Stage 3 of the Tour de Romandie sees the riders tackle the 9.9km mountain time trial from Ollon to Villars. Primoz Roglic carries the yellow jersey into the stage but Rohan Dennis, Richie Porte and Geraint Thomas are among the challengers. Philippa York runs the rules over a day that is likely to prove pivotal.
Distance: 9.9 kilometres
Elevation: 785 metres
Average Gradient: 7.9 per cent
You would think that a mountain time trial would be every climber's dream stage but, like most things at WorldTour level, while it might look ideal on paper, not every member of the genotype copes with the special demands that this event requires.
If the same climb was the final ascent of a road stage then how the climb is tackled, and the unfolding race situation, would be completely different to today's stage. That's because the ability required to win directly against another rider, or a group of riders, isn't the same as what the lone effort requires.
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This Tour de Romandie stage will be a perfect indication of the difference between the explosive climbers and the guys who can climb at a high pace but won't necessarily be capable of following a big acceleration. And that's the key to riding this stage; no brutal changes in pace and - even more importantly - no going into the red before the finish line is close.
On a road stage there are a couple of options for the explosive climber but here, with such a steady gradient, the only one successful tactic is to take on the climb with a steady pace. That's not in the toolkit for everyone, hence my expectation that the winner, and probably the next race leader - although I doubt Primoz Roglic will crumble - will be one of the time trial specialists who can also climb in a very respectable manner.
There are no ridiculous ramps and no tight hairpins to rest on, so for guys who work best with some out of the saddle time, this route isn't going to suit them. It'll be a grind, sitting down for the majority and, since it's only 10 per cent at its hardest, a good aero position will have an influence too.
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via Cyclingnews Latest Interviews and Features http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/tour-de-romandie-mountain-tt-preview
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