14 DAY TRIAL // The 4th stage of the real-life Tour is an interesting one, created in part to make a first racing week that does not include sprinter-only stages, because it includes a final section that includes a climb to Le Mur de Bretagne, with about 100 vertical climbs in the space of about 2 kilometers.
After seeing the real-life results of the first stage, it again seems suited for Philippe Gilbert, the puncheur from Omega Pharma-Lotto that managed to be truly impressive in the spring classics this year.
In the game, the first stage ended in a bunch sprint but this climb seems a bit punchier, so I expect to see riders who can deliver big bursts over small space winning this one.
A simulation game, and here Pro Cycling Manager 2011 is no exception, has a tough problem to solve: how close to real life does it want to be?
A complete simulation that focuses on just a race would be boring and should copy the results seen in real life to the letter.
A simulation that strays too far and allows sprinters to catch up with the puncheurs on something like Le Mur de Bretagne would be deemed unrealistic and would lose players fast.
PCM has a number of variables that govern the type of rider that will perform best for each stage and much of the outcome depends on how the variables are set.
The stage also revealed one of the weaknesses of PCM and how it can quickly veer into unrealistic territory.
As you can see in the video, I managed to establish a break which involved Fabian Cancellara, my Yellow Jersey wearer, and the teams let it go and did not pursue in force (as would happen in real life).
The teams did get their act and tactics together near the end, managed to catch the break and then launched the final attacks with Joaquin Rodriguez, from Katusha, managing to win the stage.
Here is how the conclusion of the Stage 4 of my virtual Tour de France played out in Pro Cycling Manager 2011: