Sportguide Bike, 1/2021, english by Rolf Fleckenstein Media

Editorial 2021 - A year of global uncertainty

ear 1 after the outbreak of the global Corona pandemic and somehow we are not really further along. The policies of Europe and Switzerland are nothing more than a panicky copycat of the protective concepts from Asia. Except that this is not Asia. Vaccinations are slow, sport is slow to get going, vacations are still a long way off and numerous major sporting events are on the brink of collapse. You cannot really speak of improvements. The state is harming countless small businesses and self-employed people, but the promised aid money is not flowing or is being denied under false pretenses. We can do without such a state. European politics is weak and helpless. Even virologists are now coming up with the idea that the incidence of individual target groups should be determined in order to proceed in a more targeted and efficient manner than to develop a uniform protection concept for the entire population.

Our big report provides information on this. E-bikes 2021 It's as if every year even more e-bikes hit the market. We've featured some of the most awesome models. Athletes, events and more The most important events and if and when they will be held and which pro cyclists to keep an eye on is in the issue. What's missing is the bike trip to the moon and the rescue of a stranded e-bikers at the Bermuda Triangle. To follow shortly.

The editor Rolf Fleckenstein

Corona-safe biking holidays For our part, I hope we are doing a good job of educating those who want to go on vacation by bike/bicycle and are not sure where to go.

E-Bikes 2021 A real flood of new e-bikes is heading for consumers in 2021. New brands, new concepts, new prices, fascinating. We have picked out the most important representatives that have something great to offer. New e-race bikes, e-MTB and concepts from the 3D printer!

Athletes For many cyclists, 2020 was a difficult season full of hardships and disappointments, but there are also new discoveries. And speaking of which, what are the established stars doing?

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Roc du Maroc Who knows the spectacular mountain bike event, the MTB Endurance stage race through Morocco's desert and mountains? No, unknown? Never heard of it? No idea? Well, then get to know it now!

Events 2021 What events will take place, will the planned races be held? What about the trade fairs? What major events are on the 2021 agenda? Here you can find out the latest about bike races and fairs for bikers and bike enthusiasts.

Along the front A MTB trip in Dobbiaco, a side trip with the racing bike to Nauders in the 3country corner or would you prefer something else? Regions and routes for ingenious bikers and bike enthusiasts.

Corona safe bike vacations Wo auf der Welt ist man sicher vor Corona? Wo gibt es keine Reisehindernisse? Wir stellen 6 Regionen auf der Welt vor, wo Biker unbeschwert Urlaub machen können.

Content 4

This&That All kinds of exciting & news from the world of cycling & the bike industry

Suplest Swiss quality without compromise

Bike Events The most important cycling events of the year from the Tour de Romandie to the Absa Cape Epic

Roc du Maroc Spectacular desert race

Bike News The newest and most fascinating e-bikes in the year 2021

Bimoz in bankruptcy Many speak of fraud

Athletes Portraits of important MTB and road bike athletes and the outlook for 2021

3-Zinnen Toblach Trail Along the front

Countryhopping par excellence Road bike vacations in the 3-country corner Nauders

Ötzi Trail, Naturns

Wetterkreuztrail Saalachtal

Flimjochtrail Ischgl

Bikevacations in times of Corona Destinations worldwide 61 Istria 64 Sardinia 68 Iceland 70 Cuba 74 Madagascar 76 Costa Rica

Imprint

This & That Speedbox

Not in the mood for speed limits? Not in the mood for a 25 km/h speed limit on your e-bike? From the Czech Republic comes the Speedbox, with which the speed limit in the e-bike can be removed. Responding to our inquiry, Matej Hubacek tells us, "In EU countries, the installation of devices that increase the speed or power of the e-bike beyond the legal limit of 25 km/h is prohibited. But many users do it anyway, simply because 25 km/h is not enough. If the e-bike user decides to use a tuning chip to increase the speed of his e-bike, he bears his own responsibility for this decision. We make all our customers aware of legislative issues through operating instructions and our website. However, the sale of these devices is not prohibited and is not punishable in any way." Is there a way to quickly reverse the effect? Yes. On models with a chip with "Hide Tuning" function. The SpeedBox is turned off and cannot be turned on until you activate it via the mobile app. Prices range from €145-275. www.speedbox-tuning.de

Jack Wolfskin

Launches first bike collection Pirelli Scorpion

New tires for e-bike riders The Italian tire manufacturer, which is currently making a name for itself primarily with Formula 1, also offers bikers and e-bikers tires. For 2021, four new Scorpion models for EMTBs are available. The models are tubeless ready tires that can be ridden both with and without an inner tube. They differ in terms of profile and dimension. The models Trail H and M are only available in 29", the other two also in 27.5 inch size. More info from the manufacturer at velo.pirelli.com.

The Jack Wolfskin brand, which belongs to the American Callaway Group, is a major player in the outdoor sector. In view of the bike boom due to the Corona pandemic, the group has probably sensed an opportunity to get involved in the bike business and is actually launching its first bike collection in 2021. No one will seriously dispute that Jack Wolfskin knows how to produce and market outdoor-appropriate clothing. It does have heaps of bike apparel suppliers, but these are often smaller brands that are poorly represented in the market and have a small dealer network. Jack Wolfskin already has its own network of over 200 stores - the lion's share of which are in Germany - through which the new bike collection can be sold. The collection consists then of six pieces each (jackets, pants, jersey) for men and women. Jack Wolfskin can now serve its own customers with its own bike articles. 2021 is probably an excellent year to do this, but many manufacturers also have a delivery problem. Jack Wolfskin could make a real killing with it.

Suplest

Swiss quality without compromise It is a lot of passion that drives the creators of the brand Suplest to create the best cycling shoes in the world. create. In doing so, they are not willing to compromise. by Rolf Fleckenstein

ho knew that behind the Suplest brand is a Swiss company based in the canton of Berne? Suplest, that doesn't sound Swiss at all. The brand name, which is also the name of the company, is derived from the English word "supple" and the French word "souplesse", which means "supple, flexible, cuddly". In addition, according to Suplest, the term "souplesse" is intended to describe a style of riding that is characterized by a high pedaling fre-

quency with little effort. Behind the brand are the two Bernese Daniel Balmer and Robert Gehrig, who launched the brand in 2007 and today can enjoy such impressive names as Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, mountain bike world champion 2019, who wear their shoes, or like Swiss former cycling star Fabian Cancellara. Suplest is not an international corporation, but a handful of experienced, passionate bikers who make something they know exactly how it should be, because they themselves need it every day and are hardcore consumers themselves.

Images: Suplest bike shoes: one shoe model per category: Road Performance (white), Offroad Pro (red) and Crosscountry Performance (green).

Image: Robert Gehrig and Daniel Balmer (from left to right) founded Suplest in 2007.

Images: New Suplest bike shoes 2021: The Road Pro in Fango (top left), the Crosscountry Pro in White (bottom left) and the Crosscountry Performance in Fango (bottom right).

