In the stage races i have done i always used a time trial bike and went all out,the effort for a short distance never seemed to bother me, you might have a few hours before your next race so you can rest up.If it is being done on Time having a good Prologue can really help your standings,I would get a good TT sit in in the Crit,finish with pack time will be the same for all of pack then try to get a good road race=top ten most times,at least for me.Good luck

The stage race is on time, not points. There is not crit, just a circut race with a hill and time bonus sprints. The road race is run over Paris-Roubaix like conditions.

Did you make any changes to the TT position? I've got a tri bike now, and have been gradually riding a lower and lower front end position, and tilting the aerobars downward toward the front wheel. I know we speak of compromises in comfort vs. aerodynamics. What are they? I'm willing to give up some comfort for some aerodynamics here!

here's the link to the race:

http://f4.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/cDaxPvtaCvfAmIhXxn2VJdLSu-1k9ajxQ5RF134w9IpaVeyVfXYwGm3d_5uUnD7fYZv_vfCnaQOjegHitnGEA5xSQ2Y/TOURofSEMIflyer.pdf

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https://www.kickstarter.com/...bike-for-the-new-era

It's been a couple of years since I did a TT that short, but the last one I did was around 10k. It was long enough that you do need to pace yourself, as the lactic acid buildup will be excruciating in the last 3-4 minutes. I did not make any changes to my TT position or equipment either, although it used to be quite "aggressive" (I'm 5' 10" and was riding with about a 20 cm armrest drop). I approached the pace kind of like this, assuming a 10 minute TT:

first 30 seconds - flat out to accelerate to target average speed.

Next 4 minutes - back off a bit to RPE 90% should be maintaining speed

next 3 minutes - RPE 95% should still be maintaining speed

rest of the way - RPE 100% (here's where it gets painful). should still be maintaining speed, or slightly faster.

As I recall, I managed to average ~27.5 mph over 6 miles using that strategy, the course had 2 small climbs and one turnaround. Also, very important not to be overgeared, if you are the acid builds up really quickly, as the entire ride is done at slightly over your AT.

Good luck.

J.