The rain was definitely the strongest opponent this year. The exceedingly cold weather and heavy rain on most parts of the course made the TORTOUR one of the toughest challenges for both athletes and crew members. The winner of the category Solo Men, Ralph “Dizzy” Diseviscourt from Luxemburg, however, seemed to be coping well with these rough conditions. “The weather conditions were extremely challenging – but it didn’t bother me that much actually. On the contrary, I was doing quite well. I have put my cards on the table from the very beginning, I was leading the field, and was able to maintain a fast pace during the whole race – and it all worked out! ,” said solo cyclist Ralph Diseviscourt about his TORTOUR experience.
As second cyclist in the Solo Men category and first official Swiss ultra-cycling Champion, Markus Amstutz from Wetzikon crossed the finish line in a time of 37 hours and 36 minutes. The Cha Cha Cycling Team from the Rhine valley in St. Gallen could clinch the TORTOUR title as well as the title of the Swiss Champion in the category of Team of 4 Men with a time of 30 hours and 46 minutes. The fastest Team of 2 and also Swiss Champion was the mixed team VMC Liestal – Wirz Cycling Emotions, clocking in a time of 34 hours and 24 minutes. More Swiss ultra-cycling Champion titles were achieved in the categories Team of 2 Men and Team of 4 Mixed.
TORTOUR is the first non-stop-bike-race in Switzerland lasting several days. The event combines the best ideas of all existing long distance races. TORTOUR is designed for professionals and amateurs, teams and solo bikers. The race is the ultimate challenge for racers and the supporting team. TORTOUR starts in Schaffhausen and goes over 1000 km (and about 13000 meters of altitude difference!) around Switzerland. The finish line is at Schaffhausen again. Solo Riders and Teams will need for the race between 32 an 48 hours.
Source: http://www.tortour.com
