Concept :
The Session Race would be a points-based cycling race designed to encourage rider regrouping and tactical variety. After each key segment or "arch," a pacer bot is deployed—set to a fixed wattage and distance—once the first rider passes. This intentional pacing slows down the lead group and allows trailing riders to catch up, making the race more inclusive and strategic.

Example on a varied circuit:

Neutral zone: 1 km

Arch 1 (1.5 km sprint on false flat): Pacer bot at 200W for 3 km

Arch 2 (800 m uphill): Pacer bot at 150W for 2 km

Arch 3 (300 m sprint): Pacer bot at 220W for 3 km

Arch 4 (2 km hilly): Pacer bot at 150W for 1 km

Final stretch (6 km flat): Arch 5 – finish line

Benefits:

Encourages varied rider profiles (sprinters, climbers, time-trialists) to shine in the same race.

Creates natural recovery periods, allowing for repeated high-effort efforts.

Enables exciting tactical dynamics and group reshuffling.

"Work around" ("plan B"):
Allowing FTS (Fastest Through Segment) scoring to reward segment specialists would allow to emulate most of this concept (and do much more, with leaderboards, etc).