The "Mayan San Remo" course is an exciting new addition to the racing routes on Zwift, it includes some of the latest roads from Watopia’s "The Grade" expansion, which was released earlier this month. This challenging course serves as the grand finale of the "Sea Breeze" Z-Racing series, and for me, it feels like the queen stage of the series.
Featuring a mix of climbs and sections that cater to various types of riders, the Mayan San Remo route promises a fun race for everyone. The race navigates through the scenic Jungle area and concludes on the evergreen coast. Spanning 21KM with 219 meters of climbing, this course is set to provide both a demanding and enjoyable race.
Race strategy for Mayan San Remo
For this course, I’ve opted for a somewhat risky setup. The favourite bike for this course has got to be the Tron bike, its a great balance for all dirt and gravel sections, combined with the climbs. However, I've decided to go with a climbing bike equipped with disc wheels. Specifically, I'll be racing on the Athos with DT SWISS DISC wheels. This decision is based on the finish at the Evergreen Coast, where the smooth roads should provide a significant advantage for the disc wheels.
The start of the race should be relatively easy, but it's essential to be in the pens early to secure a good position. The first major attacks are likely to occur in the valley section of the Jungle, which riders will reach 5KM into the race. This is where the pack will start to break apart, setting the stage for the more challenging segments ahead.
As we leave the Jungle and hit the new roads, the race will begin to fracture further. There are two key climb segments to navigate. The first climb is shorter but has a steeper average gradient, demanding a strong effort to stay with the lead group. Following these climbs, a very steep and straight descent awaits, where the super tuck position will be crucial to gain a speed boost while conserving energy.
The final 3KM of the race will be flat and smooth, leading up to the finish line on the Evergreen Coast. This section is where my choice of a disc wheels should pay off, providing I've survived the climbs.
My Race
The start of my Mayan San Remo race was very easy, as expected. With a smaller group of just 37 riders, the pace was manageable right from the beginning. As we approached the valley climb in the Jungle, the lead group started to break up, but I held strong at the front.
By the time we hit the new roads, about 25 riders were still together. I pushed hard on the first climb and easily stayed towards the front of the group. When we reached the top of the first KOM, only 12 riders remained in the lead pack.
As we started the second KOM, a small breakaway of three riders pushed ahead. I decided to stay with the group, conserving energy. Another rider bridged the gap, but I held back, sticking with the main group. Towards the end of the climb, I started to crack, and one rider drifted off the front of our group.
On the steep descent down The Grade, I was the only rider who went into the super tuck position. It activates when you hit 65KPH and stopped pedaling. I flew past my group, creating a 2-second gap as I reached the base. Using the momentum, I managed to catch up to the rider ahead of me, moving from 9th to 5th place with the help of the super tuck!
I then paced my effort, expecting the group to catch up, but they never did. I pushed a little harder, and the gap grew. For the last 2KM, I made sure to match the watts per kilogram (WKG) of the chasing riders. This strategy worked, and I crossed the finish line in 5th place.
How good is the Mayan San Remo Route?
The Mayan San Remo course is a fantastic addition to the Zwift racing routes. It's a true all-rounder, perfect for riders who are "jack of all trades, master of none." This course offers numerous opportunities for attacks, ensuring an always entertaining and dynamic race.
The two climbs are long enough to be challenging but not so steep that only the best climbers benefit, making them accessible to a wide range of riders. The final run-up to the finish, after all the climbing, is particularly enjoyable and adds an extra element of excitement.
Reflecting on my race, it went better than expected. I held strong throughout and managed a solid 5th place finish. However, I do wish I had pushed harder on the second climb to stay with the lead group. Additionally, I wonder if using the Tron bike would have been a faster choice overall. Regardless, I'm looking forward to racing on the Mayan San Remo course again in the future.
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VeloHunt Steve