The final race in the "Bag That Badge" Z-Racing series was on the new "Park Perimeter Reverse" route in New York. The standard "Park Perimeter" route is definitely a race layout for all-rounder riders with a lot of short sharp climbs on it. It was a course where fast recovery was key with all the challenging ramps to force groups to split. The new reversed version of the course looked to be no different. The 120m of climbing on each lap are going to really push the legs, they'll also offer a lot of opportunities for breakaways. It looks like a similar challenge to round one of the series in Yorkshire.
Bike choice and race plan for Park Perimeter Reverse
After how tough I found the "Queens Highway After Party" course, I knew this was going to be another big test of my performance. To make matters worse I'd been on Holiday since the last round and hadn't had any time to properly review the course. I'd also never raced on the standard "Park Perimeter" route, so it was all going to be very new to me. Above is the plan I created after the race and how I should have tackled it. But as for my first attempt, I was just planning to try and keep the front in sight while saving as much energy as possible. That's right, this will be a review of how not to race the "Park Perimeter Reverse".
My bike setup for the race was the favourite "Giant Propel" aero frame. I also decided to go with my "DT Swiss ARC 1100" wheelset, however I was tempted to go with something a little lighter for those three steep ramps on the course.
Racing on the Park Perimeter Reverse
To my delight the start was very calm and I quickly found myself at the front of the 74 rider event. I was led into a false sense of security, as after 3km we hit the first ramp and the watts were unleashed. The peloton stretched and I watched a group of about 15 riders breakaway from it. I stopped energy saving and panicked my way back over to them along with a group of other riders. It was clear this was going to be the game that was played throughout the whole race. I tried to stay towards the front of the group and wait for the next ramp and attack.
I didn't have to wait long for the next one, well two in fact. The other two ramps towards the end of the lap were pretty much back to back and both topped out over 8%. Each ramp seemed to take a victim or two as the leading group slowly shrunk to about 25 riders. Things settled again as we started the second and final lap. That didn’t last long though as we hit the first ramp. I pushed on and felt better about staying with the group, maybe endurance was going to be the key. I used my draft boost power up just before I picked up my final power up to help save some energy. My plan was to pace on the first big ramp and push on the second, however the group seemed to have a better one. I just lost contact with them at the top of the first ramp which then increased on the descent. By the time we started the final major ramp, I was dropped in a lonely 18th place. I paced myself for the last 3KM and managed the gap to the small group of riders behind me. By the finish line I was cooked, but had protected my position.
My verdict of Zwifts new Park Perimeter Reverse route
Having only done the "Park Perimeter" route a few times on free ride, I can’t really comment on how different it feels. I think this way round has a few more steeper ramps to it but is generally the same. The route is very much a challenging one, but also a lot of fun for racing on. I personally think this is a much better course to reverse than the "London Classique" though. There are a lot more places for surprise attacks that would reward someone who has spent the time to research the route. You definitely need to ride an aero road bike and with average speeds of around 40K, I'd advise running some performance disc wheels too. If I was to race the course again, I may even try the Athos with disc wheels combo I'd tried before.
That concludes the "Bag That Badge" Z-Racing series. It's definitely not been my favourite, mainly because a lot of the courses didn't suit my heavier frame. I would really enjoy racing on the "Hilly Route Reverse" and "Park Perimeter Reverse" routes again though. I hope my coverage has been some help and I'll see you at next month Z-Racing series.
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VeloHunt Steve