Originally published on WeLoveCycling.com
The Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, are due to start only in summer 2016 (although it will be during Brazilian winter, which should be as “cold” as the European summer), but the preparations for the competition have already begun. On August 16, a group of cyclists raced the International Road Cycling Challenge, as an event test for the next year competition.
It was a chance for cyclists to go through the original course where the games are taking place, all along those jaw-dropping views spread around the Wonderful City, as is Rio tenderly called by all Brazilians. The race started in Copacabana – “the little princess of the sea” – as sung by internationally known Brazilian Bossa Nova King Tom Jobim (1927–1994).
From there it is possible to see some of the most beautiful and famous carioca’s sightseeing tours, such as the Sugar Loaf on one end and Copacabana Fortress on the other, not to mention the sea itself. In the Fortress, among old cannons installed to protect the bay in the earlier 20th century, you can find a beautiful restaurant called Confeitaria Colombo. The place has a fame for its fat and delicious breakfast and a magnificent view of all Copacabana beach. Unmissable!
Copacabana beach, Rio de Janeiro
OK! We are not here to talk only about tourism. But believe me, it is as hard as it gets to ignore all those beautiful views just showing off in front of tourists. Competitors will have to have a strong will to keep their focus and finish the 165 kilometres of the competition as fast as they can. Of course, the aim for that most desired shining gold medal will be the primary goal. But if I were a competitor, I would make sure I had some extra time just to enjoy the landscape.
Just think about that. Just after the big start bikers will pass by Ipanema, Leblon, Sao Conrado, Barra, Recreio, Alto da Boa Vista, Tijuca Forest, Horto, Jardim Botanico and Gavea. If you have already visited Rio you know exactly what I’m talking about. It just cannot get better than that.
But do not be fooled by all these natural beauties. All along the cinematic scenario competitors will have to face a challenging circuit, full of climbs, cobblestones and technical descents, as described on the official Rio 2016 website.
The contest
If the French guys didn’t do good in their homeland during Tour de France, they completely rocked during the Challenge of Rio. Five of them ranked Top 10 in the contest, with Alexis Vuillermoz finishing first after 4 hours and 20 minutes. He was followed by Belgium athlete Serge Pauwels, but had other two countrymen just behind him: Romain Bardet in the third place and Tony Galloping scoring fourth.
This was the first and last chance for the athletes to try the circuit. We cannot wait to see how it is going to be when the gold medal is at stake for real.
Threats of Rio
It is true that this Olympics warm up was beautiful, and everything was good most of the time. Unfortunately, some unpleasant situations happened. A photographer working on the coverage of the race had his cameras, lens and mobile phone stolen by armed men while he was waiting for the cyclists in one part of the circuit.
No one has injured after all, but security has always been a big issue in Rio de Janeiro. It is a problem that the major of the city and the Games’ organiser have to cope with and avoid when the big party starts over.