by Simon Coates
The Olympus Mons Cycling Hill Climb
When people started to live on Mars, it was inevitable that the various geographical features of the planet's surface would attract the attention of scientists and geologists. One of these was the volcano Olympus Mons, the highest mountain in the known universe. There was a building constructed at the top with a road leading up to it, which became the base for scientific researchers studying this geographical marvel. The road became an obvious target for cyclists searching for the ultimate hill climb. Such an event is planned for the end of 2300.
The climb itself will be a huge challenge. Olympus Mons is a shield volcano, but on a scale far greater than anything we know of anywhere else. The unique feature of Mars that made it the giant it became was due to the crust of Mars being stationary, rather than moving like it does on Earth. When the volcano erupted, the lava built up around the volcano, so with the surface of Mars remaining in one place, the mountain that it formed became so high. On Earth, with a revolving crust, no volcano could form such a high mountain. So it was that Olympus Mons became the highest mountain we know of.
The hill climb will be the most challenging cycle race of all. The start is at the base at ground level, with the first five miles going up the vertical cliff face of the volcano. The road up this section is like a typical mountain the French Alps, with multiple switchbacks and hairpin bends. The distance of this part is fifty miles. After that, the gradient flattens off to rise to the very top, with the finish line being two hundred miles later. A further challenge comes from the temperature drop down to around minus fifty or sixty degrees. Add in a landscape which is totally featureless and barren, the net result being a ride of unparalleled difficulty, regarded by many cycling experts as being far harder than any event on Earth.
The one thing the competitors won't have to worry about is being burned by lava. Olympus Mons last erupted 40 million years ago and is not expected to suddenly spring back to life anytime soon.
Olympus Mons Hill Climb Event Preview
The following document is the official event details for the cycling hill climb planned for 2300.
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The MARS ATHLETICS BOARD
with support from the
Earth-based GALACTIC CYCLING ASSOCIATION
the MARS TOURIST BOARD
and the GALACTIC HEALTH ALLIANCE
Proudly present
THE OLYMPUS MONS VOLCANO HILL CLIMB (MOM400)
to be held on the service road of Olympus Mons on Mars, the longest and highest paved road in the solar system.
To be held on 4th November 2300, first rider off at 7am.
On behalf of the organising committee of this unique sporting event, I would like to welcome all riders, support crews, spectators and stakeholders to Olympus Mons for the ultimate cycling challenge. The event offers the competitor the chance to cycle up the highest peak in the known Universe, to provide a unique challenge for cyclists of all abilities and levels.
I would also like to thank the efforts put in by the many people who are involved in some way; from medical staff, race marshals and other volunteers, without which the event could not take place.
I wish all the riders a successful ascent of Olympus Mons.
Thaddeus Drayton
Event Organiser
EVENT DISCLAIMER
Towards the summit of Olympus Mons, with temperatures expected to be less than minus fifty degrees, along with an atmosphere that requires the use of breathing apparatus, the dangers to people in that environment are well documented. As such, riders and their crews need to be aware at all times the hostility of the environment.
Competitors and their support crews are advised to take time to ensure they are aware of the various support notes provided to all teams, which are rules which must be adhered to. Anyone not compliant with the specific rules of this event will be liable to disciplinary action, leading to possible disqualification from the event.
RIDERS TAKE PART AT THEIR OWN RISK
Specific Event Details