TORTOUR Cyclocross is the first three-day cyclocross stage race in Switzerland and celebrates its premiere in January 2016. As the crowning finale to the cyclocross season, the ultra format with its 225-kilometre route and 1,700 meters of altitude difference on demanding terrain and in wintry temperatures challenges participants in a sporty way.

"The time was ripe for a race format that offers passionate road cyclists and mountain bikers a new platform to complement their increasingly popular winter training. Gravel road races have established themselves in the United States in recent years. Our goal is to launch an innovative ultra-cycling format for this growing trend. With the length and nature of the TORTOUR Cyclocross race course, cyclocross will gain adventurous components," promises Joko Vogel, TORTOUR and TORTOUR Cyclocross co-founder and organizer.

First chance test run
From January 16 to 18, 2015, a non-competitive test run of the TORTOUR Cyclocross will take place from the Zurich municipality of Glattfelden: The three-day cycling challenge rides through varied Swiss Mittelland terrain and demands some technical skills as well as maximum stamina from the athletes. The group of 60 test riders will test the newly designed and unique route. Adventure-driven cyclo-cross riders are invited to tackle the muddy and cold winter conditions with a predicted maximum temperature of 3° Celsius. A few starting places are still available. Registrations are still possible until December 30, 2014 at www.tortour.com/de/tortour-cyclocross.

Gravel Road Race
This English term originated in the USA and stands for a cyclocross race that is held on gravel roads. Athletes consider such races to be particularly challenging and energy-sapping due to the varied and hilly terrain. Cyclo-cross requires both the adept technical skills of a racing cyclist and those of a mountain biker.

www.tortour.com

Source: Press release