Contest #1 - Entry contest

Welcome to the 2021 season contest.

This entry contest is literally a "do what you want". The task is to create two stage races to be held in february as preparation for the upcoming season. The two races shall be one for the GC riders that will target Tirreno/Nice and one for the riders that will target the upcoming classics.

You are free to set them everywhere you want and to set the day of races you want between 1 and 8 days. All races shall end on a sunday.

Deadline is February 28, h 23.59

Hi everyone!

Here is my entry for this first contest of the year :

The GC race is called Tour des Vosges du Nord, beginning in Haguenau and finishing at the Mont Scharrach's summit with 6 stages : maps/tours/view/17896.
The classic race is called Tour des Flandres, playing with the Ronde's name, beginning in Gavere and finishing in De Panne 3 stages and 2 semi-stages : maps/tours/view/17911.
All stages of theses two races have a theme or another race a link with.

Tour des Vosges du Nord : maps/tours/view/17896

1. Haguenau -> Saverne – Moder and Zinsel stage – 141km, hilly.
This stage is quite hilly, with two circuits to ride several times : 4 times Haegen loop, then twice col de Saverne loop, and then again the first loop once. The finish line is set after 500m at 5.5%. About 2000m D+.

2. Phalsbourg -> Phalsbourg – Vosges du Nord Natural Park stage – 150km, flat.
This second stage is less hilly and longer, but there is no proper flat parts. However, this stage is done drawn to generate big gaps. Sprinters should have it after the last false flat. About 1800m D+.

3. Réding -> Sarrebourg – Ponds county stage – 165km, flat.
The stage goes through the Lorraine Natural Park and ponds : mostly flat, the finish line is gonna be the goal for pure sprinters, even if punchers could be there too. About 1600m D+.

4. Sarrebourg -> Abreschviller – Deux Sarres stage – 226km, hilly.
Longest stage of the week, with 14 climbs, including one 2nd category in the first part of the stage. It is a 26km-loop done three times, with the last one done partly : the last climb, Chemin des Ranztau is not counted but have 18% slopes: the finish line is set in a former sawmill. About 3300m D+.

5. Abreschviller -> Mont-Sainte-Odile – Bruche stage – 82km, medium mountain.
Short stage and 4 climbs, including the last one done twice : Mont-Sainte-Odile with 6km at 7%. It will be important to attack to have enough time ahead before the last TT. About 2200m D+.

6. Molsheim -> Mont Scharrach – Scharrach stage – 12km, ITT.
The trial is mostly flat, but the last climb of this tour will be the most important, as its final slope is up to 13% in the last 300 meters. About 210m D+.

Tour des Flandres : maps/tours/view/17911

1. Gavere -> Mont-de-l'Enclus – Kwaremont stage – 153km.
The most hilly stage of this Tour is not the most difficult, with its loop, with Oude Kwaremont or Kruisberg. The last climb should be for puncheurs.

2. Oudenarde -> Wewelgem – Kemmelberg stage – 139km.
Five times Kemmelberg, it is more than Gent-Wewelgem, but the goal is the same... final straight line for sprinters who like bergs.

3. Poperinge -> Carrefour de l'Arbre – Carrefour stage – 146km.
This is the queen stage as Carrefour de l'Arbre has to be crossed three times. Cobbled sectors are 15 on this stage, which is nevertheless short.

4 A. Béthune -> De Panne – Cassel stage – 128km.
Good morning, this is for sprinters, but beware of Cassel climb in the middle of the stage and of the wind in the second part of it.

4 B. De Panne -> De Panne – Driesdaagse stage – 16km – ITT.
Absolutely flat, for pure rouleurs. Enough gaps for the leader ?

Hope you will enjoy it !

Antonin

Just a quick question: are these races we make meant to take place only this year, as a replacement for the cancelled ones, or should they be made considering the calendar in a ‘normal’ year?
(Basically I just want to know if it would be stupid or not to make a race in the Americas. Right now it’s no use to go there for 1 race but normally combinations with San Juan and Colombia could be possible.)

Hello all,

For this first contest I am trying to highlight an area of France which the Tour has largely forgotten about or at least rarely missed. Since the Pyrénées-Orientales feature (albeit briefly) for the first time since 2009 in Perpignan, I decided I would make a GC race here and explore some finishes that we will likely never see in the Tour as they are unrealistic for such a large race. For my Classics race, I picked Tuscany to have a mix of Hilly and flat days, as well as some of the roads covered in Strade Bianche. I am currently still working on the second race so I will update this post sooner rather than later but at least here is my first race. Also, on the actual tracks (link to tour in post) I have commented the actual figures for D+ and D- as they seem to get skewed from Ride With GPS.

