The second edition of the Haute Route Watopia is kicking off this Friday, 28th February, with three days of racing. Competitors will cover 149.9km and tackle 3,783m of climbing on the Zwift virtual cycling platform.
The first edition of the virtual event took place in April 2020 and saw 69,000 cyclists from 20 different countries signing up to participate.
“Despite it being a virtual event, Haute Route Watopia contains all the elements which the Haute Route cycling races have become famous for: a challenging course, a number of climbs, as well as a route through exceptional and iconic destinations, with Zwift having customised the roads of Watopia, the platform's virtual volcanic island, especially for the occasion,” says the organisers.
“On the day before each stage of the race, a briefing will be given to the riders on Instagram, led by Fergus Grant – the official spokesperson for the Haute Route – who will give all the information and advice required to make the race a success.”
Nutritional tips will also be provided by Haute Route’s partner OTE Sports.
Let’s take a look at what is in store for the competitors this year…
Friday 26 Feb, Stage 1: Mega Pretzel route, 51km, 800m elevation gain - ends at the top of the KOM volcano
Saturday 27 Feb, Stage 2: Pretzel route, 53km, 1300m elevation gain – ends at the top of the Epic KOM Reverse
Sunday 28 Feb, Stage 3: Quatch Quest route, 45.9km, 1683m – ends at the top of Alpe du Zwift
All participants will receive a virtual Colnago bike and a new virtual jersey from Le Col.
The Haute Route celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and as well as this virtual event to kick off the year, promises six “real-life” 3-7-day events, around the world in 2021.
Sign up to the Haute Route Watopia here.
www.hauteroute.org
OK, fair enough....
Probably. And other anti-social acts. Though horse-riders would be logistically tricky.
...or just push you off and take it from you.
I think the Orbea M31e will be at a more realistic price, also if/when Canyon release an Ultimate CF SL7 eTap this should be around £3,300 (they've...
No, because customers keep paying over the odds for bikes/tech.....
I think this is something that gets lost on drivers. For a cyclist to be annoyed at them enough to engage, knwoing the driver can run them down at...
Great article, really interesting! What are the Cav measurements? Have they changed over the years?
SRAM cater for this via the AXS cross comparability. You'll pay a slight premium but rim brakes are catered for.
“Off the charts faster”...
They weren't doing it permanently though were they? Pretty much the whole point of the video!?