Quality without compromise Suplest stands for high-end cycling shoes of the highest quality, which convince through design, innovation and comfort. Bikers know just how high-quality biker shoes must feel. And the makers want to live up to this claim. The shoes must be the perfect link between rider and bike. This approach does not allow any compromises. Those who have to meet the highest demands rely on maximum quality in materials and technology. In addition, with each new collection, the experience gained is incorporated and leads to a constant improvement of the collection.

timal power transmission and under the category "Offroad" are biking shoes that have a more slip-resistant sole and that have no problems with running passages. For 2021, new colors are announced: the Crosscountry Pro is now available in white, the Crosscountry Performance is now available in Fango and the Road Pro is also available in Fango. Those who pay attention to quality should inquire further and try a shoe at the nearest retailer. www.suplest.ch

Range 2021 - new colors The range is divided into "Road", "Crosscountry" and "Off-road". Under the category "Road" are racing cycling shoes with carbon sole, perfect lacing and lightest weight, under the category "Crosscountry" are mountain bike shoes with op-

Bike Events April 2021 E-MTB Weltcup April 24 - October 17, 2021

Into the new E-Bike World Cup season The new World E-Bike Series (WES) kicks off with its inaugural race in Monaco. Four venues have been determined for the total of six races of the UCI E-MTB World Cup. For the races on June 12/13 and July 17/18, the venue is still open. Although Italy and France are specified as the country, even Ascona in Switzerland is an option. www.worldebikeseries.com/

Tour de Romandie April 27 - May 2, 2021

Repeat 2020 After last year's Tour had to be cancelled due to the Corona pandemic for the first time in the history of the cycling event, the organizers are implementing the same stage schedule for 2021 as was planned in 2020. The 74th edition of the 1-week stage race in French-speaking Switzerland will begin on April 27, 2021, and end on May 2, 2021, in each case with an individual time trial. In between, four exciting stages await the riders, which will take them to Lake Geneva, Lake Biel and Lake Neuchâtel, as well as to the Valais, the Lake Geneva region, the Seeland and the Jura.

104. Giro d’Italia

May 2021

May 9 - 30, 2021

For climbing specialists This year's Giro is planned for May 9-30, 2021, with 21 stages, 3450 km and 47’000 m of altitude. The stages are framed by the individual time trial at the 1st stage in Turin and the last and 21st stage in Milan. From Milan, the tour first runs north and stretches along the Adriatic coast to Foggia in the south, before turning north again, climbing passes, stopping in the fashionable winter spa town of Cortina, and ending up in Milan. Numerous mountain stages and various hilly stages favor the climbing and mountaineering specialists. In particular, Monte Zoncolan on May 22 is a real endurance test and could decide the tour.

UCI MTB World Cup May 8 - September 19, 2021

On the way to normalization After last year's collapse of the race calendar races were held in October alone - they are somewhat more optimistic again for 2021 and have 8 venues on the list. Due to the Corona pandemic, however, the start of the World Cup was postponed to early May - one wants to be as sure as possible here that the calendar does not have to be renewed and canceled planned races. On the part of the organizers of the downhill race in Fort William, England, it was decided to hold the race in 2021 without spectators.

WC MTB Eliminator, Graz (AUT) May 2, 2021

June 2021 Tour de Suisse 2021 June 6-13, 2021

Boring start and exciting finish The 2021 Tour will begin with a time trial through the city of Frauenfeld on a virtually flat course, the goal: average speeds above 50 km/h. For the locals this will be fun, certainly, but from the outside? The 2nd stage is hilly, leading from the famous Rhine Falls over two modest passes or cols to Lachen on Lake Zurich. Oh well. On the 3rd day, it goes from Lachen through five cantons to Pfaffnau. A real Mittelland tour. On the 4th day, the participants ride in a hilly stage over the Lucerne Entlebuch into the Bernese Oberland and finish in the fashionable spa town of Gstaad. The 5th stage is almost idyllic and leads from Gstaad over the Col du Pillon through the Vaud Alps to Lake Geneva and the Lower Valais, to end up in Leukerbad after a tough 17 km climb. Passes await from day 6 onwards On the 6th day, real passes are on the program. From Fiesch it goes over the Nufenenpass into Ticino, to land over the Lukmanierpass in Disentis / Sedrun. This is a real mountain stage through a beautiful region of Switzerland. On day 7, a second time trial with a mountain prize awaits the riders. From Sedrun it goes over the Oberalp Pass to Andermatt. On the last day, a real firework of passes will be set off in one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland. From Andermatt it goes

Date

over the Furka Pass into the Valais and over the Grimsel Pass into the Bernese Oberland. From there it goes over the Susten Pass back to Uri. From Wassen, the tour continues via the fascinating Schöllenen Canyon back to the starting point Andermatt. A great finish! The 2021 tour starts off a bit tame and gradually picks up speed until, towards the end, it's just cracking with great passes and well-known excursion regions. Unfortunately, the Grisons, Valais and Ticino are largely left out. www.tourdesuisse.ch

Stage

Start

Finish

Distance

Altitude

June 6, 2021

stage 1

Frauenfeld

10.9 km

45 vm

June 7, 2021

stage 2

Rheinfall

Lachen

173 km

2375 vm

June 8, 2021

stage 3

Lachen

Pfaffnau

185 km

2490 vm

June 9, 2021

stage 4

St. Urban

Gstaad

171 km

2096 vm

June 10, 2021

stage 5

Gstaad

Leukerbad

172 km

2850 vm

June 11, 2021

stage 6

Fiesch

Disentis

162 km

3724 vm

June 12, 2021

stage 7

Disentis

Andermatt

23.2 km

656 vm

June 13, 2021

stage 8

Andermatt

118 km

3608 vm

1015.1 km

17844 vm

Total

Tour de France 2021 June 26 - July 18, 2021

Balanced The most important road cycling race of the year will even start a little earlier than usual in 2021. Actually, the Grand Départ should have been held in Copenhagen. However, as the focus in the Danish capital is on the European Football Championship, the start of the Tour de France 2021 there has been postponed to 2022. Brittany stepped into the breach as the new starting location for the Tour of France. There according to Tour Director Christian Prudhomme, we can expect some windy edges that will make the race unexpected, unpredictable and exciting. Overall, the stages are very balanced: 11 hilly and mountain stages are met by 8 flat stages and two individual time trials, which means that no specialist, be it sprinter or climber, is favored and the race should remain open for a long time, which should make the Tour exciting overall. The 21 stages and 3383 km will suit all-round riders. www.letour.fr

July 2021 Olympic Games July 23 - August 8, 2021

Will it be cancelled again? Officially, the Summer Olympics are scheduled to be held from July 23 to August 8, 2021. These are last year's games, which were unexpectedly postponed to 2021. Although Japan has excellent corona figures, e.g. an incidence rate of just 6.3 at the beginning of March, rumors have been circulating in the recent past that the government was secretly planning to cancel the Olympics, and to do so in a way that would not cause the government to lose face. Given the current figures in March, this is not plausible, but the reporting shows how fragile the current situation is. If there is no stabilization in the pandemic, the staging of a major event such as the Olympics may again be in question. At the moment, however, the light is green! Shortly before the editorial deadline, it became known that the organizing committee in Japan had decided not to admit any foreign fans to the Games. Anything else?

