On Saturday at the 2021 edition of Switzerland’s Tour des Stations gran fondo Raphaël Addy outclimbed everyone to win the Everesting Ultra Fondo race, finishing the 242 kilometre course with 8848 metres of vertical ascent in 09:27:04 at the top of the Croix-de-Coeur. The event was so tough most riders abandoned, including former Tour de France Champion Alberto Contador.
After crossing the finish line Addy said, “I am the happiest of men. I am also very moved because this success is the result of a lot of training, whatever the weather. I never expected to win this event. The last kilometers were difficult; I relaxed a bit when I realized that I had more than ten minutes early. I’m happy to get to the end.”
Justin Paroz was second in 09:38:07 with Guillaume Bourgeois next at 09:46:37. Ex-professional Steve Morabito finished fourth in 10:19:56 612 riders attempted the Everesting Ultra Fondo, with only 33 finishing and the rest bused back to the start in Verbier.
Alberto Contador, who owns the Everesting World Record, stepped off his bike after riding 167 kilometres in 7:49:22 and said, “Crazy day leaving at 4am on the Tour des Stations. It was an ultra fondo for which I was not prepared.”
1164 riders started the traditional Gran Fondo (133km, 4700m) with the Dutchman Kenny Nussen winning in 4:58:20 and Martina Krähenbühl setting the best Women’s time of 5:56:23.
Italian Davide Covolo (2:53:49) was fastest out of 755 competitors on the Medio Fondo course (74km, 2850m) with mountain biking specialist Ilona Chavaillaz the first Women to cross the finish line in 3:34:56.
Complete Tour des Stations results here.
PHOTOS: Tour des Stations
GRAN FONDO DAILY NEWS 