The Big One. The 100th edition of the Tour de France starts June 29 in Corsica, and we’re celebrating with another ‘stage race’ during the Speed of Light.
After last month’s stunning, dramatic conclusion, the race will be even more heavily targeted by the area’s top mountain bikers. Aside from Boyne Marathon and the Road Race State Championship, the month is relatively open that means Thursday is alright for fightin’…with bikes.
Giro champion Bennett Paul has already vowed that he’ll go for a the Giro-Tour double, a feat that’s never been accomplished because this is the first year anyone has done this stuff. So. Still, it’d be a pretty big deal. He’ll be up against the overwhelming favorite on his own team, Ryan Kennedy. The pair might have a showdown on Stage One, and perhaps work together to establish an Einstein 1-2.
The attentions of other locals should turn to the Speed of Light Ride, including the like of Hagerty’s Craig Webb and Steve Andriese. The return of Jason Whittaker, Scott Luca, Mickey Humpula, Gary Chastain and Rob Goepfrich means Einstein Racing will certainly have the numbers, though the battle may be well up the road.
The SOL Tour will resemble the Giro Competition from May. Your time each week from June 27 to July 25 will be added together and ranked against other racers, creating General Classification standings. We’ll also have some other competitions going on, including a Sprinter’s jersey (best time on the Power Section each week, must be on Strava by 10pm) and Best Old Rider Competition (45+ riders on the GC).
To be a GC contender, you will have to attend and finish each stage. Men and women will be scored separately on GC, but together in any points competitions. If you miss a stage, you will no longer count toward any time bonuses, leaving those to riders still in the GC hunt. The GC leader will not count toward the Sprint Competition each week, though their points will still be there if they lose the GC lead.
The SOL Tour takes place on the following dates:
Stage One: June 27
July 4 will be a Rest Day
Stage Two: July 11
Stage Three: July 18 (Queen Stage: Double time bonuses)
Stage Four: July 25