Stage 5 Preview: Endurance Meets Opportunity on Big Loop
Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 September
With four stages complete, the inaugural SISU Punainen enters the business end of the tour.
Stage 5 takes the peloton onto Watopia's Big Loop—a route that rewards patience, endurance and smart decision-making. There are no shortcuts on this stage. Riders will need to manage their effort over the longer distance before tackling one of Watopia's signature climbs, where the race for the Punainen Jersey could take another decisive turn.
The stage features one major climbing challenge:
KQOM Segment: Epic KOM Forward
While there are no sprint points on offer, the Vuorikauris (Mountain Goat) Jersey battle takes centre stage. The Epic KOM is one of Zwift's most iconic climbs, providing a golden opportunity for the strongest climbers to gain valuable time in both the Mountain Goat and General Classification competitions.
As fatigue begins to build after four demanding stages, Stage 5 could expose riders who have gone too deep earlier in the tour. For those still dreaming of red, this is another day where patience and resilience will be rewarded.
Route Preview
Big Loop is one of Watopia's classic endurance routes, combining fast rolling roads with the legendary Epic KOM Forward. Riders will spend much of the stage conserving energy before the race naturally builds towards the climb. Once the gradient kicks up, the strongest climbers will look to increase the pace and force selections, while the General Classification contenders fight to limit losses—or launch attacks of their own.
Unlike shorter punchy climbs, the Epic KOM rewards riders who can settle into a sustainable rhythm and maintain it all the way to the summit.
Coaching Tips
Race patiently. Big Loop is a long stage. Resist the temptation to chase every acceleration early and save your best effort for the Epic KOM.
Fuel before the climb. Eat and drink while the pace is manageable. Starting the climb well-fuelled can make a significant difference in the final kilometres.
Find your rhythm. The Epic KOM is long enough to reward consistent pacing. Ride at a sustainable effort rather than responding to every attack.
Stay mentally focused. Break the climb into smaller sections and concentrate on riding each one well instead of thinking about the summit.
Finish strong. There is still racing after the KOM. Stay alert and keep pushing all the way to the finish.
What to Watch
The tour is entering its decisive phase, and Stage 5 could produce significant changes across the classifications. The Vuorikauris Jersey contenders will be eager to capitalise on the Epic KOM, while the General Classification riders know that every second gained—or lost—could determine who wears the Punainen Jersey heading into the final two stages.
Will the climbers stamp their authority on the tour? Can the race leader withstand another major test? Or will a bold attack on the Epic KOM reshape the inaugural SISU Punainen?
The road is longer. The climb is bigger. The dream of wearing red is closer than ever.
Let's go racing!