Haute Route Crans-Montana,
An Eagerly Awaited Return To Competition For Amateur Cyclists

After a particularly complicated year in 2020 for amateur cyclists, the Haute Route Crans-Montana (11th - 13th June) will mark the return of cycling events. It will be achieved in the finest style for nearly 200 amateur cyclists with 7 climbs spread over 3 breathtaking stages in the heart of the hidden treasures of the Valais.

A WELCOME RELIEF

The recent lifting of new restrictions in Switzerland brings an additional degree of serenity to the organisers of the Haute Route Crans-Montana, having already met all the necessary health conditions of the race's health protocol (see below). It will indeed have the honour of kicking off sporting events for amateur cyclists. This is a welcome relief for the 300 or so registered riders who will be able to meet the other riders once again and get back to the adrenalin of competition. The event encompasses 3 stages covering 223 km through the hidden treasures of the Valais.

"Though we can ride freely, albeit in a small peloton, or meet up in online competitions, nothing can replace the special essence of a real race. I crossed my fingers that the event would take place. To start again with such a wonderful event, we could not have hoped for anything better", Nicolas, registered in the Haute-Route Crans-Montana.
Crans-Montana is a brand-new destination on the Haute Route calendar, the world's first prestigious stage race circuit for amateur cyclists. Tristan Cousin, Race Director, is committed to making an impact in this first edition:

"We are lucky to have a particularly spectacular playing field, on the most beautiful roads in the Valais. It is no exaggeration to say that each bend will offer breath-taking views. But the route is also demanding, and the riders will have to pace themselves to last the distance. The first two stages are over 100km long with 3 climbs each. On Friday, the Col du Sanetsch will be a choice morsel with its 24,6km climb at an average gradient of 7,1%. Saturday's stage will be the longest and Sunday's stage will offer a short but intense and continuous climb with 15.2km at an average gradient of 8.3%.” Tristan Cousin, race director of the Haute Route Crans-Montana.

The event offers a total of 8100 m of elevation gain, making it the most demanding 3-day race on the Haute Route 2021 calendar.

THE STAGES:
Friday 11th of June: Crans-Montana – Sanetsch Pass (96 km)
Saturday 12th of June: Crans-Montana – Crans-Montana (112 km)
Sunday 13th of June: Sierre – Crans-Montana (15 km)

SERVICES WORTHY OF PROFESSIONAL RACES

In addition to offering iconic destinations, demanding routes and legendary climbs, the Haute Route has also built its success on the quality of the services offered to its participants, who will be competing in conditions worthy of professional races. 5 mechanics, 30 massage therapists, 30 safety motorbikes and 8 race cars will be on hand to help them meet the challenge.

They will also benefit from a pre-race briefing with expert advice on how to tackle the competition. Out of constant concern to ensure the cyclists remain in the best health conditions, this briefing will exceptionally take place online.

The race has its own application, developed by Ride With GPS, partner of the Haute Route. It will contain all the practical and up-to-the-minute information, the routes, as well as the daily videos and photos.

A HEALTH PROTOCOL TO CONCENTRATE ON THE RACE

A strict health protocol has been drawn up in collaboration with the authorities to allow the cyclists to concentrate on what is most important: their race. The Haute Route events do not target large pelotons, preferring to focus instead on the high standard of professional service guaranteed to smaller groups of cyclists.

A minimum of 2 metres distance between participants is expected at all times. There will also be directions, masks, sanitiser, and individually packaged food supplies provided by the organisation.


Haute Route Crans-Montana

The bar was set high on day one of the 2021 Haute Route Crans-Montana, with a spectacular course exploring the legendary climbs of the region. Setting out from Crans-Montana, the peloton quickly topped the climb to Anzère before beginning a long traverse of the Rhone Valley through the terraced vineyards of Valais. The climb from the valley floor to Ovronnaz was a beauty, keeping riders on their toes with a top gradient of 13.5%. But it was the final, long ascent to Col du Sanetsch that was the real thriller, taking riders from the green valley floor, to a high alpine moonscape in a climb for the ages.

Stage Two of the 2021 Haute Route Crans-Montana was a stunning and spectacular course through the Heremence Valley in Switzerland. Starting from the famous resort town of Crans-Montana, the peloton quickly dropped to the valley floor to find the breathtaking Heremence Valley. Riders climbed to Vex and onto Heremence, before starting the breathtaking climb to the Grande Dixence Dam.

The first event of the 2021 Colnago Haute Route Series came to a close today with a thrilling final stage in Valais, Switzerland. Riders took on a final sprint to the finish with a 15km uphill time trial from Sierre to Crans-Montana in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Leaving the village of Sierre, riders climbed 1250m to the high alpine pastures above Crans-Montana, where a buzzing finish line awaited. After an intense battle over three stages, it was Guillaume Bourgeois who took the men's GC win. Corinne Waridel held off Sophie Herzog by just two seconds for a thrilling women’s GC win.

RESULTS MEN
Place Last name Category Time
1 Bourgeois Guillaume CH 30-39.M 4:40:57
2 Addy Raphael CH 30-39.M 4:49:32
3 Ruffaut Loic FR 18-29. M 4:55:12

RESULTS WOMEN
Place Last name Category Time
1 Waridel Corinne CH 50-59.F 6:56:07
2 Herzog Sophie CH 18-29.F 6:56:09
3 Alpen Victoria GB 40-49.F 7:02:37

RESULTS TEAMS
Team Time
1. AlpCycles 18h 14' 13
2. RCS 2 18h 33' 50
3. NOMAN 2 18h 35' 43
4. Cycliste.ch 19h 15' 46