Tortour is the biggest nonstop ultra-cycling event in the world in terms of participant numbers, attracting an exciting mix of ambitious amateurs, professional cyclists and former professionals. For this year’s race, Tortour is particularly pleased about the participation of ex-professional Alex Zülle in the Sugoi –Gandola &Battaini team and track professional Franko Marvulli in the Samsung 1team.
The international long-distance race attracts ultra-cyclists and extreme athletes from all over the world such as the Slovenian Marko Baloh, a seasoned Race Across America (RAAM) participant, multiple ultra-cycling world record holder and Tortour Solo champion –to mention just a few of his ultra-accomplishments. The German Achim Heukemes, former ultra-runner and record-setting continent crosser, only switched to cycle racing three years ago. He was the first ever Race Across Germany solo cyclist, and is also competing as a solo cyclist in the Tortour race. Swiss national Nicole Reist, ultra-cycling marathon world champion and two-time winner of Race Around Austria, is the only solo female competitor in the Tortour race.
Roy Bruderer, OC president of Tortour, is thrilled about the high-caliber starting field: “Every year, the 660 participants include some very big names, which goes to show how popular this ultra-sporting event is. Most of the competing athletes are professional cyclists or ambitious amateurs. Tortour has successfully established itself as the number-one ultra-cycling race in Switzerland for cyclists from various sporting backgrounds who share a passion for extremes.”
More information: www.tortour.com
Source: http://www.quattro-media.net
