Gearing Up for TorTour Summer Cyclocross

Last February, I rode the TorTour Ultra-Cross Stage Race in Zürich. It entailed three stages of snow and sub-zero temperatures, but proved to be fantastic racing (read the report here). This year, I am heading to the Lucerne region of Switzerland for the inaugural TorTour Summer CX Ultra-Cross Stage Race.

This is what I'm packing…


The Event

The TorTour CX is a three day programme: featuring a short prologue stage on the Friday afternoon, and then two longer weekend stages that head out into the challenging Swiss Alps. The total distance is 200 kilometres, almost entirely off-road on gravel paths and single-track.

I haven't ridden in Lucerne before, but I have visited on family walking holidays. It is a beautiful and challenging landscape, with steep alpine peaks punctuated by azure blue lakes.

Racing in February for the TorTour Winter CX demanded the best winter kit available; there aren't many situations where you are racing for four or five hours through the snow. This summer event will be a different ball game, and I will be looking for lightweight and breathable kit to deal with the (hopefully) hot climbing. Of course a good waterproof, to deal with changeable mountain weather, is also essential.

>> Find out more at tortour.com <<





The Kit

There is a common trend in my kit choice for challenging endurance rides; the brand names 'Sportful' and 'GripGrab' feature consistently. Whether for TorTour 2017, or the #7Countries7Passes, I have relied on these brands to provide comfort and technical excellence in all manner of conditions. Both brands feature heavily in my kit selection, as well as a few new arrivals.



The Nutrition

The TorTour CX has feed stations laid on throughout the route, but it is essential to take some jersey-pocket nutrition too. I also always opt for a tried and tested energy drink, rather than rely on the sponsor's offering.

My choice for this endurance race is Project E2 Nutrition.

>> Read my full review of the Project E2 Nutrition range here <<



    The Bike

    The TorTour Summer Cyclocross Stage Race will be my first race on the 3T Exploro.

    The Exploro should be the perfect bike for the mix of challenging alpine terrain and fast link roads that make up the TorTour racecourse.

    >> Read my full 3T Exploro bike review here <<



    Bring on the Swiss Alps.

    P.S. There are still places available for TorTour Summer CX, if you're tough enough! >> tortour.com
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