The Stages
FormatThe Mt. Buller Cup is a race decided on points rather than time. The stages are a combination of criteriums and road races in very mountainous terrain. Double points are given for the road stages which finish in Mt. Buller which is in the Alpine region of Victoria.The points allocation is as follows: 1. 33 points 2. 27 3. 21 4. 18 5. 16 6. 15 down to 20. 1 Past Winners1995 Neil Stephens (ACT) Festina 1996 Patrick Jonker (SA) Rabobank 1997 Alan Iacuone (Vic) Stage 1, Warburton Criterium, January 14, 1998The men's race is 1 hour long and the women's 45 minutes. The circuit has been changed from last year's very hilly course, and is flat and runs down the centre of the town which is in the foothalls of the main Alpine mountains in Victoria. The course passes over two bridges which cross the Yarra River, the main river running down into Melbourne. It finishes in the main streetStage 2, Warburton-Nojee-Warburton, 140/80 kms, January 15, 1998The men's road stage is 140 kms long while the women race 80 kms (starting in Nojee). The stage is very hard due to the hills. This is a region of Victoria which is characterised by huge treed forests. There are three KOM sprints on this stage.Stage 3, Marysville-Mt. Buller 160/50 kms, January 16, 1998The men do 160 kms and the women 50. There are double points on offer for this stage which finishes on top of Mt. Buller at the Alpine Village. This can easily become the decisive stage. The route is undulating and not especially difficult until you hit the last 16 kms ascent of Mt Buller. It is very steep.The women start at Mansfield and still have to complete the final ascent. Stage 4, Mt Buller Criterium, January 17, 1998The men do the alpine circuit for 45 mins and the women for 30 minutes. It is the "toughest criterium" in the world with the race winding through the Alpine Village at Mt. Buller. The last 300 metres to the finish of each lap is the last section of the previous day's road circuit and is the steepest section of the mountain.Stage 5, Albert Park Criterium, January 18, 1998The men race for 1 hour while the women go for 45 minutes. The race is now down in Melbourne alongside Albert Park Lake near the city centre. The circuit labelled a "hot dog" course by the race promoters (a bit over the top actually) is 1.6 kms long and is on the back straight of the Formula 1 Grand Prix Circuit held in this parkland. You all should be aware that to get the GP the premier of victoria sanctioned a brutal assault on the natural environment that had been created in the park and pulled down many trees. It has produced a disgrace - just another place for cars! |