August 2021 Bikedays, Urban Bike Festival August 4-8, 2021

Combined The Corona pandemic calls for new ideas. That's probably what the makers of Bikedays said to themselves, giving up their event in Solothurn and holding it in Zurich together with the Urban Bike Festival, which usually takes place in April. Better than not at all. www.bikedays.ch

Vuelta ciclista a España August 14 - September 5, 2021

Climbing friendly The last major tour of the year is the Tour of Spain, which, like the Giro and the Tour de France, has 21 stages. Here, too, the tour begins and ends with an individual time trial. The Vuelta opens in Burgos on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the birth of the cathedral there. But of the remaining 19 stages, only six stages qualify as flat stages, which is why this year's Vuelta will also be decided among the climbing experts. From Burgos, the route soon heads to the Mediterranean before returning north to finish in northwestern Santiago de Compostela. www.lavuelta.es

UCI MTB WC XCO-DH August 25-29, 2021

Established Val di Sole, Italy, is an established venue in the UCI's annual mountain bike World Cup calendar. The terrain is made to successfully perform all MTB disciplines. Spectators and riders can look forward to a top-class international biking spectacle at the end of the World Cup season. www.valdisolebikeland.com/en/uci-mountainbike-world-cup-2021/

September 2021 Eurobike September 1-4, 2021

Start up again The largest bike show in the DACH region in the German Friedrichshafen at the Bodensse takes a new attempt, after last year they tried again and again by postponements to realize a fair, but in the end had to capitulate. Exciting for retailers and consumers, although too big. Let's see if it comes to anything. www.eurobike.com

UCI Strassenrad WC September 19-26, 2021

Belgian chance? The 2021 World Road Cycling Championships will be held in Flanders. Here the riders start in Antwerp and take different routes depending on the category, leading to Leuven, the individual time trial to Bruges. Belgians hope that a new Freddy Merckx - 3-time world champion - will take the crown.

Absa Cape Epic

October 2021

October 17-24, 2021

Postponed to October In 2021, due to the Corona pandemic and the current situation in South Africa, it is not possible to hold an international MTB race with international teams in March. One has therefore postponed the race to October as a precaution.

Roc du Maroc, Morocco October 9-17, 2021 Bike Festival, Garda October 15-17, 2021 WC MTB Marathon, Elba October 2, 2021

Roc du Maroc

Spectacular desert race How big the cultural distances within Europe can be and how little we know about each other is shown by this spectacular mountain bike endurance race in Morocco, which is largely unknown within German-speaking Europe. It’s about time that we change that and present this great event. by Rolf Fleckenstein

f you think of a multiday Mountainbike stage race, the first thing that comes to your mind is the Absa Cape Epic in South Africa, which is very well known within German-speaking Europe and is completed by top international riders. You can also find organized stage races in your own country and in Germanspeaking Europe, but surely only a few have heard of the adventure "Roc du Maroc". That was also the case for me. But the more fascinating is this unique challenge, which is carried out within hot Morocco. The people behind Responsable for this event are Gert Duson and Elisabeth Haldermans, who have been organizing

events in Africa for over 10 years, including the "Morocco Desert Challenge", in which trucks, motorcycles, quads, etc. compete in a battle against the desert similar to the Dakar Rally. Elisabeth, who is a passionate biker, had the idea 7 years ago while exploring the Touareg Trail to do something with mountainbikes in Africa. In 2017 they started this event and managed to get 180 participants for it, in 2021 there are now 300. 6 stages in October 2021 The race takes place in October and runs over 6 stages. The exciting thing about the route is the inclusion of the mountains. The participants don't just drag their bikes through the hot desert for 6 days, but climb quite a bit of altitude on the way through the Atlas Mountains, which have peaks that are over 4’000 meters high, and thus get to see and enjoy the greatest views of Morocco, because Morocco has much more to offer than just desert. How much enjoyment and how much ambition there is in the race, certainly

also depends on which of the six categories you start as a driver or rider. Since 2019, a race category has also been introduced, which is why there are more and more Cape Epic participants to join this race. A total of six stages with distances between 65-151 km and 326-2350 Hm wait for the bikers.

The night is spent in the biwak with toilets, showers and good food and in the evening all sit together around the campfire and talk about the stage or listen to the music. At the beginning and at the end of the 9-day stay you spend the night in the hotel. The whole event including flight and bike transport is well planned and costs each participant between

€ 2'050-2'650 depending on the offer and booking period. All in all, the Roc du Maroc seems to be a great challenge that can easily compete with the Absa Cape Epic. In 9 days and over 6 stages you will experience an adventurous mountain bike stage race in a fascinating country with a touch of romance and community feeling in the camp and the magic of Morocco. www.rocdumaroc.com

Roc du Maroc Day 1: Saturday 9.10.21 Departure from Zaventem airport to Ouarzazate Stay & meal at the hotel Day 2: Sunday, 10.10.21 Administrative, test ride of +/- 35 km, load GPS track, mount bikes, dinner at hotel Day 3: Monday 11.10.21 Stage 1: Ouarzazate - Ghasset 115 km, 1700 Hm Day 4: Tuesday, 12.10./21 Stage 2: Ghasset - Ait Toumert 103 km, 2350 Hm Day 5: Wednesday, 13.10.21 Stage 3: Ait Toumert – El Kelaa M’Gouna, 77 km, 1200 Hm Day 6: Thursday 14.10.21 Stage 4: El Kelaa M’Gouna – Alnif, 124 km, 1700 Hm Day 7: Friday, 15.10.21 Stage 5: Alnif – The Mummy 151 km, 900 Hm Day 8: Saturday, 16.10.21 Stage 6: The Mummy – Merzouga, 65 km, 326 Hm Day 9: Sunday, 17.10.21 Journey home from Errachidia to Zaventem (departure at 12:30 local time).

Bike News

Ducati TK 01 RR

The new freeride e-bike from the motorcycle company Since 2018, Ducati has been producing its own ebikes through Thok E-Bikes. This is a very special opportunity for fans of the Ducati motorcycle brand. Right from the start, Ducati has thrown itself into the e-mountain bike segment, and has done so successfully - after all, e-mountain bikes are currently all the rage. In 2021, Ducati will now present its new e-fireball, the "TK 01 RR" freeride e-bike. Equipped is the good piece with a high-quality suspension by Öhlins with 180 mm at the front and a strong damper by Öhlins. The 4-piston brake system with 203 mm discs from Shimano XT provide powerful grip. In front a 29" wheel from Crankbrothers was mounted, in the rear a 27.5" large. The pedaling is supported by a new 85 Nm strong Shimano electric motor. The high-quality equipment should not only appeal to Ducati fans.

Fantic XXF 2.0 Factory

Little known, real downhill e-bike The Italian brand Fantic is not seen very often in Switzerland and German-speaking Europe. That's a shame, because the brand has a really great range. From the range of 11 E-MTBs I have selected the downhill variant. Equipped with a 200 mm DH fork from Öhlins and an Öhlins damper, they have provided maximum suspension comfort. The bike is powered by a new 90 Nm Brose S-Mag motor with 720 Wh battery for a long puff. In front is a 29" wheel mounted, rear a 27.5" large piece, of course, from Vittoria, „bella Italia”. Offered in Switzerland for just under CHF 9,000.00, the Fantic XXF 2.0 Factory is arguably the most capable and professional downhill ebike on the market. A wonder that hardly anyone knows it.

