Granfondo Rules, Step by Step, Part 5

About Granfondo: Tempo, Taktik, Kettenfett, from BoardGameGeek:

Granfondo is a tactical cycling board game. Each player leads a team of three riders – Sprinter, Climber, and Rouleur – across three different race tracks featuring flat sections, climbs, and descents. Movement is card-driven: for each rider, one card is played face down and revealed in order of the riders' current positions. Cards determine movement distance, while terrain limits, drafting, multi-card sprints, and team coordination influence each turn. Performance serves as both stamina and hand limit. Track effects include climbs with rider-type limits, obstacles that trigger performance checks, outer curve penalties, downhill bonuses, and feed zones granting +1 performance. Team coordination can increase performance, while Doping cards offer short-term benefits at the risk of disqualification at the end. The race ends when riders cross the finish line; after the round ends, placement is based on distance beyond the finish. The top three are tested for doping; points (15–1) decide the winner. Optional modules add tactical depth: positional duels & crashes, the Belgian Rotation, intermediate sprints, rider drafting, the team-based “Race Alliance” mode, and Automa opponents for solo or smaller games. The New Challengers expansion adds up to six players, two additional tracks, and the Legends of Granfondo tournament mode. Tactical Options During the Race are for example: - Sprint with 2 or 3 cards: (Penalties depending on rider type – strongest with sprinters) - Slipstream: +1 space when standing exactly 2 spaces behind another rider - Rolling: +1 space without playing a card (not on climbs) – gains +1 performance if at low value - Position Battle: Once per round fight for an adjacent occupied space (risk of crashing) - Belgian Rotation: Coordinated movement of 3 riders – +3 spaces for all 3 - Play or discard a doping card: Wildcard for team synergy, risk during doping control - Manage performance points: Gain through teamwork, feed zones, Belgian Rotation Lose through crashes, obstacles, exhaustion in mountains - Activate teamwork: If all riders play cards showing at least one matching symbol → +1 performance - Use intermediate scorings: Points for positions at intermediate lines - Draft riders: Strategic individual team selection before the race - Race Alliance (2vs2 or 3vs3): Shared planning, shared performance points