I am hooked! In Brisbane we have the UCI qualifier for the world age GF. I have competed in the race since 2018 (the route changes almost every year) but I have managed to improve my pace every year. My average moving speed for 2025 was 30km/h with stops for fuel 28km/h distance 110km 1100m of climbing. Pacing is my weakness if I go with bunch my age group winner did 3hrs, I get dropped around 30-40min. This year the main climb (Mt Cootha 250m) will be around that point. Being in the draft to that point is critical, what do I do?
Firstly, if you want to be at the pointy end, forget about a mid-race stop.
What age group are you?
Hi Norry1 yes I tried to not stop but 2 bottles is just not enough. I am in the 50-55 age group.
If you are aiming for qualifying as opposed to trying to win it, the key is being able to get in a decent group near the front and staying in it. Lots of Tempo and Threshold.
If you want to win it, you’d need more explosivity to go with or make attacks.
Find a way not to stop.
The GF looked a bit short. The ones I’ve done have been around 100 miles for the Under 60’s and around 100km for the over 60’s. Average pace is always over 20mph at the sharp end.
Yeah, no I don’t have the explosive power my power curve is “all rounder” looking at doing 3hrs for 110km. The early pace is over 20mph probably 22 to 23mph on a rolling hills coarse. I equate it to a criterium punching up the inclines and after turns with coasting down
Put a 3rd bottle in your jersey pocket, I’ve done many multi-hour races this way to minimize stopping. Stick to the middle pocket for extra comfort, otherwise it’ll feel unbalanced. 750mL is no problem, not sure I’d go bigger. Toss the bottle when you’re done with it if it bothers you.
If your frame allows you to run bottles bigger than 750mL, do that. I’ve never tried it personally, but know people that use them with success.
3-3.5hrs on 3x750mL should be fine unless it is boiling hot.
I participated last year in Aalborg and decided I’d not go again. There was so much carnage and the organizer lied about not allowing riders in the staging area early. I showed up one hour before the race and it was completely packed. People had been lining up for hours before the race.
1 Like
Yes I like the idea of a third bottle in the jersey, the temperature varies between 20Cs to low 30Cs not excessively hot but I run the carbohydrates in my water as most do.
2 bottles of carbs, one of water, gels as a last resort.
Yeah after several years i learned to be earlier and not get pushed from the front as each Div gets starters orders. It’s not pleasant arriving and having to push your way to the front
I think the hiking shops sell a camel pack with a straw pipe to drink from easy to store in pocket