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 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 as concierge to truly optimise the experience. Daily workouts adjusted to the lifestyle and needs of each rider will be complemented by videos and stats analysis.

Compatible with all the major devices, data can be synced directly to the app from a Garmin connect or Strava account.

A 12-week programme for the 3-day events and 24-week plans for the Haute Route Alps and the Haute Route Pyrenees are available for riders of all abilities.

Haute Route Rendez-Vous & Rides

Riders eager to learn how to prepare for an Haute Route challenge can now select from a multitude of events organised globally by Haute Route Ambassadors.

Featuring informative sessions and group rides, the Haute Route Ambassadors aim to connect with riders to answer their questions, share data and tips, as well as encourage the community to join any events featured in the calendar.

These events, available each month at different locations, are listed online in the Haute Route Experiences under Meet & Ride.

Nutrition and Hydration Guide

This season, thanks to the partnership with Xendurance and Precision Hydration, Haute Route launched a nutrition and hydration guide to help riders understand how to properly fuel and hydrate for a multiday stage event; a component absolutely fundamental for such cycling challenges.

This guide explains precisely what the recommended products are and when to consume them before and during the event. Each rider will particularly value the performance timeline, a summary of what to do and what to take from the starting line until crossing the finish line.

TAG Heuer Connected watch

TAG Heuer has been a constant force in luxurious connected watches since 2015.

Following the success in sales and performance of the Modular 45 in 2017, Modular 41 in 2018 and Golf Edition in 2019, TAG Heuer have developed a new product to offer a more refined physical and digital experience to its users.

The new connected device continues to feature the design and craftmanship of the highest standards that Swiss watchmaking is famous for. It also presents a customised and immersive experience to the user.

Understanding that activity tracking is now the most sought-after use for athletes, TAG Heuer allows cyclists to track their sessions, while getting traditional metrics such as distance, speed, heart-rate and duration.