Tour des Pyrénées-Orientales

maps/tours/view/17931

Latium Tour for GC Riders, in the Lazio Region of Italy

maps/tours/view/17929


LaMaToUR(Lazio, Marche, Toscana, Umbria) for hilly and classics riders

maps/tours/view/17938

ASO and RCS were planning a grand tour to commemorate Hannibal's crossing of the Alps, but couldn't reach an agreement on revenue-sharing and the colour of the leader's jersey, so they ended up organising competing one-week tours. Since the races overlap on the middle Sunday, the Tour d'Annibal attracts sprinters and GC specialists while the Giro Punica offers some hard racing for those preparing for the classics season.

TOUR D'ANNIBAL
maps/tours/view/17867


STAGE 1: Cartagena > Elda (165.53 km)
Sunday, 7 February
maps/viewtrack/415046

The race begins in Cartagena, founded around 227 BCE by Hannibal's brother-in-law Hasdrubal. After following the coast until the intermediate sprint at Alacant, the course heads inland and uphill, with a long drag to the Puerto de Maigmó followed by the bonification climb of Xorret de Catí (3.4 km @ 12.3%) and a 17 km descent to the finish at Elda.




STAGE 2: Villena > Castell de Sagunt (184.72 km)
Monday, 8 February
maps/viewtrack/415060

In 219 BCE, Hannibal laid siege to the town of Saguntum, and the peloton will do the same in Stage 2, which finishes with a climb to the Castell de Sagunt (1 km @ 7%).




STAGE 3: Castelló de la Plana > Tarragona (187.75 km)
Tuesday, 9 February
maps/viewtrack/415066

The peloton follows Hannibal's footsteps in crossing the Ebro and following the coast to the town of Tarraco (modern-day Tarragona).




STAGE 4: Barcelona - Sagrada Familia > Barcelona - Turó de la Rovira (34.71 km, ITT)
Wednesday, 10 February
maps/viewtrack/415071

A time trial through the streets of Barcelona (the Roman town of Barcino) starts at the Sagrada Familia and includes the second-category climb to Tibidabo (5.9 km @ 5.9%).




STAGE 5: Barcelona > Elne (183.95 km)
Thursday, 11 February
maps/viewtrack/415185

The race follows Hannibal's march through Catalonia and the Pyrenees, crossing the French border and finishing in the oppidum of Illiberis (Elne, a suburb of Perpignan).




STAGE 6: Perpignan > Montpellier (170.91 km)
Friday, 12 February
maps/viewtrack/415186

Another flat stage follows the coast to Montpellier, as the peloton, like Hannibal, attempts to cross the Rhône as soon as possible.




STAGE 7: Nimes > Sault (119.38 km)
Saturday, 13 February
maps/viewtrack/415187

After passing the site of the 218 BCE Battle of the Rhône Crossing, between Hannibal's forces and the Volcae, the GC hopefuls will do battle on the lower slopes of Mont Ventoux, before descending to the finish at Sault.




STAGE 8: Sisteron > La Rocher d'Annibal (142.43 km)
Sunday, 14 February
maps/viewtrack/415188

A brutal final stage features four second-category climbs in the Alps, as the peloton battles each other and the conditions to reach the finish at La Rocher d'Annibal, located en route to the Colle dell'Agnello.




GIRO PUNICA
maps/tours/view/17890


STAGE 1: Saluzzo > Basilica di Superga (129.91 km)
Sunday, 14 February
maps/viewtrack/415471

The first stage of the Giro Punica heads to Torino, which Hannibal besieged after crossing the Alps in 218 BCE. After a brief detour to the Colle Braida (7.8 km @ 6.3%), the race finishes with the climbs of the Colle della Maddalena (5.7 km @ 8.2%) and the Basilica di Superga (4.9 km @ 9.1%).




STAGE 2: Chivasso > Piacenza (198.08 km)
Monday, 15 February
maps/viewtrack/415477

The peloton follows the Po Valley to the intermediate sprint at Pavia, close to the site of the Battle of Ticinus, fought between the forces of Hannibal and Scipio. After crossing the Po, they take on three short climbs before the bonification sprint at Castel San Giovanni and the finish at Piacenza, where a defeated Scipio had retreated.




