Finding. In Zeddam, in the Netherlands, the staircase on the Euros cyclocross course has 99 steps. I have not counted. The figure is published, I repeat it.
Firstly, the width. Three metres, throughout. The text states that this is so riders can overtake easily. In 2006, at the World Championships, the staircase was excluded from the course because it was too narrow. A non-compliant installation is withdrawn. A renovated installation returns. That is the order of operations.
Secondly, the gradient. Old staircase: 29 degrees over 43 metres. New staircase: 25 degrees over 50 metres. I note a drop of four degrees and an addition of seven metres. I do not note which is harder. It is not in the column.
Thirdly, each step: 17 centimetres high, 37 deep. At the town hall, the counter has one step. I have never measured it. I will do so on Monday.
Fourthly, the UEC. The staircase meets all its requirements. Compliant.
The course was designed by Erwin Vervecken, who won the world title in Zeddam twenty years ago. He told Sporza he is glad this eyecatcher can return after the renovation. Sporza’s text calls the staircase legendary. That is not a word of the rulebook. I retain 99.
What matters is who is still on the staircase on the last lap.
I note. I do not comment.
It’s true, we checked: Sporza.
