Giro-E 2024 - Hunters and Hunted in the 12th Stage from Senigallia to Fano powered by Yamaha

The start of "our" 12th stage, which was to cover 68 kilometers and include an elevation difference of about 600 meters, took place in the recently renovated Piazza Garibaldi in the center of Senigallia. It was about the same time as the start of the professionals in Martinsicuro, who had to cover a distance of 193 kilometers.

From the yawning emptiness of the previous day, there was indeed nothing left to feel, as the starting area was bursting at the seams.
Next to a large stage for the rider presentation and registration, there was an extensive area for team tents, team cars, and operational vehicles, a large all-inclusive catering tent, an Expo area, and the so-called "Green Fun Village". Here, visitors had the opportunity to test electric bicycles or other environmentally friendly means of transportation, attend interactive workshops, enjoy live music, or participate in other activities focused on environmental protection and sustainability.

All this surrounded by impressive and architecturally significant buildings like the Palazzo Becci, the Cathedral of San Pietro Apostolo, the Palazzo Vescovile, and the Auditorium San Rocco. Yes, the start zone was truly a sight to behold.

Apart from the pedals, shoes, socks, and sunglasses, we team riders did not need to bring anything else. We received clothing, helmets, the electric bike, and technical support from Team Yamaha.

Since Yamaha does not yet have an e-road bike in their lineup, the Wabash RT Gravel bikes were quickly equipped with road bike tires and a traditional seat post.
The wide, flared handlebar remained, which would prove to be an additional challenge as the race progressed. Nevertheless, the approximately 21-kilogram e-racer impressed with its comparatively strong drive and low rolling and friction resistance beyond the 25 km/h limit.

Yamaha Wabash RT

* Original: Limotec Vario seatpost, Ø: 30.9 mm Length: 295 mm Travel: 40 mm (S), 60 mm (M, L)
** Original: Maxxis Rambler 700X45C, 60 tpi

Geometry Wabash RT

A few minutes before the team presentation, we once again ran into our captain, who was just loading up on coffee and cake.

Somewhat curtly, he tried to explain to us the three special classifications "Compactness Trial", "Regularity Trial", and "Time Trial" according to pages 5 and 6 of the rulebook. We were completely lost.
With a mild smile, he said in essence: "Non importa! The team car has all the info. They'll calculate the average and let us know over the radio. On my command, we drive six abreast over the starting line of the respective special classification, stay reasonably together, and repeat the same at the end. Your times are added up by a chip and the average is automatically calculated. We do this three times and win."

There were still uncertainties, and we had several questions and safety concerns.
"Non importa. Calmati."

Just five minutes until the start, and we were excited. Our pulses raced. However, not from anticipation or performance pressure, no: Our captain was nowhere to be found, while all other participants had already checked into their sectors and were eagerly waiting for the kickoff.

"Aren't you going to line up soon?" said a nice lady from the refreshment zone, as the police started their motorcycles and the start announcer, in his excitement, ranted into the microphone (unintelligibly to us).

"Let's go." Out of nowhere, YA1L suddenly waved to us with a relaxed expression from the densely packed front rows. The starting shot sounded promptly despite the music being way too loud, followed by a breakdown in the speaker's speech.
As the crowd collectively clicked into their pedals and the shrill beeping of the bike computers sounded, we cautiously and like cats kneading for milk, made our way towards the timing carpet from the side.

Neutralized and surrounded by the atmosphere of a professional bike race, we rolled out from the starting location and quickly found ourselves in the front third of the pack thanks to the "High" mode of our Yamahas.
Surprisingly, the course remained a sporting challenge even with an e-racing bike - not least because of our overly wide handlebars, which kept wanting to get too close to others. But also the lack of riding technique of the slightly less trained e-bikers, who had to manage the demanding course through picturesque landscapes, required our full concentration.

However, everything quickly fell into place, and each team automatically found itself in a position that matched their riding skills, their fitness or the maximum possible motor support, and their individual willingness to take risks.

As an active participant, one felt an overwhelming sensation when passing the many spectators along the route. Whether in small towns or larger cities, the enthusiasm and applause of the people were captivating.
But the roadblocks, the whistles of the policemen at the roundabouts, and the smell of gasoline from the humming escort motorcycles also contributed to the exciting and lively atmosphere.

We let ourselves be swept away by the euphoria, formed up and attacked. Strangely, our fellow competitors could not or would not keep up the pace, and so we suddenly found ourselves at the front of the pack, just a few meters behind the lead vehicles. The speedometer showed 40 km/h, and the race officials gestured to us that we were going too fast.

Smooth as a cat, YA1L approached from behind and admonished us: "Which part of 'enjoy' and 'do not harass the lead vehicles' did you not understand?"

Oh yes - there was something else: No race, group ride, etc. We left it at that show of power for the time being and mingled back among the common E-Bike-Light folk.

From now on, our main focus was on achieving as precise an average speed as possible in the three challenges. With the support of the team car, torically optimized contact lenses, a calibrated bike computer, and strict adherence to all our captain's instructions, we managed to perfectly maintain the predetermined time on the three stage sections. Thanks to this performance, our Yamaha team also won the 12th stage. Yay.

Visibly relieved, YA1L heard over the radio that we had practically already won the stage. Now no one just had to drop out and he had to avoid a severe crash during the exclusive sprint of the team captains - our lead in points was gigantic.

"You can go full throttle on the last mountain.", the captain said. And we took him at his word. Again, we switched our engines to "High" mode and literally flew over Monte Giove, just ten kilometers before the finish. The climb had an average gradient of 9.1 percent over a length of 1.2 kilometers, but with the Yamahas, it felt like nothing.
The crowd went wild as we took the subsequent fast and tight descent. Now to give each other drafting, pick up the pace, and push through to the finish...

However, we were suddenly stopped by the race directors. "Please wait."

It turned out that we had passed the mountain classification unexpectedly quickly, giving the individual team leaders no chance to form up for the final sprint to the finish. Additionally, some batteries were already depleted, and the group was forced to take a short mandatory or even a charging break.
In truth, it was all no problem, but for some, the question arose as to why they had to push themselves into lactate on the hill.

The remaining kilometers were very relaxed and we inhaled the impressive scenery of the finish location, where about an hour after us, the Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe celebrated his great comeback victory and the Slovenian Tadej Pogacar was able to confidently defend the pink jersey of the overall leader.

Although there was no sprint finish for the five of us, crossing the finish line was an intense emotional moment. It was a mix of relief, subtle exhaustion, and joy, accompanied by the euphoric support of the spectators.
Moreover, our captain fought for third place, securing the blue jersey for the Yamaha team.

What did we take home? An unforgettable experience that combines sporting ambition with technical innovation and a touch of adventure. In addition, a stage victory worked out together as a team and a wonderful article in the Kronen Zeitung.

On this occasion, I would like to quote my partner Hannes Wallner from Radkrone, who hit the nail on the head with his statement: "The Giro-E creates the unique worldwide illusion of being part of one of the biggest cycling races in the world, and even with e-support, the feeling is incredible when hundreds of frenetic cycling fans cheer you on during the climb."

Particularly easy to achieve with a powerhorse like the Yamaha PW-ST motor with 70 Nm of torque and a 500 Wh battery - one has to be honest about that.