The Missing link
this year, our Challenge requires to be versatile and to adapt…
?
Every year we try hard to having you plan a different route than the previous years but so far, and we admit it, we have failed…
…but this year we think we have found the graal:
The Missing Links!
What do we mean by that ?
A missing link is a gem that you will have to ride. It is located somewhere along a segment that runs between two checkpoints.
So where is the catch, it sounds like a TCR checkpoint! Well, the trick is we won’t reveal the missing link before you present yourself, with your bike, your team mate if you are a pair, to one of the checkpoints.
Scratching your head?
Read the sentence again then ;-).
Since the checkpoints define a segment, they will be paired for a total of 4 pairs…and yes, you can choose to ride the segment either way, there is no mandatory entrance/exit point.
Rally these 4 pairs, ride the Missing links, be the fastest to finish in Berne and you win !!!
We hear you : ”how can I plan my route without knowing where to go?”
Your route, which you will carefully prepared in the coziness of your home will have to link the fours pairs of two checkpoints and some of the cantons located “within” the pair.
You see, we are not that cruel in the end :-)!
As usual, plan according to your taste : fast, scenic, hilly … the route outside the pairs is completely free and yours and you can start with either pair you want.
With this new Challenge, there will be a point when you will have to modify your initial route to include the missing links … unless you have luckily planned them without knowing.
Our advice if for your to get comfy with your GPS device and the “how to” change a route on the fly … and to avoid cursing us too much during the race !
We are aware that this involves some digital skills and it might not be your cup of tea … but think of it as a challenge as well as of the brunch at the end.
Pairs of CPs
- Four pairs of two Swiss CPs to be rallied
- The pairs can be ridden in either direction
- Route between the paired CPs has to go through a list of mandatory cantons: one way or the other depending on the CP chosen to start the Missing Link
- of course, if you want to add more cantons to your route, it’s up to you
The Missing Links
- GPX file/ Route on a map will be available at each CPs with the mandatory “Missing Link”
- Happy rerouting (!) from the first CP you choose for each pair to include this mandatory route (Missing Link) in your planned itinerary for that pair until its second CP!
- This little exercise must be done for all four pairs: therefore, there are four mandatory Missing Links.
our 4 Pairs : N -W-E-S (with our 8 CPs)
-
- PAIR WEST: Céligny GE – Basel BS <—-> Cantons included: GE-SO-BL-JU-VD-NE-BS
-
- PAIR NORTH: Aarburg AG – Schönenberg ZH. <—-> Cantons included: AG-ZG-NW- SZ-OW-LU-ZH
-
- PAIR EAST: La Punt Chamues-ch GR – Fischingen TG. <—-> Cantons included: GR-AR-AI-SG-TG
-
- PAIR SOUTH: Ulrichen VS – Versam GR <—-> Cantons included: VS-TI-UR-GR
Our traditional Rules are still here
- departure from any swiss railway station on wednesday 10:10 am
- free route, still unsupported, that’s the spirit!
- pass through the list of cantons this edition requires
- finish line is set near the bundesplatz in bern before sunday noon … as the brunch will open at that time !
So, are you ready to take up the challenge?
Sign up between March 21 and April 10 !
We will then hold a draw, with the number of participants being, as every year, 100 trackers…
for more info, check out our latest version of our RACE MANUAL:
4 pairs throughout Switzerland that need to be rallied
each Pair has 2 CPs, can be run in either direction
- Free route to plan in between the 2 CPs but has to pass through a list of mandatory Cantons from each Pair
- PAIR WEST: Céligny GE – Basel BS Cantons included: GE-VD-NE-JU-SO-BL-BS
- PAIR NORTH: Aarburg AG – Schönenberg ZH Cantons included: AG-LU-OW-NW- ZG-SZ-GL-ZH
- PAIR EAST: La Punt Chamues-ch GR – Fischingen TG. Cantons included: GR-SG-AI-AR-TG
- PAIR SOUTH: Ulrichen VS – Versam GR Cantons included: VS-TI-UR