Wilier Cento10 HY

The most beautiful and lightest e-road bike in the world In 2019 we introduced the Cento10PRO with the intriguing "Ramato" design, now Wilier follows up with the Cento10 HY e-road bike model in 2021 with the Ramato color option that combines with the shiny copper and matte black to create a real beauty. In addition, all cables are invisibly hidden inside the frame, giving the e-bike a real road bike look along with the obvious drag advantages. The rear hub houses Mahle's X35+ drive system with 250 watts, 40 Nm of power and pedal assistance up to 25 km/h, which contributes a total weight of 3.5

kg with all components. The low weight of the motor is partly responsible for the fact that the Wilier Cento10 HY is the lightest e-road bike of today at 10.5 kg. The battery in the down tube provides power during 250 Wh and can be expanded by another 210 Wh with an additional battery. Overall, the new Wilier Cento10 HY puts all other e-road bikes in the shade in terms of appearance and weight.

Niner WFO E9

Downhill, uphill lift not necessary Niner is a latecomer to the e-bike market and is only now launching e-bike models. The Niner WFO E9 is a downhill bike with 180 mm travel and 29-inch wheels, and let's face it, it looks great. Pedal assistance is provided by a new Bosch motor from the Performance line, which is powered by a 625 Wh battery. The 12-speed gears and brakes from Sram provide the necessary quality. At 25.2 kg total weight, the ebike is not very heavy considering its dimensions. Fun is not only guaranteed for Niner fans.

Niner RLT E9 RDO

Versatile e-racer The new RLT E9 RDO is designed both for the ride to the office and for a world tour. Frame and fork are made of carbon and push the bike to 17.8 kg. In contrast, the performance motor from Bosch weighs heavily, even if the battery manages with only 500 Wh. Overall, the bike is solidly built and is safe on the road as well as off. Its look is quite unique and will appeal to many and its price under $6000 will appeal to just as many. It's worth a test ride.

BH Atomx Carbon

Power E-MTB BH captivates for years by unique frame concepts, as can also be seen in the new two models on this page. The black Atomx Carbon has a new swingarm and suspension concept and lowered the heavy parts such as battery and motor to lower the center of gravity and improve the balance. The bike is powered by a Brose S Mag motor with 90 Nm. The 720 Wh battery ensures long puff on the trail. 5 models with a range of 140 - 160 mm suspension are available. Who wants to rock the trails, is right here.

BH Xtep Carbon

Lower top tube height The new Xtep Carbon from BH pictured below stands out with its curved down tube. What is that for, what is that good for? The answer is: this allowed the engineers to lower the stand height of the top tube and design a lower top tube, which will accommodate riders with shorter legs or smaller riders. The models are supported by a Shimano EP8 motor with 85 Nm. There are 5 models to choose from in 5 standard colors and one custom variant.

Image: Hugo Koblet on July 12, 1954 on Cilo in front at the 1954 Tour de France, which he also won in the end. (Source: imago images)

Cilo

Is there a concept for the future? Once upon a time, Cilo was the flagship brand of Swiss bicycles ridden by renowned Swiss cycling professionals such as cycling legend Hugo Koblet and other well-known and successful Swiss cyclists such as Ferdy Kübler or later Beat Breu. Cilo was once the bike brand of Switzerland, especially in the 50s, 60s and 70s. But the company, based in the region of Lausanne, went bankrupt in 2002. The name „Cilo” by the way is an abbreviation for "Cycles Jean Lausanne-Oron", with the "J" replaced by an "i". In 2015, the company Colag AG acquired the trademark rights of Cilo. The CEO at the time, Alex Müller, wanted to continue Cilo's glory days. However, in the course of a legal dispute, the company looked for a financial partner and found it in Constellation Capital AG. In 2018, Swiss EMobility Group AG was founded through them, which among other things bought m-way and merged it with the then Colag AG, which is why Cilo's trademark rights are now owned by Swiss E-

Mobility Group AG. In the process, many people have come and many have gone, but a future concept for Cilo is still not visible today. Cilo does not have its own factory (anymore) and the Swiss EMobility Group, in short SEMG, does not have a design and development department. Currently, the company has the new e-bikes produced by the Accell Group in Italy and is also exposed to this supplier to a certain extent in terms of design. The resulting e-bikes are modern and contemporary, but the leadership culture of yesteryear is still missing. There are new models for 2021, but a company strategy for the future is not known. What future is Cilo heading for? How should production proceed in the coming years? And what market position and image is Cilo aiming for? Should there be racing bikes again and successful cyclists riding Cilo? There is currently nothing left of the glorious past.

Image: The new E-MTB model Cilo Diamondblaze CXF°07 29" Grey for CHF 5990.00

Maxon Motor

BMC E-MTB

Standstill (?)

Price crash & shortened product range

We haven't heard anything from the engine manufacturer from central Switzerland for quite some time. In 2019, they talked about launching a mid-engine that would compete with the Fazua concept, but nothing has happened yet. Currently, they still offer the old motor with a maximum of 50 Nm, but that is now really passé. E-bike motors today perform between 75-120 Nm. Without greater efforts, this will not happen at Maxon Motor. At the moment there is a technological lag or even a standstill? The small business with retrofit kits, which is already a niche market in Switzerland, is certainly easier and more profitable for the manufacturer. Will Maxon's electric motor soon run out of breath?

After a long wait, the Swiss manufacturer based in Grenchen had decided to launch its first e-mountainbikes in 2018 with particularly arrogant prices (CHF 5499-12499.00). At that time, the company still had the successful entrepreneur Andy Rihs in the background, who died in 2018. Then reality has catched up. The range has now been significantly reduced. The Trailfox AMP model doesn’t exist no longer and the Speedfox AMP is offered in only two versions for a reasonable price of CHF 4299.00-5299.00. Without a patron in the background, you have to earn the money quite differently and orient yourself to the real market and not to your own arrogance.

Pinarello Dust 3

The first E-MTBs from Venetia's noble manufacturer In 2018, Pinarello shone with its revolutionary electric road bike with a fabulous look and minimal weight. Now the noble Venetian bike manufacturer has decided to get involved in the segment of E-MTBs and brings 2021 two new models on the market, the model shown here "Dust 3" and the orange model "Dust 2". The Pinarello Dust 3 is an allmountain e-bike with 150 mm of suspension travel and 29-inch geometry. The e-bike is powered by a new Shimano EP8 motor with 85 Nm and a battery with 630 Wh. Two 203 mm Shimano SLX brakes provide a solid grip. The Pinarello Dust is a noble alternative.

GT Force GT-E AMP

E-power from the downhill front GT Bikes has also recognized the indications of the time and has been involved in the E-MTB business since 2020. The brand, which gained notoriety with the British downhiller Gee Atherton, leans in this case on the architecture of the hot Fury models. Frame design has always been a great strength of GT. Backed by a Shimano Steps motor, the enduro bike pushes easily through the hills. With another e-fully and three e-hardtails, GT's 2021 e-bike lineup is complete.

KTM Macina Prowler Exonic

Austria E-Freerider Rather rarely seen are freeride bikes with electric motors. KTM supplies one, 24 kg "light", of course in the color of the brand, orange, but do you dare to make big jumps with it? Yes, sure, it's all a question of practice. KTM has been involved with e-bikes since the early days and currently has a proud range of around 90 e-bike models, including 36 e-MTBs. Equipped with the finest components and an 85 Nm Bosch motor, as well as a carbon frame, the good piece costs over 10’000 euros. There are also cheaper alternatives. Only visually it looks a little bit clunky.

