More than 300 participants from 27 different countries will start on Sunday, August 21st in Geneva, for the first edition of the Haute Route, the ultimate cyclosportive.
This extraordinary challenge will cross the Alps from north to south to reach Nice, taking in some sections of the Route des Grandes Alpes.
Seven timed stages are on the program with no fewer than 15 legendary climbs and passes to conquer.
The French Formula 1 legend, Alain Prost, will join the adventure for part of the 730km and the 17,000 meters of elevation that the participants of the Haute Route will have to face to become finishers in this first edition.
“For me, cycling is a philosophy of life, almost a necessity,” said the four-time Formula 1 World Champion. “I ride 4 to 5 times a week; it’s on the one hand a very good physical training and also a big breath of fresh air. Participating in the first edition of this stage cyclosportive is a real challenge for me. There are many links between cycling and Formula 1: the physical preparation is extremely intense, the management of effort is crucial, and above all, the mental aspect always makes the difference. The body has unsuspected resources, but it’s all in the mind.”
“I am really looking forward to discovering the atmosphere, the relationships that will form through the effort, and especially the moments of joy at the finishes and the passes.”
- The diversity of the participants, who will start in 3 different categories, SOLO, DUO or TEAM, illustrates the international enthusiasm that this new event has generated.
Among the registered participants, there are indeed 58 English, 92 French, 13 Americans, and even 7 Australians.
Notably, the youngest racer, Joris Chavanne, just 20 years old, and the senior of the peloton, Philippe Vidal, 70 years old, are both from France.
The Haute Route 2011 is becoming the first cyclosportive in the world to offer geolocation services to all its participants.
Beacons using GPS and GPRS technology will indicate the position of each racer in real-time.
Every day, about 50 participants will have a beacon, allowing families and friends to follow the riders’ progression live on the Haute Route website.
