Carbon Addiction

How hot is southern Australia right now?

Well, rather than answer that, how about we just compare the percentage of finishers (below) for the first two stages in this year’s Mitchelton Bay Cycling Classic crit series versus last year – remembering both stages have been held on exactly the same courses. Obviously this is far from a scientifically robust comparison and there are other variables such as race tactics, athletes entered, luck etc. But all the same it’s surely a pretty compelling indication of what heat can do to the human body. Here’s hoping for milder conditions soon, and not just because there are two more stages to go. Victoria and South Australia are on fire right now. Time to cool off.

Stage 1 – Ritchie Boulevard, Geelong

Elite Men 2014 – 53% of starters finished
Elite Men 2015 – 23% of starters finished

Elite Women 2014 – 56% of starters finished
Elite Women 2015 – 60% of starters finished

Support Men 2014 – 50% of starters finished
Support Men 2015 – 25% of starters finished

 

Stage 2 – Eastern Park, Geelong

Elite Men 2014 – 77% of starters finished
Elite Men 2015 – 25% of starters finished

Elite Women 2014 – 57% of starters finished
Elite Women 2015 – 47% of starters finished

Support Men 2014 – 76% of starters finished
Support Men 2015 – 38% of starters finished

(Stats based on results from Metarace.)