Superstrata

Design carbon custom e-bike out of the 3D-printer Superstrata is an e-bike of a new generation and a unique technology. Based on a onepiece carbon frame made by robots and lasers, there are no welds, screws or the like. The frame is made of one piece. Moreover, it is not only light, but much stronger and more resistant than conventional carbon frames. at least that's what the manufacturer promises. And there is another big advantage because of this: no dependence on suppliers from Asia, it is produced directly on site. The design underlines the absolutely futuristic style of the Superstrata e-bike. But that is not all. Each Superstrata bike is unique and is based on the individual body measurements of the buyer, which he must specify during the online purchase process. This is not only modern, but much more accurate than previously known. But for now, the whole thing is still a concept on the verge of realization. On the platform of Indiegogo.com, about $7.2 million has been raised so far out of the $100’000 that was targeted. And another positive surprise

awaits the potential customer: Prices already start at $2’799 and remain very pleasantly in line despite individual customization. The future is within reach. superstrata.bike

Reevo

Galactic! Almost even more extreme is the concept of the new Reevo bike, which also raised around $3.5 million on the indiegogo.com platform, far exceeding the $50’000 target. The design highlight is the wheels, which have no spokes or hubs and are also used to control the lighting. The mystery of the wheels remains one for now, but the price does not. According to information on the crowdfunding platform, this unique piece is already for $ 2278 to have and can be shipped starting at July 2021. The theft protection is also fabulous: the owner can use a fingerprint scanner to protect the e-bike from theft. Sounds like James Bond. The lock in the frame and the additional GPS tracking provide triple theft protection. The singlesided fork and the braking system located in the wheel underline the uniqueness of the Reevo e-bike. But how comfortable and enjoyable the Reevo is to ride is not yet known. The seating position also seems

almost a bit too sporty for the urban bike. In terms of design and concept, the e-bike definitely takes the cake. The eye-catcher par excellence! Too good to be true? reevobikes.com

Conversion kit Bimoz bankrupt

Many speak of fraud

n 2018, we drew attention to the Bimoz conversion kit in our first Bike issue. According to Roland Eschler, the marketing man at the time and later director of the company responsible, the delivery of the new conversion kit, with which customers could easily convert their bike into an e-bike, was planned for May 2018. But apparently nothing ever came of it. This is all the more surprising since at the time they were talking about having to and wanting to generate $165’000 from the indiegogo.com platform to get started. In fact, however, they have generated the amount of CHF 1’553’460.00 via indiegogo.com to date. After prototypes had already been presented in videos before the publication in

2018, the production could actually only be a question of money and that had been received. Why was it never delivered? Was it ever produced at all? Numerous media reports and videos on Youtube, which are still online today, impressively demonstrated the functionality of the new kit, with which a bicycle could be converted into an e-bike. It was clearly suggested to consumers and investors that the drive would work and that the investment in this system was credible and made sense. Now, of course, numerous see themselves bounced, because to date, at least according to investors, no part of Bimoz has ever been delivered.

Picture: Roland Eschler, former director of Z Institute AG and promoter of Bimoz

Company since 2020 bankrupt On 20.04.2020 the company "Z Institute AG", which was responsible for this, was dissolved by the Zurich Commercial Court. With judgment of 24.11.2020, the bank-

ruptcy was reopened, which is why summary bankruptcy proceedings are currently underway before the District Court of Horgen. So what happened to all that money? Did they really put it into a production and where are the products then or did they just put it into their own pockets? In view of this evidence, it is understandable that many investors who have diligently paid money here are angry and talk of fraud. Also the platform indiegogo.com is massively criticized by the investors, because according to statements of the damaged investors it undertakes nothing for the protection of the investors. The evaluation of the platform indiegogo.com on ch.trustpilot.com is therefore negative with 1.1 of 5 stars evaluated. Giacomo Carcangiu, the technical director of Bimoz, is living in Italy, according to the Zurich commercial re-

gister extract. In addition, he can still be found as technical director in the English company Vancor vancor.uk.com. Vancor Ltd is involved in four companies that do not have a website, one of which is Z Institute AG. In addition, Giacomo Carcangiu is to serve as CEO at GCC and Nurtech UK Ltd. Roland Eschler left the companies Z Institute AG and Suisse Solar AG at the end of 2019. It is piquant that as a board member of Suisse Solar AG is named the Italian Armin Pörnbacher, based in Dubai, who is the founder of the English company Vancor, in which Giacomo Carcangiu is technical director. A great network with people who are all based abroad and probably do not need to fear prosecution from the Swiss justice system. We could not reach the responsible persons! The whole thing smells like organized fraud.

Photo: Giacomo Carcangiu, technical director of Z Institute AG, which launched Bimoz.

Athletes Kate Courtney

Fall on rank 63 Last season was a season to forget for the former MTB world champion. The season started promisingly with a second place at the Cyprus Sunshine Epic in February, but then the American took a break like many other athletes due to corona and completed the two World Cups at the end of September and beginning of October. She only scored 130 points in one race with a 6th place. With a 36th place at the race in October, there was nothing to be gained. The World Cup in Saalfelden-Leogang was even a small disaster. All participants had to deal with rain and extremely muddy conditions. The American first suffered a defect while on course for the podium, which set her far back. Later she crashed on her head and had to give up. The result was zero points. The result for the year was correspondingly poor: 276 World Cup points in 2020 means a fall to 63rd place in the international ranking of the MTB women's elite. The American is currently preparing for the new season in California and is full of energy and optimism as usual.

Jenny Rissveds

Question mark In 2019, the former Olympic champion had picked herself up again with a new team after her career interruption and fought her way up to an outstanding 17th place in the international world rankings. Four podium places, including two victories from the total of 8 World Cup races put a strong exclamation mark and lifted her to 1170 World Cup points and thus almost back into the top field. Only the 16th place at the world championship was not to her liking. But she also falls far back again last year to 130th place. Reason: She won the national championship title, as usual, but at the two World Cup races at the end of September and

Henrique Avancini

Finally No. 1

beginning of October the heat was over. Two times 39th place and only 29 World Cup points each time, led to the final result of 158 points and the 130th place. The big question is how it will continue in 2021. So far, she is keeping relatively quiet, training, out in the nature of Sweden, but no announcements. It will be exciting to see what comes from Jenny Rissveds in 2021. There we put a question mark cautiously for the time being.

The hard work seems to be finally rewarded. Two years ago we had published a big report about the Brazilian Henrique Avancini, who had won the world championship in MTB Marathon half a year before. Avancini was not yet so well known, but we discovered a great talent and fighter's heart. Now it shows in results in the Cross Country MTB World Cup, whose leadership he took over last year. In the international ranking he is set at number 1 ahead of world champion Jordan Sarrou and Nino Schurter. In particular, Avancini showed himself to be a workhorse as usual and very hardworking, completing 12 races anno Corona year 2020. However, he not only scored plenty of points in his native Brazil, but also scored 400 World Cup points at the World Cup with two wins and a 5th place out of three races, impressively demonstrating that he is finally among the top of the international MTB elite. Had the Brazilian not had a flat tire at the World Championships, it would have been more than a 10th place and his lead over his pursuers would have been significantly greater. Henrique will start into 2021 with just as much verve. With his buddy Manuel Fumic of the Cannondale Factory Racing Team at his side, he will not only contest the Cape Epic together, but also get what there is to get in the World Cup. All the signs are green. The year 2021 can be great again for Henrique Avancini.