STAGE 3: Parma > Lucca (175.24 km)
Tuesday, 16 February
maps/viewtrack/415480

Like Hannibal's army in the spring of 217 BCE, the peloton crosses the Appenines in a stage between Parma and Lucca, which features three second-category climbs in quick succession before a long descent, punctuated by the punchy climbs to Monte Perpoli (2.7 km @ 8%) and Colle di Orzala (3.1 km @ 6.1%).




STAGE 4: Poggibonsi > Passignano sul Trasimeno (201.36 km)
Wednesday, 17 February
maps/viewtrack/415591

The early part of the stage takes the riders through some of the key white roads used in Strade Bianchi, before they head to Lake Trasimene, where Hannibal defeated the forces of Gaius Flaminius.




STAGE 5: Spoleto > Civitella del Tronto (158.75 km)
Thursday, 18 February
maps/viewtrack/415599

The queen stage of the race features a second-category climb and three first-category climbs, before an uphill finish at Civitella del Tronto.




STAGE 6: Pescara > Larino (192.99 km)
Friday, 19 February
maps/viewtrack/415603

A flat stage down the Adriatic coast ends with a hilly finish at Larino, where Hannibal's forces repulsed a frontal attack by Marcus Minucius Rufus.




STAGE 7: San Severo > Monte Sant'Angelo (111.83 km)
Saturday, 20 February
maps/viewtrack/415605

A stage in the Parco Nazionale de Gargano features three second-category climbs, finishing at Monte Sant'Angelo (9.4 km @ 6.4%).




STAGE 8: Cerignola > Cannae (26.63 km, ITT)
Sunday, 21 February
maps/viewtrack/415607

Much like the Second Punic War, the race reaches a climax at Cannae, with a flat time trial ending at the historic battlefield.

First up is a GC preparation race. I didn't want to place it in Spain/France/Portugal/Italy since they have a lot of those races already. So I took Morocco, a common participant in the world championships, a way to expand cycling in another continent that is not Asia/Middle East and close enough for riders to get quickly back to Europe. The stage race will be set in the Rif Mountains (north of the Atlas mountains, which would be too snowy in february). Some difficulties: finding large enough towns, avoiding finishes on mountains that have no space at the top (unlike mountains in France/Italy/...) and avoiding dirt roads.

The second tour will take place in one of the more forgotten provinces in Belgium: Hainaut. Which is weird, since it's very close to the Flemish Ardennes. It's time to show off the possibilities of that region.

Hi everyone.
Here there is my my two stage races for the 2021's entry contest.

The first stage races will be held in Liguria and it's for GC riders.

It is composed of seven stages:

• Two flat stages
• Two medium mountain stages
• Two high mountain stages
• An ITT stage

The second stage races will be held in Piemonte and it's for the rider who want to prepare the Classics races. This tour is full of short and difficult climb as in Classique races.
It is composed of three stages, all of them are hilly stages.

My submissions for the contest:

(A) CLASSICS RACE: Amsterdam - Roubaix Classic Race (6 stages from 16 to 21.02.21)
maps/tours/view/17986
Overall plan:


6 stages (3 flat, 3 medium mountain)
43 classified climbs
1120 kilometres (187/day on average, shortest stage 152km, longest 212km)

----------

(B) GC RACE: Alpe-Adria Tour (6 stages from 23 to 28.02.21)
Overall plan:


6 stages (2 flat, 2 medium mountain, 1 high mountain, 1 ITT)
18 classified climbs (5xC4, 5xC3, 6xC2, 2xC1)
956 kilometres (159/day on average, shortest stage 34km, longest 201km)

Hope you like my tours,
Micek_52

I'm glad to present you my first two submissions for this year's contest.
The routes of the stages follow places inseparable from modern French history: the Maginot Line. All along the route, cyclists and followers will battle from fort to key towns for a single winner at Bitche after 843km and 27 categorized climbs. The races will go to a classic man but there is many chances that the gap between the first cyclists in the overall standing are very thin.

Stage 1 : Nancy > Verdun - Monument André Maginot // 156.90 Km // Hilly

The first begin in the Lorraine ancient capital, Nancy. After a bit more than 150 hilly kilometers, the first yellow jersey will be win in the battlefield of Verdun, in front of the monument dedicated to André Maginot (The french war minister who decide to build a defensive line between France and Germany).





