The UCI and the organizers of the Rio Olympics have announced the courses for the road events. The road race will include several hard climbs while the time trial will also see the riders tackle a short ascent.

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Rio 2016 Organising Committee have confirmed the Rio 2016 Olympic Road Race course for Men and Women. The course, which is 256.4km long for Men (Saturday August 6th) and 130.3km for Women (Sunday August 7th) will:

·         Start and finish in Flamengo Park;

·         Pass through Copacabana, Ipanema, Barra and Reserva Beach;

·         Include laps of the Grumari Circuit (one lap for women and four laps for men); the circuit includes two climbs: Grumari, a narrow climb and descent in a forested area which averages 7% over 1.2km with a maximum gradient of 13%and the Grota Funda climb which averages 4.5% over 2.1km with a maximum gradient of 6%; the circuit also includes a cobble stone section of 2km;

·         Include a long coastal section at Reserva Beach and Barra;

·         Include laps of the Canoas/Vista Chinesa Circuit (one for women and three for men); the circuit starts with Canoas climb continuing with Vista Chinesa climb over 8.9km uphill followed by a technical descent of 6km. Vista Chinesa is a monument located in Tijuca National Park

·         Include a flat section of 20 kilometers through Ipanema and Copacabana. 

In addition, the Grumari Time Trial Course has also been confirmed by the UCI and Rio 2016 Organising Committee. The course, which is 29.8km long uses the Grumari Circuit of the road race that includes the 1.2km climb up Grumari Road will see the race start and finish in Tim Maia Square along Pontal Beach. The women will complete one lap and the men will complete two laps of the circuit. The Time Trial for men and women will take place on Wednesday August 10th.

Speaking from the 127th IOC Session in Monaco, UCI President Brian Cookson welcomed the confirmation of the Rio 2016 Olympic Road Race and Time Trial courses and said: “The UCI has been working closely with the Rio 2016 Organising Committee and Mayor Paes on the Road Race and Time Trial Courses for some time and I am delighted that the routes have now been agreed. The Road race mixes some of Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic backdrops such as Copacabana and Ipanema with some really testing sections such as the Grumari Circuit and the climb up to Canoas/Vista Chinesa. While the Time Trial course also includes the challenging topography of the area.The steep climb up Grumari Road, is sure to provide a unique test for Time Trial riders. Today’s confirmation of the Rio 2016 Road Race and Time Trial courses brings the start of Rio Games ever closer for riders across the world.”

Eduardo Paes, Mayor of Rio de Janeiro added: “The Olympic Road Race has historically incorporated iconic backdrops and Rio 2016 will be no exception. The eyes of the world will see the world’s best riders race alongside some of Rio’s well-know sites such as Copacabana and Ipanema. The route will also showcase areas of our great city that are less well known internationally such as Vista Chinesa. And I’m sure that the people of Rio de Janeiro will come out in huge numbers to cheer on riders right across this course.”

Agberto Guimaraes, Rio 2016 Sports Director added: “With less than two years to go until the start of the Rio Games, I’m delighted that we have finalised the Olympic Road Race and Time Trial routes which will provide a stunning backdrop for riders to compete, spectators to enjoy and a global TV audience to marvel. I would like to thank the UCI for its professionalism and assistance throughout this process. I and my colleagues look forward to working with the UCI on the Road Race and the other Olympic cycling events to ensure that we provide the perfect environment for riders to excel.”