Jordan Sarrou

The new MTB world champion Frenchman Jordan Sarrou has been competing in cross country for several years, but he has yet to win a title. Winning has not been his strong point so far. Sure, Sarrou has always been good for a top 10 finish in the World Cup, but that's about it. How does someone like him become world champion? Certainly, there were a number of things that played a role here. On the one hand, Sarrou behaved tactically in a very clever way. Right at the beginning of the race, he and two of his compatriots started chasing the leader, suddenly pushed the pace and pulled away. We already know this tactic from Nino Schurter. Very quickly a chasing quartet formed including Flückiger, who took the silver medal in the end, Avancini and Carod, who took the bronze medal. But the group could not make up the gap of about a minute on Sarrou. The Frenchman had used the favor of the hour to pull away from everyone and save the lead to the finish. However, this was by no means a coincidence. The Frenchman also won the French championship title in 2020 and was ranked 6th and 15th in the World Cup. championship title, which earns 300 points, now lifts the Frenchman to 2nd place in the international rankings, where he would not be without this world title. He is not known now as a driver who would continue to win. Therefore, you have to start the season of 2021 with a certain amount of caution and should not expect too much.

Titouan Carod

Does he have what it takes to be a star? Last MTB World Championship he won the bronze medal. Coincidence? No. Titouan Carod belongs to the best French mountain bikers and always got a podium place in the national fight. At the World Cup it looks worse, he makes it occasionally on a podium place, but a top place is not in it so far. But at the World Championships, he has always shown himself consistently in the front of the field. Will there be another medal at the next world championships? It is possible. As long as he doesn't achieve more at the World Cup, he won't become a second Absalon.

Pauline Ferrand Prevot

Unstoppable Pauline Ferrand Prevot presents herself in brilliant form. For the past five years she has been diligently climbing the ladder of success in the women's MTB elite and is now at the top and could stay there for some time. She knows dogged ambition and fights for every race. Last year's world championship win not only makes her a double world champion, but she has already bagged three world championship medals, counting the bronze in 2017. She is also currently unchallenged in the World Cup, with a podium or victory in every race. Who wants to stop the dynamic and likeable Frenchwoman? In any case, Corona didn't make it.

Jolanda Neff

Oust from the throne? The mountain biker from eastern Switzerland has been spoiled with success in recent years. The mountain bike world champion of 2017, who also competes in the disciplines road and cyclocross, was always good for a podium or victory. Being No. 1 on the world ranking list, was almost a pleasant habit. And even the various team changes did not seem to affect her. But Corona has obviously reshuffled the cards here. She had the Swiss Championships in the bag, but only a 6th place at the World Championships and an unusual 17th place in the World Cup came out. This threw the young Swiss back to 22nd place in the world rankings. Has this knocked her off her throne? No, certainly not, but with a Pauline Ferrand Prevot it will be difficult to continue the same wave of success. The year has started well with a second and first place, but what that is worth will only become clear in May when the World Cup starts.

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Marc Hirschi

Shootingstar?

Stefan Küng

Updraft Stefan Küng from eastern Switzerland has always had talent, but he had to learn how to turn it into points. Since his switch from BMC Racing to the French UCI WorldTeam Groupama-FDJ, things have been moving noticeably upwards in the world rankings. From rank 163 anno 2018 with BMC Racing Team, the Swiss cyclist has now climbed to rank 21 in the world rankings. One of the main pillars of his success is his strength in the individual time trial. Last year he won the bronze medal in this discipline at the World Championships and the European title. He also won the Swiss championship title both on the road and in the individual time trial. And Küng also seems to be in form in 2021, as he only just missed his first victory of the season in the individual time trial. time trial at the classic Tirenno-Adriatico. It seems that we will hear from him again this season.

Not everyone will be familiar with the name Marc Hirschi, after all, the 22-year-old Swiss has only recently joined the big names in the WorldTour, but he has already achieved quite a bit. Particularly in the 2020 Tour de France, which realization was in doubt for quite some time and for which even the president of French, Emmanuel Macron, personally had to campaign, Hirschi has attracted attention like no other Swiss rider since a long time. The young Bernese surprised positively already at the 2nd stage of the Tour de France with a 2nd place. In the 9th stage he took 3rd place. And at the 12th stage he even shone with the victory of the same. This brought him recognition, fame and points. He crowned the extremely successful year by winning the bronze medal at the 2020 Road Cycling World Championships in Imola. This may not come as a complete surprise given the fact that he took the gold medal at the 2018 U23 World Championships and also won the U23 European Championships. At the beginning of the year, Hirschi surprisingly changed teams and moved from DSM to UAE Team Emirates. According to statements, there had been a crisis between him and the old team for some time. In such a situation, the support of exprofessional cyclist Fabian Cancellara, who acts as Hirschi's manager, is worth its weight in gold. Hirschi is certainly not a flash in the pan, but how he can hold his own in the team and develop will also determine how the new season will go. In view of his outstanding abilities, we can certainly expect positive results.

Primož Roglič

Endless winning streak of the world No. 1 For the last two years, the world number one has always been Primož Roglič. The former ski jumper, who gave up ski jumping after a serious fall and switched to cycling, is an iron fighter like no other. And there are still so many falls, he does not give up. Since his start in 2013, he has had to fight his way up with great difficulty. One of his great successes was certainly the silver medal in the individual time trial at the 2017 World Championships. Since he started participating in the grand tours in 2018, his curve has been climbing steeply. In 2018, he was able to celebrate numerous stage wins at the Tour de France, the Tour de Romandie and the Tour of Slovenia. In 2019, the 32-year-old Slovenian had his big breakthrough when he won the Vuelta, the legendary Tour of Spain, one of the three big tours of the year alongside the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia. He repeated this victory again last year. In addition, he has won numerous stages at the Tour de France, Vuelta, UAE Tour, Tour de Romandie, as well as classics such as Paris-Nice and LiègeBastogne-Liège. And no sooner has the new season begun than it's raining stage wins again, as in the Paris-Nice 2021 race. The man is currently floating in cycling heaven and is unstoppable at the moment, at most with crashes.

Tadej Pogačar

Success rocket ignited Unlike his compatriot Primož Roglič, Tadej Pogačar is almost a rookie at the tender age of 22. He has barely seen the light of day in the cycling world and already he is hitting it with such smashes as winning the Tour de France, the most important cycling race in the world. But it must be clearly pointed out that his palmarès is logically still manageable. Riding for professional teams since 2015, he impressed in 2018 with 3rd place overall in the Tour of Spain. In the national championships, he likes to duel with his compatriot Roglič in the recent past. The fact that he is currently in second place in the UCI world rankings is also thanks to his victories at Tirenno-Adriatico, various stage wins at the UAE Tour or third place at Liège-Bastogne-Liège. In 2020, in particular, the knot has burst for him. In line with his current performance, the year has also started as strong as the last one ended. The young Slovenian is still on course for success. The rocket is now ignited, the talent proven, the age ideal: where does the rocket fly?

