It has just been announced that endurance racers have a new winter racing option. The Tortour Cyclocross is the first multi-day cyclocross and gravel stage race in the world and premieres in Schaffhausen from 12 to 14 February 2016, organised by TORTOUR GmbH. The new ultra-format covers a distance of 202 km and an elevation gain of 3,230m across demanding terrain in challenging winter conditions, divided up into a prologue and two long stages.
After a 13 km prologue on Friday, participants will have to cover distances of 99km on Saturday and 90km on Sunday. The course leads through woodland, crosses meadows and fields, and includes few stretches on tarmac roads. You can race solo or in teams of 2 or 4.
This event opens up a new option for European based marathon amateurs and professionals. While not strictly specific to marathon racing, the event could create a compact weekend of racing and training, without the extra expense of flying to Spain or South Africa for more temperate conditions. Of course, you don’t get the sun either.
Ultra-racing in winter
“With Tortour Cyclocross we want to offer passionate endurance cyclists an innovative ultra-format race in winter, too,” explains founder and event organiser Joko Vogel. “In the US, gravel road racing has been popular for a long time – not least because it combines the technical skills required for road racing and for mountain biking, which makes the discipline appealing to fans of both. The length of this ultra-format adds an exciting new dimension. The test run got participants very excited indeed, and now we look forward to hosting a challenging event on a fantastic route with some electrifying finishes!” So the new race format again promises powerful emotions at the close of the cyclocross season.
All-inclusive package
Starting positions are limited and are sold as part of an all-inclusive package, which includes accommodation, all meals (as well as provisions during the race), and other amenities. Athletes can take part in the race on cyclocross bikes or mountain bikes. All information about the race can be found at www.tortour.com, where you can also register.