Stage 2 : Verdun > Ouvrage de la Ferté // 157.93 Km // Plain

The Maginot Line runs along the frontiers of Luxembourg and Germany. The second stage will take the riders in Champagne before turn to get them in one of the most western fort of the Maginot Line, The Fort of Ferté. This stage is plain and will end with a massive sprint. The Yellow jersey will most likely stay on the same shoulders.



Stage 3 : Orval > Metz // 171.82 Km // Hilly

Going down south from the Orval Abbey (made famous by the beer brewed there) to get to Metz. Some of the Maginot fort were old german fort (built during the german annexion of Alsace and Moselle). One of this fort (Mt Saint-Quentin) overhang Metz and offers a chance to attack the leader before going down to the finish line.





Stage 4 : Metz > Veckring // 174.22 Km // Plain

The fourth stage bring the riders to another Maginot Fort, one of the most famous, the fort of Hackenberg. Still open to visit today (I mean when Covid let us in peace) The riders will climb to it before the arrival in Veckring just under it. It's another chance to sprinters to win.





Stage 5 : Saarlouis > Goetzenberg // 157.16 Km // Medium Moutain

The queen stage of the tour will take the riders to the northern Vosges. After a plain section to Bitche, they will have several climb in front of them and le last one to reach the finish line. The winner here will take a strong option on the final victory.





Stage 6 : Bitche > Citadelle de Bitche // 25.33 Km // ITT

The last stage is an ITT where the strongest men will make speed speak. It arrives at the top of the Citadelle of Bitche, a fort built by Vauban in the XVIIth century.




This tour is dedicated to the GC riders. There aren't many races in Greece, this one will take riders from Kefalonia island to Sparta, rembering the odysseus of the main character of Assassin's Creed : Odyssey : Alexios. This will a hard and tough week of 1130 km with 29 KOM including 6 climb categorized 1st and above. The key stages are on the weekends which allows a large television broadcast for what will be the first major rendez-vous of the season.


Stage 1 : Argostóli > Argostóli // 8.37 Km // ITT

Not completely a prologue since the maximum distance of this exercise is exceeded by 370 meters. However, not a difficult stage, just the occasion for the fastest to shine around the Argostóli peninsula and for a first yellow jersey to emerge.



Stage 2 : Argostóli > Mont Ainos // 154.61 Km // High Moutain

The first sunday of the race is the time choose for the first battle. Mont Ainos is the only high moutain top finish and leaders will fight for the yellow jersey. However, it could be delicate to win so soon : the following stages will be hard to handle, defending the jersey.





Stage 3 : Vasiliki > Missolonghi // 187.19 km // Plain

The thrid stage is goind south to reach the corinthean sea. The finish line is traced on the level of sea and the stage is dedicated to sprinters.



Stage 4 : Patra > Olympia // 157.26 km // Medium Moutain

This day will be a day for attackers as many i this Tour. The concept is quite simple : if the attackers take enough tiume, leaders will be safe for the day. But they have to carefully watch the gap between them and the breakway : too much time let means some strong men back in the race for the yellow jersey !



Stage 5 : Olympia > Argos - Larissa Castle // 177.28 Km // Medium Moutain

At Argos, the pack will know its second top finish of the tour ! This time the climb is relatively short but hard enough to make some difference. The ideal hunting party for a guy like Alaphillipe.



Stage 6 : Argos > Sparta // 190.80 Km // Plain

The second plain stage dedicated to sprinters is a bit hard in the middle part but there's plenty of time after the climb to get back in the pack and fight for the win against barouders.



Stage 7 : Sparta > Sparta // 207.89 Km // High Moutain

The queen stage of the tour. A succession of seven classified climbs for a total positive denivel of more than 8000m. This is Everest day for the climbers and the leaders ! The famous Langada pass above Sparta will be the judge of the race.



Stage 8 : Sparta > Sparta // 47.38 Km // ITT

This edition end as it begins, by a ITT. Relatively flat, it can be the day where true rouleurs can take some time to climbers and even win the Tour if one of them succeed to lose a minimum amount of second in the moutain stages.

