ardennes classics will be ridden. Before a tough finish on the Côte de St. Nicolas in Liège, the riders will also face the Cauberg for the first time. They better take note, as this climb will feature more prominently later on in the Eneco Tour.
Stage 4: Seraing - Ettelbruck(LUX) (220km, hilly)
http://ridewithgp...es/1449823
Also a long stage, but unlike yesterday it's tough from beginning to end. Less known climbs today, but some are definately leg-breakers as well.
Stage 5: Charleroi - La Louvière ITT (17.9km, flat)
http://ridewithgp...es/1449836
The poor rouleurs that lost time in the previous stages will be happy with this one. This stage should enable them to take back some lost time, without making it a "take the time trial, take the stage race" kind of race.
Stage 6: Ninove - Roosendaal (110km, flat)
http://ridewithgp...es/1449847
We enter the Netherlands again, and what better way to promote it than with a boring flat stage? Another chance for the sprinters here, as the route from East-Flanders through Antwerp into Roosendaal is almost pancake-flat.
Stage 7: Turnhout - Valkenburg/Cauberg (193km, hilly with sloped finish)
http://ridewithgp...es/1449891
The first hundred k's are flat, but then the gruesome and cruel windy, curvy, steep roads around Dutch Limburg come in. Amongst those are Vrakelberg, Keutenberg, Eyzerbosweg and more, but the riders will have to keep some energy for the final ascent up the Cauberg, where this Eneco Tour will finish.
- Jul 2, 2012
- 343
- 0
- 0
Giro d' Italia Stage 5
Napoli - Roma (223km)
It's another stage for the sprinters again as we head north to the capital city. The risk for crashes should be lowered since the ITT and two MTF should have created some structure in the GC. This time there are no real difficulties at all except maybe for the lenght of the stage. The sprinters will have to decide whether they contest the intermediates in Fondi and especially the late one in Velletri or save their power for the run-in to Rome, which is very straightforward. Whatever they decide, they will need to stock up on points as we are moving north.
Route:
Profile:
Napoli - Roma (223km)
It's another stage for the sprinters again as we head north to the capital city. The risk for crashes should be lowered since the ITT and two MTF should have created some structure in the GC. This time there are no real difficulties at all except maybe for the lenght of the stage. The sprinters will have to decide whether they contest the intermediates in Fondi and especially the late one in Velletri or save their power for the run-in to Rome, which is very straightforward. Whatever they decide, they will need to stock up on points as we are moving north.
Route:
Profile:
- Jul 2, 2012
- 343
- 0
- 0
Giro d' Italia Stage 6
Roma TTT (25km)
It's the ultimate test of strenght for the teams as they power through the roads of Roma and surroundings. Until the first time check in Monte Sacre the road are flat so the teams should send their strongest rouleurs to the front. After that the profile gets somewhat hilly so a different type of rider might be required. When the teams pass through Fonte Nuova we will get the first insight how they handled the hill. The distance is not overly long so the gaps won't be huge, but a strong team can give their riders about a minute's worth of a head start.
Route:
Profile:
Roma TTT (25km)
It's the ultimate test of strenght for the teams as they power through the roads of Roma and surroundings. Until the first time check in Monte Sacre the road are flat so the teams should send their strongest rouleurs to the front. After that the profile gets somewhat hilly so a different type of rider might be required. When the teams pass through Fonte Nuova we will get the first insight how they handled the hill. The distance is not overly long so the gaps won't be huge, but a strong team can give their riders about a minute's worth of a head start.
Route:
Profile:
- Jul 2, 2012
- 343
- 0
- 0
SetonHallPirate said:
Because the gaps would be way to big. Everyone would get the time of the fifth best climber of the team and for most teams that would be someone who cruises in the gruppetto, so some Teams would gain about the time difference between a decent climber and someone in the gruppetto and that's huge even for short distances. Also TTT is about saving energy through echelons and that is less important uphill so it would pretty much be the same thing as a mountain ITT except the only rider that matters is the fifth best climber. Some hills can be okay and provide a strategic challenge( do i drop the TTer or slow down to use him in the flat?), but mountains are too much. Of course I might do it anyway, but that's beside the point
.FYI, Mount Vesuvius was the scene of an MTF on Stage 19 of the 2009 Giro d'Italia.Progsprach said:Foggia - Vesuvio (202km)
Wasn't there some other climb not too far from that one from stage two? Well, since we're still in the area let's make it the second act against backloading. We start by ascending to Volturino (cat.2; 11km@4,5%) and after the descent we climb up to Riccia (cat.3; 9km@4,5%), then we move through some kilometers of alternating lumpy and flat terrain and the intermediate sprint in Caserta until we reach the foot of the Vesuvio. It may not be quite as hard as Monte Faito, but it's still a category 1 ascent of 11km at 8% average gradient. The GC contender will have to bring their best form again and one of them will find himself in the leader's jersey, it may have changed on the road for the second time already.
Route:
Profile:
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