Not ready to hang up the 'cross bike just yet?
The race season may be finished, but gravel isn't going anywhere. And if you're looking for an event to tide you over the next few months then TORTOUR Cyclocross Summer, a new three-day race in Switzerland might just fit the bill.
Taking place from 1 to 3 June around Lake Sempach in Switzerland, TORTOUR Cyclocross Summer is, as the name suggests, the summer edition of the highly popular TORTOUR cyclocross race held in winter.
Around 200 to 300 participants are expected for the new race format, with a 200km route and a formidable amount of climbing (it's Switzerland, after all).
"The TORTOUR Cyclocross Summer challenges its participants with its route over 200 kilometres and crisp altitude difference", explains Mario Klaus, president of organisers OC.
The course is designed to test both technical skills and stamina, with three stages that take in "perfect cyclocross terrain through the wonderful countryside of Central Switzerland."
Entry is open to teams of two or four riders as well as solo entries. Most of the athletes will be riding cyclocross bikes or light mountain bikes, and Klaus is convinced that the adventurous race will be a memorable experience in the minds and hearts of the participants.
The start and finish of the three stages are located at Campus Sursee, Switzerland's largest educational and seminar centre. In between, the participants can expect a colourful potpourri of adventurous routes, a wide variety of surfaces, crisp ascents, fast descents and long gravel roads.
Demanding, but doable
TORTOUR Summer kicks off with a prologue on Friday 1st June in the immediate vicinity of Campus Sursee. It runs over eight laps of 2.5 kilometres and is expected to attract plenty of spectators.
102 kilometres and 1750 metres of altitude difference await the athletes on Saturday's stage, the start of which is scheduled for six o' clock in the morning and compensates the participants with impressive views of the Alps for the effort.
The final stage on Sunday features 72 kilometres and 1350 metres of altitude difference and leads the cyclocrossers over long sections of fine gravel roads.
It sounds like a winner to us - and there's plenty more off-road action from TORTOUR. The new Summer event will be followed by the 10th edition of the TORTOUR Ultracycling race, held over a 1,000 kilometre course taking in Alpine passes around Switzerland.
It's claimed to be the world's largest multi-day ultracycling event for professional riders and ambitious recreational athletes, and the organisers hope the TORTOUR Cyclocross Summer race will follow in its wheel tracks as an inspirational and unforgettable cycling challenge in the heart of Switzerland.
Entry to TORTOUR Cyclocross Summer is open now with entry priced CHF 390 (£291) for solo riders, CHF 690 (£515) for teams of two and CHF 1,290 (£963) for teams of four. Entry includes service stations along the way, event timing, provisions during and after the race, use of a lockable bike garage and a finshers prize.
For full details and to book, visit www.tortour.com.
For a taste of what to expect, check out the trailer at www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3sqow9Vx4Q.
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