THE BEST 100KM LOOP IN EUROPE. THE EVENT WITH A SERIOUS CLIMBING PUNCH
3,000M CLIMBING, STARTING WITH THE INFAMOUS SAN GOTTARDO PASS - A COBBLED ALPINE CLIMB KNOWN AS THE PARIS-ROUBAIX DES ALPES. BE PREPARED FOR lots of hairpins AND FAST DESCENTS.
Although relatively short, this is an event with a serious climbing punch, with more than 3,000m of ascending AND WAS VOTED THE BEST 100KM LOOP IN EUROPE BY CYCLING PLUS MAGAZINE. YOU WILL EXPERIENCE THE cobbles of San Gottardo DATING BACK TO 1832. this is a swiss monument. followed by a long descent, the Furka pass then appears and james bond avenue where goldfinger was filmed. Another fast descent past the most famous closed hotel, Hotel Belvédère. The final climb is the 2nd highest paved road in Switzerland, the nufenen pass at 2,278m; the toughest of the lot, before an incredible 26km descent to the start finsih line.
It is an event that requires endurance and skill; be prepared for cobbles and fast descents.
Transfer logistics (Train from Zurich Airport or Transfer from Geneva Airport).
Registration to the Gran Fondo San Gottardo sportive.
3 nights Bed & Breakfast accommodation. Excluding dinner, lunch & drinks.
All GPX files for both the training and event day.
Complimentary sports nutrition.
READY TO BOOK?
ITINERARY
Day 0: Arrive Airolo
Transfer pick-up from Airolo train station which will take you to our base where you will bike able to unpack and prepare your bike. A team dinner and introductions followed by a briefing about the plan for the following day.
Day 1: Warm-up Passo San Gottardo Ride
We will enjoy a gentle supported ride up the Passo San Gottardo to calm any nerves about cycling on the cobbles and techniques for a smoother ride. It also provides you the time to take lots of photos of this epic Swiss monument! The aim is to spin the legs and loosen things up for the challenge the following day. Lunch will be at the top of the climb next to the lake.
In the afternoon we will visit the race village, pick up race numbers and sample the pre-race atmosphere. The rest of the afternoon will be free to relax and make final preparations for race day.
A delicious team dinner is served in a local restaurant and a chat about final preparations before the race takes place.
Day 2: RACE DAY - Gran fondo San Gottardo
Distance: Long - 113.5km/70miles, Medium - 53km/32miles, Short - 42.5km/26miles
Elevation Gain: Long - 3,000m/9842ft, Medium - 1,330m/4,363ft, Short - 930m/3,051ft
Major Climbs: Passo San Gottardo 2,106m,12km distance, 6.8% Avg. Gradient. Furka Pass, 2,429m, 12.5km distance, 7.2% Avg. Gradient, Max Gradient 11%. Nufenen Pass 2,480m, 14.3km, Avg. Gradient 7.9% Max Gradient 12.5%
An early breakfast is served to get everyone prepared for the race before riding to the start line together (weather dependant) for a quick Swiss espresso. The Kudos team will be there to take any extra gear and provide some last encouraging words!
Following the race, a refreshing shower and perhaps a power nap await you back at the hotel. We will then reward our efforts of the day with some great food and drink in a local restaurant.
Day 3: DEPART
The Kudos Team will provide transfers to Airolo train station for your journey home.