Every recreational or professional rider in Slovakia knows that the track between Nitra and Zvolen is hilly and only 110 km long, but organizers of this only World Tour race in Slovakia knew they had to make it longer and even more hilly, so it would be a real world-class challenge for division D riders. And so it is.
Race starts in the center of Nitra, fifth largest city in Slovakia, and very important as one of the ...
Read moreEvery recreational or professional rider in Slovakia knows that the track between Nitra and Zvolen is hilly and only 110 km long, but organizers of this only World Tour race in Slovakia knew they had to make it longer and even more hilly, so it would be a real world-class challenge for division D riders. And so it is.
Race starts in the center of Nitra, fifth largest city in Slovakia, and very important as one of the historic centers of Slavic world (first mentioned in 828 AD). Riders quickly leave city streets, and under the gaze of famous and majestic Zobor (hill) continue East through number of villages, until they arrive in Zlaté Moravce, where on the main roundabout they turn North, and start climbing the first hill through the forest (13 km). After a subsequent descent they find themselves on a plain near Partizánske, which only means a sharp turn to head South-East over another forest hill, which is 16 km long this time. After a descent riders meet river Hron at Žarnovica, but they have to gather strength again, because the toughest forest climb approaches – through former mining village Hodruša–Hámre (again 16 km). Riders then descend into an open area near Levice, but don't have much time to enjoy views, because they are about to plunge again into another forest, and observe another famous hill – Sitno – practically from all sides, and in the process climb 3 hills (15 km, 5 km, 25 km). Then the peloton enters a beautiful historic center of medieval mining world – Banská Štiavnica – from the South, where the group has to deal with the only cobble section on the route. Riders then can have a breathe out in a descent, but not for long, because the last short (3 km), but intense climb awaits, that will likely decide who's going to win this race. Organizers laid asphalt in the forest just for the occasion of this World Tour event, which is amazing. Riders probably won't have time to enjoy the peaceful, silent and beautiful plateau above Zvolen, and will quickly get on the main road that for the last 10 km quickly descends into the city of Zvolen from South, where finish awaits. After a technical maneuvering through perpendicular corners of the streets, where riders can enjoy cheering crowds, they enter the main square in the shadow of a majestic medieval castle of this historic city established in 1243. The happy winner then receives a golden knight's helmet as a trophy.