SALERNO - REGGIO CALABRIA: maps/tours/view/17886
1 Febbraio - 7 Febbraio

Questo tour settimanale permette di valorizzare una zona dell'Italia poco toccata dal ciclismo: il Sud. Questa corsa risulta fondamentale nella preparazione per i grandi Giri della Stagione grazie a una varietà di percorsi.
[Eng] This weekly tour allows you to enhance an area of Italy not touched by cycling: the South.This race is essential in preparing for the GT of the season thanks to a variety of routes.

TAPPA 01: SALERNO - SALERNO TTT



La corsa di apre con una cronometro a squadre su rettilinei e strade ampie che si snoda per le strade di Salerno e provincia. Percorso privo di particolari insidie, salvo per il primo tratto sul lungomare pedonale in pavè, con insidia vento. Arrivo nella maestosa piazza della Libertà.
[Eng] The race opens with a TTT on straight and wide roads that winds through the streets of Salerno and province. Route devoid of particular pitfalls, except for the first stretch on the paved pedestrian promenade, with wind pitfalls. Arrival in the majestic Libertà Square.

TAPPA 02: SALERNO - PRAIA A MARE



Prima tappa in linea della corsa e arrivo in Calabria. Tecnica la sezione nella Valle del Cilento, con qualche ascesa non proibitiva e che non dovrebbe fare selezione. Arrivo privo di insidie sul lungomare di Praia a Mare, tradizionale traguardo del Giro (larghezza 6 m).
[Eng] First stage in line of the race and arrival in Calabria. Technique the section in the Valley of the Cilento, with some ascent not prohibitive and that should not make selection. Arrival without pitfalls on the seafront of Praia a Mare, on the traditional finish line of the Giro (width 6 m)

TAPPA 03: PRAIA A MARE - PIANO CAMPOLONGO (LUNGRO)



Prima delle due tappe regina della corsa. Circa 4000 metri di dislivello per quattro GPM. Spicca il Colle San Martino con i suoi 13.5 km al 5.5%. Finale in un circuito con il GPM di Acquaformosa a precedere il durissimo arrivo a Piano Campolongo: salita inedita per il ciclismo moderno che ricorda per le pendenze di grandi salite Europee. Sono 9 km al 9.5%, ma nei primi tre chilometri le pendenze raggiungono costantemente il 12/13% con punte del 16: un calvario.
[Eng] First of the two main stages of the race. 4000 meters denivel for four KOM. Stands the Colle San Martino with its 13.5 km to 5.5%. Final in a circuit with the KOM of Acquaformosa ahead of the hard arrival at Piano Campolongo: unprecedented climb for modern cycling that recalls the slopes of majors European climbs. They are 9 km to 9.5%, but in the first three kilometers the slopes reach constantly 12/13% with peaks of 16%: a calvary.

TAPPA 04: CASTROVILLARI - ABBAZIA SANTA MARIA DEL PATIRE (ROSSANO)



Altra durissima tappa oltre i 4000 metri di dislivello: i quattro GPM si concentrano negli ultimi 110 km di gara. Il monte Altare (24 km al 5.5%) è la cima più alta della corsa. Interessante il circuito finale attorno Rossano. La salita di Rinacchio (14 km al 6.7%) potrebbe rappresentare un ottimo trampolino per una grande azione, prima del finale che ripercorre la stessa salita fino all'altezza dell'Abazia (8.6 km al 6.6%). Chi avrà accumulato molto vantaggio in queste due tappe potrà, forse, aver ipotecato la corsa.
[Eng] Another tough stage over 4000 meters of altitude difference: the four KOM are concentrated in the last 110 km of race. Mount Altare (24 km to 5.5%) is the highest peak of the race. Interesting the final circuit around Rossano. The climb of Rinacchio (14 km to 6.7%) could be an excellent springboard for a great action, before the final that follows the same climb up to the height of the Abbey (8.6 km to 6.6%). Who have accumulated a lot of advantage in these two stages may, probably, have mortgaged the race.

TAPPA 05: ROSSANO SCALO - SOVERATO



Tappa piatta su strade ampie, con il breve GPM di Sant'Anna, con un esito scontato: lo sprint. Attenzione al finale movimentato tra le strade cittadine di Soverato, con quattro curve a 90 gradi e un'inversione a immettere nel rettilineo di arrivo di 800 metri. Linea di arrivo (8m) nei pressi della villa comunale.
[Eng] Flat stage on wide roads, with the short KOM of Sant'Anna, with a discounted outcome: the sprint. Beware of the final movement between the city streets of Soverato, with four curves at 90 degrees and a turnaround to enter the straight of arrival of 800 meters. Finish line (8 m) near the municipal villa.

