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Course Description |
Course Description
Stage 1– Kopu – Hikuai 53km’s
This stage is named after the highest point on the course with a steady rise from sea level up to 425 metres. The hill starts about 10km into the stage after riders have turned left onto the Kopu-Hikuai Road. There is a steady 14km climb through sub-tropical rain forest to reach the top. This is followed by an exciting downhill section with a few turns to begin with followed by a 100km per hour straight. This downhill section will probably give you enough momentum to get half way up the next uphill. There is a series of small up hill and down hill sections followed by a gradual drop through farmland and along the Tairua River into Tairua. The Transition is located just after the one- lane Pepi bridge as you enter town.
Stage 2– Coroglen – 43km’s
Named after the Coroglen Tavern situated at the half way point of the stage. This is the most forgiving stage of the event with one major hill to climb straight after Tairua. This is Pumpkin Hill which rises to 240 metres. At the top is a colony of wild roosters and amazing views down on to The Sailors Grave. A windy descent is followed by gentle undulating and windy roads all the way to Whitianga. The transition is located on the Whitianga bypass.
Stage 3– Kuaotunu - 43km’s (Pearl Izumi K1 - Stage 1)
This is the toughest stage of the race and as such provides the name for the race. It is named after the sleepy community of Kuaotunu on the wild east coast of the Coromandel Peninusla. In Maori “Kuao” means young animals, “Tunu” means to inspire with fear. This stage will certainly inspire fear amongst those taking part in this event. This stage starts with a cycle along the beach front and over a small hill to Simpson Beach. This follows with a climb up the Kuaotunu Hill rising to 170m and back down again to sea level and the township of Kuaotunu. The ride continues on towards Coromandel with three shorter steep climbs before reaching the big one, the Whangapoa Hill. The views at the top, for those of you who see it, are fantastic, stretching out across both coastlines. There is a steep downhill with a wicked hairpin bend at the bottom known as Devils Elbow (so be extremely careful). The transition is shortly after you turn the sharp left onto the Tiki Road.
Stage 4– Kereta – 53km’s (Pearl Izumi - Stage 2, Quarter K)
This stage is named after the principle hill range that the ride crosses. The stage starts at sea level in the Township of Coromandel and finishes in Thames, a distance of 53km’s. There are two major climbs on the stage. The first climb after 6km’s is the Manaia Hill which reaches a height of 181metres. The second climb is the Kereta after 14km’s and this reaches a height of 228metres. The views from the top of the Kereta are some of the most spectacular on the Peninsula. After the Kereta the road hugs the coastline for 30kms all the way to Thames. This is a windy, rolling road, lined by Pohutukawa trees and great views of the Hauraki Gulf. You will be directed right into the finishing road shortly before you enter the main street of Thames. The finishing road has a long straight suitable for a sprint finish !