3-Zinnen Toblach Trail

Along the front It is paths steeped in history that we are traveling in Toblach. The ascent over an old military road from the First World War. The summit on the border between the Italian South Tyrol and the Austrian East Tyrol and in addition a bunch of "Stoamandl", as a reference to the first and original Stoneman of Roland Stauder. The perfect ingredients for a bike adventure with pleasure guarantee. Text Norman Bielig Photos David Karg

oblach has always been a connecting place. The basis for the development of Toblach was the trade route Strada d'Alemagna, which connected Venice and Augsburg via the Puster valley and Höhlenstein valley. During the First World War the front was on the mountains around Toblach and even today Toblach is a connecting point between East and South Tyrol - whether you take the road for it or, like us, old military paths. We start via the Höhlenstein valley and soon turn off to the Silvesteralm. Here begins the old military road that supplied the frontline soldiers during the First World War. It should not remain the only rudiment of this bloody time on our way. So we climb up turn by turn - always keeping an eye on the ridge. On the walls of some hairpin bends we see a blue sprayed Stoneman symbol and also next to the paths there are surprisingly many "Stoamandl" (Stoneman symbol, Stoneman= alpine MTB race). If you know however that exactly here Roland Stauders original Stoneman runs, the surprise is no longer as big. So we pass at the foot of the Strickberg a stamp place of the Stoneman Dolomiti round. With the last of our strength we manage the climb to the Strickberg while still pedaling. Here we have to catch our breath for a moment and have a look around and enjoy the beautiful view. On one side the Markinkele with just over 2’500 m altitude is one of the highest peaks of the Vilgratner mountains exactly on the border between East and South Tyrol. On the other side the Dolomites and impressively illuminated by the morning light two of the 3

Zinnen. At the Markinkele we still see the remains of old bunkers from the First World War meanwhile they are decorated with a cheering slogan for the Stoneman. This shows quite well how historical infrastructures are subject to constant change. Today, it's just adventurous mountain bike routes instead of bloodily fought-over peaks. The two 3 Zinnen always in view Now it's time to start the descent. From Strickberg we have three possibilities to get back to the Silvesteralm. All exciting, trailrich and quite demanding. A good 700 vm have to be covered and the high alpine trail structure requires a clean driving technique. We start with a broad grin on our faces - after all, we can already

see wide parts of the trail ahead of us. It runs along a slightly curved ridge. Meadow and gravel passages alternate and as soon as we lift our head, we have the Dolomites directly in view. At the same time it is not so easy to concentrate on the path. Again and again we have to stop to enjoy the panorama, so that we can then focus on the path again. But this one also demands our focus and deserves it. The changes in terrain and gradient are varied. From the halfway point, the first trees reappear. First light pines, later the forest becomes denser and denser and finally swallows the path and us. Shortly before reaching the Silvesteralm, we reach the forest road and can cross in a relaxed manner, catch our breath and feel the anticipa-

tion of a good Italian espresso. We enjoy this on the afternoon sunny terrace with a view of a small but beautiful biotope above the hut. From here we return to Toblach of course not without having made a detour to Lake Toblach. This is idyllically located in the cave stone valley and really hardy bikers can refresh themselves here after the trail tour. But be careful - this mountain lake is fed by the Rienz and has no common Central European bathing temperature. After this detour, we still sit at the apero on the terrace with a view of the Neunerkofel and Birkenkofel. We look at the map and have a grin on our lips in view of the possibilities we still have here between Stoneman and

300 km

400 km

Plätzwiesen, between East and South Tyrol, between 3 Zinnen and Markinkele.

Toblach Region Toblach is an idyllic community in South Tyrol's Pustertal valley with about 3300 inhabitants. The most famous peaks of the region are the 3 Zinnen, which belong to the Sextner Dolomites. The region is a real fairy tale land for bikers and outdoor friends. Distance: 400 km from Zurich, 300 km from Munich and 135 km from Innsbruck. Event July 10, 2021 26. Südtirol Dolomiti Superbike Bikehotels Hotel Union***s Dolomitenstraβe 24 I- 39034 Toblach Tel. +39 0474 970 100 https://hotelunion.it/ Hotel Laurin*** Seeweg 5, I-39034 Toblach Tel. + 39 0474 972 206 www.hotel-laurin.com Other Regions & Hotels www.bike-holidays.com www.signature-trails.com/toblach Twitter: #myplace2bike Adresses www.toblach.bz/

Photo: The bikers enjoy the view of the beautiful but fresh Lake of Toblach.

3-country triangle around Nauders

Countryhopping par excellence If you want to go on a racing bike adventure in and around Nauders, you can expect a variety of tours in the 3-country triangle Italy-AustriaSwitzerland. Here you soak up the cuisine, language and customs while exploring the area on your bike. There is hardly a more intensive sightseeing tour: There you have to think of the legendary Stilfserjoch or or dreamlike routes like the Kaunertal Glacier Road. Text Daniel Wakeford Photos Florian Albert, Alex Moling

Bild: The participants of the 3-country giro are currently climbing the Stelvio Pass and conquering its countless hairpin bends.

here already the Romans started to cross the Alps, it is now used by cyclists on the 700 km long way between the south of Germany and northern Italy. In part, it is like a journey into the past. Especially on the ancient trade route Via Claudia Augusta, both hobbyists and cycling professionals get their money's worth. Thus, the route is ridden by professionals to train on it. But it is also popular with many hobby cyclists. The reason for this is that it is considered one of the easiest Alpine crossings and offers pure racing bike pleasure. Nauders as starting point Fun Fact: Within a radius of 100 kilometers there are more than 20 passes that will challenge you and your calves. Of course you can also take it easy at first - just inform yourself about the welldescribed routes on the net or let the locals tell you the best tips of the area. Here the bike expertise is closely linked to Roadbike Holidays. Because hoteliers like those at Hotel Central are also trained guides. Let's listen in to what they have to say about the area: The Ploner family from Hotel Central: "Road biking in this area is a real pleasure. Especially the tours to the Vinschgau or the Engadin are spectacular and a real challenge for man and machine. However, in the vicinity of the hotel there are also far less demanding tours. The special thing about the 3countries corner is also the proximity to our neighbors in Italy and Switzerland. Every corner offers something different, be it the panorama or the varied culinary de-

220 km

Nauders

200 km

lights. We will be happy to advise you, but we won't give too much away - just drop by - we look forward to seeing you!" Excellent service To make your biking vacation a complete success, we recommend stopping at a Roadbike Holiday Member like the family-run Hotel Central. Here you will find the concentrated roadbike competence on site. What exactly does

that mean, you ask? There's a lockable bike room including video monitoring on site and a drying room for clothes, to name a few. Of course, there's also a workshop corner and plenty of goodies like fruit, power bars and snacks on hand. To relax after the tour, a large spa area with sauna and steam room can be found on site.

