A tightly packed racing program characterizes the last months of this year's cycling season. At the moment I'm on my way to Venice, where a week-long stage race across the Dolomites and Swiss Alps starts this weekend. The "High Route Dolomites and Swiss Alps" guides its almost 500 participants in a similar way to the somewhat better-known counterpart, the "Tour Transalp", via the stage towns of Venice, Conegliano, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Meran, Bormio, St. Moritz, Andermatt and Crany Montana to Geneva. Almost 1000 kilometers and 20.000 meters in altitude spread over 7 stages have to be mastered.
I think it's the last chance for me to fine-tune the race performance and material set-up before the other races in the fall. The track suits me – I reckon I have a good chance of a top finish – although it is a great adventure for every competitor and the external conditions depend a lot.
As a contender, I can rely on the professional racing support of my equipment partner Mavic, who follows the field of riders with neutral racing support, similar to the Tour de France. Unlike my competitors, I don't have my own advisors, but that doesn't bother me. For me it's an adventure - a week across the Alps - no distractions - just racing.
Preparations for this event have been going on for months. The organizer OC Sports takes care of the most important things such as luggage transport, refreshment stations, etc "Upper Route Alps" already has many years of experience. But it takes more to achieve a top position: nothing can go wrong, no falls, no defects and thanks to the help of many friends who are waiting for me along the route and taking care of me, I'm a little more independent of the refreshment stations. In addition, I have the best partner in Mavic, who escorts the race with his own vehicles and can help me in an emergency!
On Friday, the entourage of the Haute Route reaches Geneva, where I only have a little time to relax before the Ötztaler. But the timing with the Haute Route is actually perfect for me! I'm still a bit worried about the Eurobike bicycle fair, which takes place before the Ötztaler in Friedrichshafen. A must-attend event for every cyclist, and of course very special for me as the team manager.
After two days at the trade fair, I will then continue straight to Sölden, where I will inform interested parties about my team and my other activities in the cycling sector with my own information stand. A bike ride and autograph session is also planned in cooperation with Mavic and Kirchmair Cycling. I am looking forward to numerous participants and a successful Ötztaler for all starters!
Photos: Harald Lehmann