TAPPA 06: SANTA CATERINA DELLO JONIO - REGGIO CALABRIA



La corsa arriva nel capoluogo calabro con una tappa movimentata. La prima parte si snoda lungo le strade del Parco Nazionale dell'Aspromonte ed è caratterizzata dalla salita di Canolo Nuova (23 km al 4.1%). Il finale è interamente lungo le ampie strade di Reggio Calabria. Il circuito si caratterizza per la triplice ascesa di Via Eremo Pietrastorta, 2.3 km al 8.6% con l'ultimo km all'11%. Dopo la discesa, arrivo su rettilineo di 2 km (largo 8 m).
[Eng] The race arrives in the capital of Calabria with an hill stage. The first part winds along the roads of the Aspromonte National Park and is characterized by the climb of Canolo Nuova (23 km to 4.1%). The ending is entirely along the wide streets of Reggio Calabria. The circuit is characterized by the triple ascent of Via Eremo Pietrastorta, 2.3 km to 8.6% with the last km to 11%. After the descent, arrive after a straight of 2 km (8 m wide).

TAPPA 07: REGGIO CALABRIA (Duomo) - REGGIO CALABRIA (Arena dello Stretto) ITT



La corsa si decide con una breve cronometro lungo strade rettilinee ampie. Gli ultimi metri sono sulla pista ciclabile in pave sul lungo mare. Arrivo posto pochi metri prima dell'Arena dello Stretto, dove si svolgeranno le premiazione.
[Eng] The race is decided with a short chronometer along wide straight roads. The last meters are on the bike path in pave on the seafront. Arrival place a few meters before the Strait Arena, where the awards ceremony will take place.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

TRITTICO VENETO, FRIULI E TRIESTE: maps/tours/view/17965
12 Febbraio - 14 Febbraio

Questo trittico è adatto agli atleti che hanno come focus stagionale le grandi classiche e permette di esaltare il gioco di squadra e le individualità.
[Eng] This triptych is suitable for athletes who have as a seasonal focus the great classics and enhance the team play and the individualities.

TAPPA 01: PADOVA - PADOVA ITT



Il trittico si apre con un breve prologo individuale lungo le strade del centro storico di Padova. Dei 7.6 km, 6.9 saranno in pavè, sarà importante conoscere bene la superficie per non perdere tempo. Inizio e traguardo posti nella bellissima Isola Memmia.
[Eng] The triptych opens with a short individual prologue along the streets of the historic center of Padua. Of the 7.6 km, 6.9 will be paved, it will be important to know the surface well so as not to waste time. Start and finish places in the beautiful Memmia Island.

TAPPA 02: MESTRE - AQUILEIA



Nella seconda tappa del trittico predomina lo sterrato, con le strade bianche dei canali della laguna di Marano. Sono 11 i settori di sterrato, concentrati lungo l'intera durata della tappa, per 35 km totali. Il finale si snoda attorno la città di Aquileia, dove è posto l'arrivo dopo un rettilineo di 3.5 km. Questa tappa è un vero banco di prova per la resistenza!
[Eng] In the second stage of the triptych the dirt road predominates, with the dirt roads of the canals of the lagoon of Marano. There are 11 sectors of dirt, concentrated along the entire duration of the stage, for 35 km total. The final winds around the city of Aquileia, where the finish is placed after a straight of 3.5 km. This stage is a real test for endurance!

TAPPA 03: CIVIDALE DEL FRIULI - OPICINA



La tappa finale del trittico è quella che deciderà la corsa. Si snoda interamente lungo il confine con la Slovenia, passando per Gorizia. Prima del circuito finale sono presenti tre GPM che serviranno a mettere fatica nelle gambe. A Trieste il circuito è caratterizzato dalla salita della Scala Santa (percorsa cinque volte) e di Via Commerciale (percorsa tre volte). L'arrivo è posto presso l'obelisco di Opicina, dopo l'ultima ascesa alla Scala Santa. Sono 2.2 km al 14.5% con punte del 20%, solo i più esplosivi potranno portare a casa il trofeo.
[Eng] The final stage of the triptych is the one that will decide the race. It runs entirely along the border with Slovenia, passing through Gorizia. Before the final circuit there are three KOM that will serve to put fatigue in the legs. In Trieste the circuit is characterized by the ascent of the Scala Santa (five times) and Via Commerciale (three times). The arrival is at the obelisk of Opicina, after the last ascent to the Scala Santa. They are 2.2 km to 14.5% with peaks of 20%, only the most explosive will be able to take home the trophy.

