UNDER THE LENS
This season, more than ever before in the history of Haute Route, riders are being presented with a plethora of options to help them reach new heights. Understanding the prevalence of global online training, building on existing data and working with new partners, Haute Route aims to give riders all necessary means to have the best cycling experience possible. This month’s Under the Lens features the new opportunities available. Haute Route Watopia | 03-05 April, 2020 The global success of Zwift, the virtual training and racing platform for cycling, led Haute Route to create the first world’s most challenging virtual 3-day stage event. Haute Route Watopia, on April 3-5, will feature three stages. Stage 1, the Three Sisters, is set to challenge riders with 47.8 kilometres with an elevation of 879m. Stage 2, the Tour of Fire and Ice, will present a time trial of 25 kilometres with a positive elevation change of 1161m. Finally, the event will conclude with the Pretzel, a 72.2-kilometre stage and an elevation gain of 1333m. This virtual challenge will combine the entertaining and fun aspect of video games with the intensity of serious training and racing, while allowing cyclists from all over the world to connect and interact. For Haute Route Watopia, each stage will be 8
held across multiple time zones to ensure that this first virtual event is accessible to many. Each rider will need to complete all three stages back-to-back to be considered for an exclusive global classification. Besides being a wonderful experience, Haute Route Watopia will also serve as an empowering stepping stone to boost riders’ training towards an outdoor event in the 2020 season. Haute Route Coaching Companion To help riders make the most of their cycling experience during the 2020 Haute Route season, Haute Route Coaching Companion was launched on March 10. Powered by PKRS.AI, this tool is a 24/7 all-in-one coaching solution for cyclists. Riders interested will be matched with a personalised team comprising a coach, nutritionist, strength training expert, as well
