Um Reifenbreite

Overview

Um Reifenbreite (translated “By a Nose” or “Leader 1”) is a bicycle racing board game where players manage teams of four riders racing along famous cycling routes. Players roll dice and play cards to move their riders, using drafting tactics, breakaways, and strategic positioning to bring their team across the finish line first. The game simulates the tactics of professional road cycling including drafting, sprinting, and managing energy.

Components

• 1 Game board (race course with multiple tracks/lanes)
• 16 Rider figures (4 teams of 4 riders in different colors)
• Movement dice (6-sided)
• Energy cards (limited set per player)
• Sprint cards
• Terrain markers (hills, descents, flats)
• Starting grid markers
• Finish line
• Rulebook

Setup

1. Place the game board with the desired race course (multiple courses available).
2. Each player selects a team of 4 riders in one color.
3. Place riders on the starting grid according to team positions.
4. Shuffle and deal energy cards to each player.
5. Place terrain markers on the course if applicable.
6. Determine starting positions randomly or by team selection order.

Turn Structure

Each turn, players act in rider order (front to back of the peloton):

1. Choose Movement Method

For each rider, choose to either:

• Roll dice for movement, OR
• Play an energy card for a specific movement value.

2. Move Rider

Move the rider forward the indicated number of spaces along the track. Riders occupy lane positions and must follow movement rules.

3. Draft (Optional)

A rider directly behind another rider may draft, gaining bonus movement. The drafting rider must end their move directly behind the rider they are following.

4. Resolve Road Conditions

Apply effects of terrain (hills slow riders, descents speed them up) and obstacles.

Actions

• Dice Movement: Roll dice for random movement distance. Standard movement method.
• Card Movement: Play an energy card for guaranteed movement. Cards are limited and non-renewable.
• Drafting: Follow directly behind another rider for bonus movement. Cannot draft diagonally.
• Sprinting: Play sprint cards near the finish for burst movement.
• Lane Changes: Move laterally between lanes (costs movement points).
• Breakaway: Attempt to escape the peloton by using cards or high die rolls.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

The game is a team competition. The team that performs best overall wins, determined by:

• Team Points: The sum of finishing positions for all team riders.
• Lower total is better (1st place = 1 point, 2nd = 2, etc.).
• The team with the lowest total points wins.

Individual rider placements also matter for stage victories in multi-stage variants.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• Drafting Rules: A rider may only draft the rider directly in front of them (same lane). A drafting rider must end their move directly behind the followed rider and must follow normal movement rules.
• Road Surfaces (Advanced): Different surface types affect movement: cobblestones, gravel, and pavement provide different modifiers.
• Hills and Mountains: Uphill sections reduce maximum movement. Downhill sections provide bonus movement or free additional spaces.
• Wind Effects (Optional): Headwinds reduce movement; tailwinds increase it.
• Crashes: Certain die results or lane-change attempts can cause crashes, delaying the rider.
• Energy Cards: Each player has a limited hand of energy cards. Once played, they are discarded and cannot be recovered. Managing card use is critical.
• Peloton Effect: Riders in a large group benefit from reduced wind resistance. Solo riders or small groups move at standard rates.
• Sprint Points: Some courses have intermediate sprint lines offering bonus points for the first riders to cross.
• Professional Rules (Optional): Add more realistic cycling mechanics including time trials, mountain stages, and multi-day tours.
• Blocking: Riders can block narrow sections of road, forcing opponents to find alternative lanes.

Player Reference

Terrain	Effect
Flat	Normal movement
Uphill	Reduced movement
Downhill	Bonus movement
Cobblestones	Movement penalty (advanced)

Movement: Roll dice OR play energy card

Drafting: End directly behind another rider for bonus

Victory: Lowest team total of finishing positions