TeamODZ has announced their first ever omnium, taking place next weekend.
This edition of the ODZomnium will be held from December 15th to December 17th and will provide General Classification (GC) competitions for all the commonly-accepted Zwift racing categories (A, B, C, D). Each stage will depart promptly at 5:15 AM PST. (Race organizers assure me that future Omniums will have different start times to better serve various time zones.)
Like a real-world omnium, the ODZomnium will consist of three separate stages, each with its own particular characteristics. With an individual time trial, a short and fast criterium-style stage, and a grueling hilly stage, the tour route will provide exciting racing and cater to all riding styles. All stages will take place on the London course.
Stage Descriptions:
Day 1: 12/15/2016 – 6 laps London Classique Criterium (37.6km)
Stage 1 will be contested on the “flat and fast” roads of the London Classique route, where riders will fly through 6 laps of criterium style racing on some of London’s most famous and picturesque streets for a total of 37.6 km. This relatively short stage should make for aggressive riding, as opportunistic riders may try to attack and avoid a large final bunch sprint.
Day 2: 12/16/2016 – 2 laps London Loop Individual Time Trial (29.6km)
Stage 2 of the ODZomnium will see riders test their skill against the clock as they ride two laps of the London Loop route. Labelled the “race of truth”, this ITT will reveal who the overall GC contenders are, as the varied course will challenge both rouleurs and climbers. Can the lighter riders make up enough time on the two ascents of Box Hill, or will they be reeled in by the steadier power of their heftier adversaries?
This will be a MASS Start Individual Time Trial. All riders MUST have a time trial bike equipped and mounted prior to crossing the start line to ensure that no drafting is occurring and to maintain the integrity of the ITT.
Day 3: 12/17/2016 – 3 laps London 8 Final Showdown (60.9km)
The third and final day of the ODZomnium will be contested once again on the familiar London roads. Combining both the London Loop and Classique route, the “London 8” route will allow riders to showcase their area knowledge to plot a successful strategy. It will be all or nothing on this stage and in many cases the overall GC competitions will be decided on this last challenging stage. Who will have enough energy left in the tank after 3 days of consecutive racing?
To learn more about the race, visit the TeamODZ page >