Here are my 2 contests/races:
'Dwars door Drenthe' and 'Dwars door Nederland'.

Dwars door Drenthe: maps/tours/view/17969
10-14 February 2021: total 605,53km (5 stages).
Preparation course for the Classics.

Stage 1 Coevorden – Coevorden (141,42km) Wednesday 10 February;
maps/viewtrack/417139
The first stage is for the sprinters. After the start on the Markt of Coevorden, the route (via 2 laps) goes through the entire Municipality of Coevorden. There are a few clinker roads along the way.


Stage 2 Emmen – Nieuw-Amsterdam (138,56km) Thursday 11 February;
maps/viewtrack/417140
The second stage is also for the sprinters. After the start in front of the FC Emmen football stadium, the route remains in the Municipality of Emmen. In the final there are 2 local rounds around Nieuw-Amsterdam.


Stage 3 Meppel – Roden (170,35km) Friday 12 February;
maps/viewtrack/417141
The third stage is also for the sprinters. After the start next to the City Hall of Meppel, the route goes straight through Drenthe. There are 2 passages through the Brink van Dwingeloo. Then a lot of twists and turns, sometimes narrow roads. The final consists of 1 local round around Roden.


Stage 4 Gieten – Odoorn (145,26km) Saturday 13 February;
maps/viewtrack/417143
The fourth stage is the most difficult stage. After the start in front of the Town Hall of Gieten (and one local lap around Gieten), the route goes over real Drenthe boulders (cobbles). In Odoorn there are 2 local rounds with 2 cobblestone sections each (6 sections in total). In combination with sometimes narrow roads, it is a final reminiscent of Paris-Roubaix.


Stage 5 Wijster – Col du VAM (9,94km Individual Time Trial) Sunday 14 February;
maps/viewtrack/417145
The last stage is an Individual Time Trial. From Wijster the route is almost completely flat, the last 350 meters go uphill to the top of the VAM Berg (Col du VAM), known for the Ronde van Drenthe. The climb is the same as the old VAM.


Dwars door Nederland: maps/tours/view/18000
17-21 February 2021: total 669,47km (5 stages).
Preparation course for GC riders.

Stage 1 Coevorden – Coevorden (19,09km Individual Time Trial) Wednesday 17 February;
maps/viewtrack/417896
The opening stage is an Individual Time Trial. There are many straight roads around Coevorden. The first part is a double course. Considering the length, large differences can already arise here.


Stage 2 Hardenberg – Holten (164,14km) Thursday 18 February;
maps/viewtrack/417897
The second stage starts on the Markt of Hardenberg. Then the riders will pass the starting city again. The Kuiperberg is a small warm-up, after Almelo the roads become narrower and more curvy. Before the 1st passage at the finish they climb the Rijssenseberg, Nijverdalseberg and Holterberg. One local lap follows with just before the finish the Holterberg climb Motieweg.


Stage 3 Harderwijk – Rheden (172,22km) Friday 19 February;
maps/viewtrack/417898
The third stage starts on the Strandboulevard of Harderwijk. After a bit of the Veluwe there are a few short climbs in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. The finale is characterized by some steep climbs. The Zijpenberg as a springboard? Then 2 more local laps including the Postbank climb, during the last passage the finish is at the top.


Stage 4 Groenlo – Nijmegen (161,77km) Saturday 20 February;
maps/viewtrack/417901
The fourth stage starts on the Markt van Groenlo with one local round. From the Achterhoek the route goes to Montferland. Here, one lap will be done on (part of) the Dutch National Championship course 2017. The Rijk van Nijmegen is reached via Germany. Here are a few climbs (including 2x the narrow Oude Holleweg). Then fairly straight roads to the finish.


Stage 5 Valkenburg – Gulpen (152,25km) Sunday 21 February;
maps/viewtrack/417903
The last stage is also the toughest. After the start at the Shimano Experience Center in Valkenburg, the Kleverberg is an immediate climb. After that, the riders can warm up nicely before the final starts. The starting city is reached again via the Adsteeg with now 2x the Cauberg. Then the climbs follow each other in quick succession with 2 local laps in the final. Finish at the top of the Gulperberg.