Les Géants de la Route (1977)

This cycling game is based upon the Tour de France. The box contains 1 board (46*46cm.), 6 cyclists, 2 dice, cyclist cards and energy indicators. The game consists of 3 different étappes. Every player controls one cyclist that has stars (maximum 3) in one specialty, either climbing, descending or riding on a flat terrain. The stars determine how fast a cyclist can go on this terrain. To speed up there are two ways to attack, either a risky or normal attack. A risky attack means that the energy of the cyclist will decrease. A cyclist can also follow the slipstream of another player, that will cost the one in front 1 energy point. Winner is the player who gets the best overall result of the 3 étappes.

The "Maillot Jaune, Le Jeu de Bernard Hinault" version is based upon Tour de France legend Bernard Hinault, five time winner of the Tour.

The game is of very simple design and we had a lot of fun because of it. For example on several bends it is impossible to fit all the pieces in the correct slots either because the slots are too short or, if you try to fit them in diagonally, too narrow. The adverts and pictures on the board are aimed at a family market. So having a laugh at the very basic construction of the game definitively broke the ice.

However, what kept the attention was when you looked beyond the very cheap construction limitations. The actual play of the game despite simple rules is far from simple.

It seems getting the right mixture of risky and safe attack(Escape if you read the French) and avoiding other people using you for slip streaming through their bad patches is not obvious.

Rule 1:
Do not where yourself out.
Rule 2:
Use your energy wisely
rule 3
Get as much help as you can from your enemies