Stage Hunting Strategy

Stage Hunting Strategy

Not every rider targets the GC - stage hunters aim for individual stage wins while managing three-week energy demands.

Identifying Stage Opportunities

• Breakaway stages: Flat/rolling stages where peloton is relaxed
• Transition stages: After mountains, before rest day
• Medium mountain stages: Too hard for sprinters, not GC decisive
• First week: GC teams conserve energy, breakaways succeed

Energy Management

• Lose time early to avoid peloton duties
• Skip working in breaks unless perfect opportunity
• Recover on GC battle stages
• Peak for 2-3 targeted stages

Power Distribution in Three Weeks

• Target stages: 100-110% capacity
• Rest stages: 60-70% capacity, minimize effort
• Build stages: 80-90% capacity, controlled work
• Recovery stages: 50-60% capacity, active recovery

Successful Stage Hunter Profile

Riders like Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel excel by combining sprint speed, climbing ability, and time trial power. They can win sprints from small groups, survive medium mountains, and excel in solo efforts.