Trained hard for the UCI/UWCT races or the 3/5 Dams (so very fit)?
Inspired by the Tour of Flanders (or any other Belgian race)?
Want to try a graded road race?
If you answered ‘yes’ or ‘maybe’ to any of the above questions, then there is an event on for you this Sunday.
The map of the course, which starts adjacent to the Old Toodyay Rd, Gidgegannup is available here.
Registrations close on Tuesday, April 8th at midnight and can be made here.
As the poster states, this is the WA road championship for Open and Under 19 Men and Women (separate races).
I’ll be going around (the out and back course) in B grade.
I’m keen to enter but getting out there could be a problem :/ I don’t suppose there’s anyone heading out there that give a fellow NoR SPR member a lift?
I’m at Mt Hawthorn and will have a spare spot in the Golf.
Hi Dave, that would be awesome.! I’m in Greenwood, looks like Mt Hawthorn is fairly easy to get to, I can come meet if it would be easier?
Thanks for the info Mike.
Course details are pretty thin but somebody mentioned to me there was a lot of climbing. Any ideas what total elevation you’ll be expecting in B Grade?
There is a rough profile at the bottom of the map, which shows that it is a rolling course more like the UWCT Gran Fondo (after the Albany Hway climb) as opposed to the Perry Lakes road race. The main climb on the way back to Gidge has about 150m of elevation gain and from last year I think the total climbing was around 1000m for the 100km. Not a lot of flat ground, but some nice descents make up for the climbs.
luke ellis did the 100kms last year so i had a look at his strava. 2,200m of climbing over the 2 laps. should be great fun. i’m in.
Confirmed – just checked my Strava from last years C grade at 50km (one lap of the course that A grade repeated) and was indeed 1100m climbing. Grades reaching 15+% and some sustained 10% sections. Really tough as there is no respite – the downhills are sharp and fast, so there’s little recovery before going up again.
Hi All,
This is the toughest race on the calender, i dont want to put anyone off, have a go!
But! i wouldnt recommend stepping up a grade to see how you go for this race, there is a signifigant amount of climbing over extreemly dead roads.
http://www.strava.com/activities/47608186
I’m still umming and ahhing about it. And about making the step up to B grade.
Can somebody please make up my mind for me?
i wouldnt use this race to step up mike…unless you’re very confident with you climbing ability?
It is a lumpy, ‘Belgian’ style course – not cobbled but certainly a long way from smooth – and that is part of the challenge (which is why most like to race). The profile makes it a good test as you need to keep riding and concentrating throughout even if you are in the pack.
Suggesting that it’s the toughest course on the WA calendar, while true, isn’t really saying much (bit like saying it’s not an extended crit).
Listen to Luke: if you haven’t been working on your climbing, especially over 100ks, stick to the 50k option. You will have had a good workout by the end.
I’m going to give C grade a go for this one.
I’m with you Brian.
I’ve made a mistake! I should have read these comments before signing up! B grade for me. Remember that B grade Mens riders will be riding as a SPR Team. The plan is to meet at the SPR tent 15 min or so prior to the race start to sort out numbers and tactics.
I reckon we should just send Andrew Ballam on a 95km solo attack!
Make it a 99km early morning ‘Tony Martin’ breakaway for Mr Ballam and it’s a plan.
Does that include Mr Ballam being caught with 30m to go?
On Tuesday (Basque Country), AB/TM stayed away to win by 30 seconds. Prophetic, it was.
I think they are going to put me in B grade as per my gradings, will know later on.
They’ve bumped me to B grade too so happy to be a domestique for the day
How do you know? (Did they have the courtesy to email?)
Received a please explain email as to why I entered in C, when I was graded in B. Didn’t know I was graded in B now
Same here, then I was told no I’m in B grade, final list is out. Still in C grade. I’ll rock up and see what’s happening, riders brief states no grade changes on the day, confused as!
fell asleep early last night and missed the registration deadline 🙁
Who’s setting up the SPR tent ?. I’ll be there so i can help with the set up .
probably me, nicky. i am racing so i can take the tent and esky out as well. we actually have quite a few spr member racing in this. looks like the hills didn’t scare people off.
Thanks Pete , I can give you a hand with the setup . That way you can put that energy threw the pedals . Marginal gains and all that jazz .
I’m not racing tomorrow but my prayers are with you all 😉
good luck!
You know they call that place Death Valley…