Want to know what it’s like to ride a UCI WorldTour stage race?
2021 is your opportunity to find out at the New Tour de Suisse Challenge – if you have deep pockets.
From 6-13 June 2021 amateur gran fondo riders can ride the exact same stages on the same day as professional cyclists racing in the UCI Tour de Suisse 8-day stage race.
The New Tour de Suisse Challenge event promises a unique once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for gran fondo riders. It is the only amateur cycling event in the world that lets you ride every stage of a UCI WorldTour multi-day race and gain first-hand behind the scenes insights into the life of a professional cyclist.
While final routes have yet to be formalized, the 8-stage race will start in Frauenfeld and finish in Andermatt, covering 1000+ kilometers of beautiful and challenging Suisse roads with over 18000 metres of climbing.
Just like the pro team riders, each day coaches, mechanics, soigneurs, chefs and ex-pro riders will take care of you from the time you wake up until your head hits the pillow at night – and every pedal stoke in between.
Amateurs will start stages early in the morning ahead of the pro peloton, finishing with enough time to clean up and watch pros battle for victory from special VIP viewing areas while enjoying a beer – or two.
Riding like a pro for 8-days doesn’t come cheap though. It costs 3500 Swiss Francs (3250 EUR, 4000 USD, 3000 GBP) and is limited to only 30 riders.
The price includes lodging, meals, luggage transport, professional on-road coaching, mechanical support including spare bike, team vehicle support/broom wagon and event jersey.
The organizer also offers a 4-stage version for 2000 Swiss Francs if you are looking for a more “budget friendly” option.
If the New Tour de Suisse Challenge is canceled due to COVID there will be no registration refund, but registered riders will keep their starting place for the 2022 edition.
Full details and registration information available here.
GRAN FONDO DAILY NEWS 