A few days ago our logistics team of Gilbert Vassallo, Andy Towler and Soner Gurelli returned from a 10 day trip that we call the LifeCycle “Previsit”. This trip, made on as tight a budget as possible, is made each year so that the logistics team can drive the actual challenge route, log every detail using GPS and written notes, and make decisions on any changes that may be needed. They also try to meet with accommodation contacts where possible and check that the accommodations we have reserved are truly suitable for the team.
Andy, Gilbert and Soner soon found that the cyclists will find this year’s route both varied and exciting, with tough hill climbs, long sweeping downhills, fast roads through forests, sleepy villages and beautiful scenery. It also has its fair share of tricky town riding, because at a number of points the only way to avoid a town centre is either a motorway (which cyclists cannot use) or a very long series of minor roads which would add too much to a cycling day’s length. All in all, a worthy challenge.
In the alpine section there was also the small matter of road tunnels, most of which again cannot be used by cyclists, and so the team had to keep their eyes open for alternative cycle tracks which luckily the Swiss authorities are remarkably good at providing.
Each cycling day has a number of checkpoints (normally 3 or 4), which act as “breathers” for the cyclists, where they can stop for 15 minutes, take on nourishment and fluids, and have any muscle problems checked out. This year’s checkpoints are in a variety of locations, often cafe or pub car parks so that toilets can be used, and occasionally in open country with amazing views.
Though the team were not able to view all accommodations, the ones they viewed (and in some cases booked from scratch) were of a high standard. On at least two nights the challenge team will be able to sleep in bunk beds, rather than on the floor, which will help cyclists and backup team alike to wake up fresher the next day. Some accommodations also have well-equipped kitchens to make our catering team’s life easier.
Everywhere that Gilbert, Andy and Soner stopped, they found people to be courteous and helpful. Jaws tended to drop when the words “2000km in 12 days” were mentioned, reinforcing the fact that the Betfair LifeCycle Challenge is one of the toughest amateur cycling events in Europe.
More photos are available on our
Gallery page.
In the alpine section there was also the small matter of road tunnels, most of which again cannot be used by cyclists, and so the team had to keep their eyes open for alternative cycle tracks which luckily the Swiss authorities are remarkably good at providing.
Each cycling day has a number of checkpoints (normally 3 or 4), which act as “breathers” for the cyclists, where they can stop for 15 minutes, take on nourishment and fluids, and have any muscle problems checked out. This year’s checkpoints are in a variety of locations, often cafe or pub car parks so that toilets can be used, and occasionally in open country with amazing views.
Though the team were not able to view all accommodations, the ones they viewed (and in some cases booked from scratch) were of a high standard. On at least two nights the challenge team will be able to sleep in bunk beds, rather than on the floor, which will help cyclists and backup team alike to wake up fresher the next day. Some accommodations also have well-equipped kitchens to make our catering team’s life easier.
Everywhere that Gilbert, Andy and Soner stopped, they found people to be courteous and helpful. Jaws tended to drop when the words “2000km in 12 days” were mentioned, reinforcing the fact that the Betfair LifeCycle Challenge is one of the toughest amateur cycling events in Europe.
More photos are available on our Gallery page.
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