I was thinking about the Olympic Road Race while watching the Tour De France this week, and I decided to try and come up with an alternative/replacement event for the Olympic Games. So without further ado, I present my creation, Team Road Race.
Objective: Earn the most points
Race Distance: 2x10km laps or 2x15km laps.
Riders per team: 4
Format: Knockout tournament - Quarterfinals (5 heats of 5 teams), Semifinals (2 heats of 5 teams), Final (1 heats of 5 teams)
How to Earn Points: Points are awarded at the finish line of the 1st and 2nd lap, and at the top of a designated climb on the 1st and 2nd lap. Riders earn points based on eligibility and placement.
Points Breakdown:
1st - 10
2nd - 7
3rd - 5
4th - 3
5th - 1
Rider Categories and Eligibility:
Sprinter - can earn points at the end of lap sprints, but not on the climbs
Climber - can earn points at the top of each climb, but not at the end of lap sprints
Domestique - cannot earn any points, but can act as a support/lead-out rider
Freelancer - can earn bonus points by being in front of all the non-freelance riders at the top of the climbs, or at the end of lap sprints
*Each team would have one of each rider catagory
Course Specifications:
Climb - minimum length of 1km/maximum length of 2.5km, minimum of average grade of 4.5%
End of Lap Sprints - finish line must come after at least 500m of straight/flat road
Other Rules:
Time Limit - all riders must cross the finish line no more than 2:30 behind the first rider over the line, or they will be eliminated with their points voided
Olympic quota: 80 riders/20 teams per gender
Qualification System: Top 15 from UCI Nations Ranking + Up to 5 Continental Spots (reallocated to next best team in NR if continent already represented in top 15)
This event would replace the individual road race. It would create a unique event in road cycling that takes place only at the Olympic Games. It would make good use of limited quota places, and even allow for a few to be allocated elsewhere. It would be easier for broadcasters since the equipment/logistical demands are smaller and the broadcast window is compartmentalized. It could possibly be less of a logistical challenge for organizers as well. It could also increase organizer revenue since ticketed viewing areas could be built in the areas where points can be earned. There would be a short “Olympic Break” in the professional season to incentivize the best eligible athletes to participate.
Whelp, that’s what I came up with. Happy to hear y’all’s thoughts on my idea.