I agree re: Distance. It's odd, but most English speaking countries prefer a round number. The US has their 50 and 100 milers. We have 100k races. The UK has some 100k semi competitive events, and a 100mile marathon (which is actually 107 miles, but there you go...).
Now hop across the pond from Blighty and you get what the course/mountain/valley/village combination serves up. 78.4km? Fine. 110.6km. No problem. The race distances are what they are, dictated by the terrain. The racing comes from the quality of the course and organisation, which attracts good riders, which creates better racing. Distance does not make a good race, but it can add to the experience if used correctly.
Just my two cents.
Smiker
Now hop across the pond from Blighty and you get what the course/mountain/valley/village combination serves up. 78.4km? Fine. 110.6km. No problem. The race distances are what they are, dictated by the terrain. The racing comes from the quality of the course and organisation, which attracts good riders, which creates better racing. Distance does not make a good race, but it can add to the experience if used correctly.
Just my two cents.
Smiker