The TORTOUR, with nearly 700 participants is the biggest multi-day non-stop ultra-cycling event in the world. It takes place for the eighth time from the 18th to the 21st of August 2016. In addition to the previous race formats TORTOUR, with its 1,000 km and 12,500 m of elevation gain, and CHALLENGE, with 525 km and 6,500 m of elevation gain, there will be a completely new format for solo riders from this year: SPRINT, with 370 km and 4,200 m of elevation gain. We’re proud to support the TORTOUR 2016 event as official media partner and are giving away a free starter package for the new SPRINT format. All details below.

Landschaftlich hat die Route einiges zu bieten.
Great landscapes are guaranteed

The SPRINT race format is a new, supplementary event to the multi-day non-stop ultra-cycling races TORTOUR and CHALLENGE, that takes place within the same framework and under similar conditions. However, with a distance of 370 km and elevation gain of 4200 m, it will be significantly shorter and can only be raced solo and unaccompanied – more or less a reasonably long individual time trial through the picturesque landscape in the foothills of the Northeastern and Central Swiss Alps. SPRINT makes preparation more simple, reduces the efforts required for such an event, is logistically easier, and facilitates an affordable entry to the ultra-cycling sports in an exciting competition. It also offers foreign participants an excellent opportunity to participate, due to its simplicity.

Streckenvorschau TORTOUR SPRINT 2016
Route Preview TORTOUR SPRINT 2016

Race route: Through Northeastern and Central Switzerland

The race format SPRINT will also depart from Schaffhausen and will take the same route as the TORTOUR and CHALLENGE at first, which leads the cyclists to Frauenfeld and through the region of Toggenburg into the Rhine Valley. In Sargans, after one third of the course, the SPRINT-athletes will turn off the main route and ride along the banks of the Walensee (Lake Walen) into the Canton of Glarus. Riding through the Klön Valley and over the Pragel Pass, the athletes will then reach the Muota Valley and enter the Canton of Schwyz. The route continues over the Sattel Pass to the village of Schindellegi and via the lake dam to Rapperswil. Following the route through the Töss Valley, riding past Winterthur into the Zurich Weinland (Zurich Winelands), the SPRINT-cyclists will finally return to Schaffhausen. Despite the short race distance of “only” 370 km – a real sprint distance in the ultra-cycling world – athletes will get the opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of the pre-Alpine landscape, combining striking sceneries with an imposing mountain backdrop, isolated passes and narrow valleys, deep blue lakes and picturesque medieval villages. Details about the race route are online.

Mit rund 370 km Streckenlänge ist auch das SPRINT-Format eine Herausforderung.
Despite the short race distance of “only” 370 km, the TORTOUR SPRINT is quite a challenge.

Teaser TORTOR 2016

TORTOUR SPRINT Starter Package Raffle

Enter your name and email address to participate in the raffle. Deadline for participation is July 24th 2016, the winner will be drawn and contacted one day later. The course of law is impossible.




Included in the starter package

  • time measurement / GPS-Chip (on loan)
  • GPS-data, route-book as PDF
  • reflecting safety vest and gaiters
  • signposting of the route
  • 3 food and drink stations with Winforce products, etc.
  • finisher shirt
  • finisher medal
06_TORTOUR_2015_08_14_Mystischer-Nebel-Oberalp_Lupi_Spuma__V9A2174

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Words: Aaron Steinke Photos: Lupi Spuma