Road Cycling Tour (2005)

Road Cycling Tour (RCT) is a road cycling simulation focusing on team tactics in multi-stage races. By means of road/track tiles stages can be built to simulate real or imaginary cycling events. Movement is modified roll-and-move with some additional rules for breakaways and closing gaps (as a simulation of slipstreaming). The characteristics or qualities of the cyclists/riders are represented with 'speed counters' that can be used to replace or in addition to the dice. Teams should generally have a balanced mix of riders with different specializations represented by different sets of speed counters.

A 'beginners' game' and rules for time trials, team time trials, and some advanced and optional rules are included with the game, but given the flexible nature of the game, players can easily make further adaptations to simulate their favorite cycling event. To further explain the most complex rules, a series of picture tutorials can be found in the 'rules forum' here.

RCT is not a short game. It is recommended to play at least 5 stages in a single game, and with 2 experienced players, that would take between 2 and 3 hours. More players and more (and/or longer) stages make the game longer, smaller teams make it shorter but have a negative effect on possible team tactics. However, RCT is played stage by stage, and it would be easy to play different stages on different occasions.

The game is a free download. All necessary files are available in the files section here.

Re-implemented by:

• Road Cycling Tour - Travel Edition

Basic movement is by two custom dice (for results of 0,1,1,2,2,3). Players also use fixed-value movement tokens that come in two categories. One category has normal movement values that can substitute for one die. The special tokens of the second category are used in a movement phase that determines whether riders of a group are successful in a burst of energy to pull ahead of others, or perhaps complete a sprint to the finish line.

The individual movement tokens are restricted to particular types of terrain, as identified on each. Players are given a set of tokens at the start of the game and assign them to specific riders. This effectively lets players create riders with a specialty or skill tailored to different terrains.

Additional rules simulate slipstreaming in a phase that allows riders of a group to close up gaps of one or more spaces that may have opened during normal movement. The exact distance allowable varies with the difficulty of the terrain. In some instances a rider may fall and be injured, possibly affecting riders who follow.

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