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Internationale Thuringen
Rundfahrt der Frauen
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With the packed calendar at the
moment not to mention a number of teams losing a significant
portion of their rosters for Commonwealth Games it is no
surprise that a number of the top teams are missing. Boels
Dolmans and Specialized-lululemon are here but Orica-AIS with
defending Champion Emma Johansson and Rabo are missing. After
a mid season break the Australia National Team returns with a
guest ride by National Champion Gracie Elvin
At seven stages it is one of the longest on the calendar. A
prologue, time trial and five hilly or undulating road stages
it makes for one of the most exciting races on the calendar.
The Route
Prologue
The 4.1km prologue is far from flat and should open some gaps
on the GC, although nothing overly significant.
Stage 1
As soon as the flag is dropped the climbing stats for a very
short sharp climb. There is little in the way of flat roads
all day. Over the top of the climb an equally quick descent
before a long run up to the next major climb. Again a quick
descent follows before a long 20km downhill run that still
offers plenty of undulation. A gradual 20km rise to the next
climb. From here it is downhill for around 5km before quickly
back up to the final climb of the day that peaks with inside
10km to go. The road is downhill to the finish other than the
final km that kicks up.
Stage 2
Again it is up and down all day with little respite. If you
are dropped early be prepared for a very long day. The final
climb tops out with only 5km remaining. Riders may look to get
a gap and hold it to the finish.
Stage 3
The 21km time trial is likely to open some big gaps on the GC.
Like the rest of the race it has barely a km of flat roads. It
is an out back route that sees you start climbing from km 0
for the first 35km. A short descent then you climb again to
the highest point of the day, before turning around and coming
back to the finish.
Stage 4
The Queen stage is likely to further open the gaps on GC that
were established yesterday. A short climb again starts the
rides off but from here it is anything but easy. The first
half of the stage is packed with climbing. A long steady 20km
climb follows. Little respite over the top as after a short
descent the road starts climbing again. After 10km riders hit
the top but after a few km downhill the climb continues and
riders reach the highest point of the stage at around the 55km
mark. From here the next 45km are downhill allowing time for a
regroupment although the sprinters may not make it back. With
around 20km to go riders face the final climb of the day. At
around 10km in length at 6% it will put a lot of riders under
pressure. Over the top it is mostly downhill although the
final sprit is again uphill.
Stage 5
The penultimate stage is again up and down all day. Riders
complete two laps of an opening ~30km circuit including a
climb as soon as the race starts. Three shorter laps that
include the same climb as the opening circuit wrap up the
stage. With little respite all day if you are not feeling 100%
you are in for a long day.
Stage 6
Riders start the final stage with three laps of an opening
circuit. Again there is no flat, up and down all day. After
the opening circuits, riders climb for about 10km before a
very short descent and an undulating final 5km.
Classifications
General Classification
There are bonus seconds on offer on all road stages (not in
the prologue or time trial).
Finish: 10-6-4
Intermediate Sprint: 3-2-1
Points Classification
Finish: 5-4-3-2-1
Intermediate Sprint: 3-2-1
Mountains Classification
Cat 1: 7-5-3-2
Cat 2: 5-3-2
Cat 3: 3-2-1
Young Rider Classification
Open to riders born after January 1st 1992.
Best German rider
Best German rider on General Classification.
The Contenders
Based on provisional start list only
Trixi Worrack
2nd in the German Time Trial and Road Race Championship last
month. Worrack is a rider who can handle the climbs well and
also has a strong finish. From small groups Worrack will be
very dangerous in a sprint finish. The time trial is to her
advantage. There is no big name time trialist in the race and
this could see a rider like Worrack pick up a lot of time. Was
3rd at Auensteiner-Radsporttage, a race with similar
characteristics.
Lisa Brennauer
The Current German Time Trial and Road Race Champion will look
to show off both jerseys on home roads. As well as those two
wins also won both stages and the overall at
Auensteiner-Radsporttage. Brennauer goes in as one of the
favourites.
Evelyn Stevens
Has been consistent at the Giro Rosa but not at her best. When
it comes to races against the clock she is one of the best in
the peloton and is likely to be one of the best in the time
trial. If she opens a gap here could extend that the following
day.
Lizzie Armitstead
Elected to skip the Giro Rosa to focus on Commonwealth Games
preparation. Armitstead couldn't put a foot wrong in the early
season. Won the first World Cup Boels Rental Ronde van Drenthe
and second in all European rounds since. He focus this year
has been 100% but her form the past several months has not
been the same. Can time trial and has one of the fastest
finishes in the peloton. Stage 4 might prove a test but if she
can limit her loses will be in contention for the overall.
Taryn Heather
Her strong results last year saw Heather secure a professional
contract this year with Bigla. Finished 21st here last year
with the Australian National Team and could well improve on
that. Very strong against the clock and will is one to watch
in the time trial. Likely to lose time on the hard stage 4 but
if she can limit her loses will still be in contention.
Earlier in the year was 10th at Auensteiner-Radsporttage after
a strong TT ride.
Mascha Pijnenborg
Pijnenborg has been a consistent finisher here in the past,
her last appearance in 2012 saw her finish 9th. Her best
result this season has been 5th at Gracia Orlova. There is
more time trialing here and that will be a disadvantage but
the undulating nature of the course should see her able to
regain time.
Gracie Elvin
When she wins she wins big. Elvin often works for others but
as the most experienced riders on the National Team for this
race expect to see her step it up. When it comes to undulating
terrain Elvin is at home, can handle the short climbs and
packs a fast finish.
Lizzie Williams
Joins the National team in the first race of her Amy Gillett
Scholarship. Just missed the top 10 at the National
Championships as was 8th at Oceania's. Spent the early part of
the season riding with Vanderkitten in the US. How she will go
at this level is a bit of an unknown and she is racing with a
very young squad. An outsider but definitely a name to watch.
Jenelle Crooks
Crooks is the U23 Australian Time Trial Champion and when you
consider she beat both Emily Roper and former Junior World
Champion Jess Allen to win it you should take notice. Has been
one of the top riders in the Australian NRS this year and
earned her spot to ride in Europe. Might not win the TT but
will be up there and can climb very well. Untested at this
level so don't expect too much but she could surprise.
Other names to watch: Christine Majerus, Jacqueline Hahn,
Joanne Hogan, Latoya Brulee, Sofie de Vuyst and Jess Mundy. |
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