Stage 6: San Jose (ITT), 31.6km
May 17, 2013
This year’s race will hold its first ever time trial with a summit finish and it should be a corker. The course uses the first 90 per cent of the 2006 TT’s route but with a vicious sting in the tail – the 2.7km, 290m climb up Metcalf Road, averaging a leg-sapping 10.6 per cent.
A closer look at the terrain and weather reveals that this is really two separate time trials in one, and therein lies the dilemma. The first 29km are rolling or flat, then there’s that pesky climb. Then consider that the 12km to the base of the climb will most likely be ridden into a tough headwind and it is clear that aerodynamics will be as important as ever in a TT. But an aerodynamic bike and riding position aren’t ideal for climbing fast, especially on a steep slope.
Look for the top riders to make some very tough decisions, which might include a bike change, to get a maximum result in the TT.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
Giro d'Italia adds time bonus sprints to 19 stages of 2025 race in partnership with Red Bull to 'ignite fierce battles' in GC
New sponsorship and bonus seconds could spark more aggressive racing due to position of Red Bull KM intermediate sprints -
Who is Miguel Indurain?
All you need to know about the first, and to date only, rider to win the Tour de France five times in succession -
‘The human element will not be eliminated anytime soon’ - Dimitris Katsanis on 3D printing, AI, and the future of carbon fibre
Will the world's first completely 3D printed road frameset help usher in a new era of frame manufacturing? -
Tour of the Gila: Lauren Stephens, Kieran Haug seal overall victories
Robinson Lopez wins men's final stage, Frankie Hall leads Aegis sweep in Piños Altos