Region Nauders is located at an altitude of about 1400 meters in Tyrol. Its neighbors are Switzerland and Italy. The village with its 1530 inhabitants is well equipped for guests, as the hotels have more than 4200 beds. The 40 Alpine passes in the region guarantee a wide variety of tours for racing bike enthusiasts, including the Reschenpass with the Reschensee lake. Events June 20-27, 2021 Girodays 2021 June 25, 2021 Nightrace June 25-26, 2021 Race across the Alps June 27, 2021 3-countries Giro www.dreilaendergiro.at Roadcycle Hotel Alpen-Comfort-Hotel Central**** Familie Ploner Unterdorfstraße 196, A-6543 Nauders,Tyrol / Austria Tel. +43 5473 87221-0 https://hotel-central.at Facebook: @central.nauders Other regions & hotels for road cycling at ROADBIKE HOLIDAYS www.roadbike-holidays.com Twitter: #myRoadbikeMoment Adresses Nauders Tourismus Dr.-Tschiggfrey-Str. 66, A-6543 Nauders, Austria Tel. +43 (0) 50 225 400 office@nauders.com www.nauders.com Facebook: @nauders.reschenpass

Ötzi Trail, Naturns

Only something for real bikers

t must have been 10 years ago that I explored the Vinschgau Valley together with friends. We had enough of the welltrodden paths around Latsch and wanted more. So we came to Naturns and came across the Mauslochalm on the map. An original and great located small mountain pasture on the Naturnser Nördersberg. The trail number 5 already fascinated us at that time. Varied, natural and with a wide variety of vegetation. Today it is called Ötzi Trail and may officially be ridden by bikers.

The Ötzi Trail offers first-class biking fun. Flowing as well as tricky sections are distributed over countless curves, roots and drops in the steep forest terrain. The trail entrance starts at the Mauslochalm. It can be reached either by bike or with the Aschbach cable car. From there, the Ötzi Trail goes directly downhill. First over roots, then over stone fields and shoulders. Concentration is required here. The trail, which owes its name to the man from the eternal ice, is truly not for beginners. The brakes of the bike will here cer-

tainly start to glow. More or less arrived in the valley, the Ötzi Flow Trail is the finishing passage of the Ötzi Trail crowning this unique trail adventure. The Ötzi Flow Trail winds its way down in wide hairpin bends and flowing, easy passages to the Waldschenke. And if you still haven't had enough, you can simply pedal up one more time and ride one of the other trails.

Naturns The Trail The Ötzi Trail is not for beginners. It runs naturally down the slope and only joins the Ötzi Flow Trail towards the end. A great trail for experienced bikers. Things to know Greta Weithaler, former U23 XC World Cup rider, comes from Naturns. Together with the tourism association, she is currently implementing her own trail. Best time to travel May – October Location for photos Mauslochalm: Very original and beautiful alp at the entrance of the trail. Overall trail layout: The vegetation changes after every turn. A true variety of photo motifs. Signature-Trail signature-trails.com/oetzi-trail Bikespecialist Riding technique courses & guiding are available at the BikeZentrum of the Ötzi Bike Academy: oetzi-bike-academy.com Bike-Hotels Lindenhof Lifestyle DolceVita Resort****s, Naturns www.lindenhof.it Adresses/Infos Tourismusgenossenschaft Naturns www.merano-suedtirol.it/de/ naturns/aktiv-entspannen/

Wetterkreuztrail, Saalachtal

Offside and yet in the middle

here are many reasons to head for Salzburg's Saalach Valley on your way to Salzburg Land and not to leave it by the wayside: The Saalachtal natural forces, the alpine pasture landscapes,... But for us it is above all a very special trail high above Unken - the Wetterkreuztrail. From Karst and Steinernes Meer The Wetterkreuztrail owes its name to its striking starting point - the Wetterkreuz 1’000 meters above Unken. But the tour first starts with the ascent: From the village, the trail goes steadily uphill on pleasantly rideable forest roads - our mission is the sunrise. In the semi-darkness we

step comfor-tably up the mountain and grin about the rabbits crossing the path. The entire upper part of the path from Wetterkreuz to Unken fortunately belongs to a farmer who responded positively a few years ago to the inquiry whether you could make a mountain bike trail out of this path. The trigger was the photo shoot of a mountain bike magazine, who were also very enthusiastic about the sunrise at the Wetterkreuz, as well as the Salzburger Land Tourism, who, in order to be able to use the pictures, pushed for a legalization of the trail. And so we now have this gem high above the valley. At dawn we reach the Wetterkreuz. Our guide Chris enthusiastically

shows us one or the other ski touring line down into the valley hard to believe given the gradient. The 1’000 meters of depth are covered in a short distance on the side facing the Saalach. Shortly after five, the time has finally come: After we had to keep warm for a few minutes, the blush of the rising sun rises in our faces. The red ball shows up above the Berchtesgarden National Park and travels all the way to the Steinernes Meer (Stony Sea). After a few minutes we can detach ourselves from the warmth of the sun and its refractions on the mountain silhouettes and dedicate ourselves to the Wetterkreuztrail.

Wetterkreuztrail Open your eyes Already the entrance itself is really challenging - passing Karstgestein it goes in numerous curves and windings sometimes more, sometimes less steeply downhill. Here, full concentration is required - and honestly, this is quite difficult, because in the background, the alpine world of Lofer and Loferer Steinberge are illuminated by the morning sun. An almost surreal sight. We try to let our eyes swing between trail and panorama, between Karst at different distances, without risking too big riding mistakes. Fortunately, we can keep the balance quite well. The trail varies in scenery between sparse forest and meadow passages - this variety delights us and, above all, puts a grin on our faces. At the end, the trail leaves us at the farmer's cottage, who agreed to its use by bikers a few years ago. Add-ons The Wetterkreuztrail shall not have been our last adventure today. But first we drive to the Hochalm in the Heutal to tank up new energy. After a sumptuous and, above all, panoramic breakfast, we want to explore the Wildenbach Canyon. The path

runs in the gorge on a narrow trail above the Wildenbach and you have to be somewhat free of giddiness to enjoy it and especially the gorge completely. It is relatively easy to ride and should be perfect especially for mountain bike beginners - this mixture of narrow trail and nature fascination with moderate difficulty is quite a rarity. The Wildenbach canyon was formed more than 11’000 years ago by the melting of the glaciers and the Wildenbach, which runs here, ate its way deeper and deeper through the chalky rock into the ground. Today, meter-high walls rise up, on which, fascinatingly, a lot of green still holds on. From here it is only a few meters to the Saalachtal forces of nature - but we have experienced enough today and prefer to end the day comfortably with a cool beer on the Saalach.

The Trail The Wetterkreuz Trail starts above Unken and leads over Karst meadows and forests down into the valley. The trail is perfect for technically experienced bikers. Good to know Only 2 kilometers away - embedded in the Salzburg Saalach Valley - are the three extraordinary natural monuments: Vorderkaserklamm, Lamprechtshöhle and Seisenbergklamm - better known under the name "Saalachtaler Naturgewalten". naturgewalten.at Insider tip Breakfast on the Hochalm in the Heutal. There you can enjoy an incredibly rich and above all panoramic breakfast in the midst of the decelerating alpine landscape of the Heutal. Destination lofer.com Best travel time April – October Bikehotels Landhotel Schütterbad****, Unken, schuetterbad.at Bike Gasthof Friedlwirt Kraftplatz, Natur***, Unken, friedlwirt.at Other regions & hotels bike-holidays.com signature-trails.com/salzburgersaalachtal

Flimjochtrail, Ischgl

A real experience

here once tobacco and silk stockings were illegally brought across the borders of Switzerland and Austria, today you bike quite legally. In the 18th century, the valley was deprived of the duty-free status granted by Emperor Maximilian and since then smuggling has flourished until well into the 20th century. But the history of Paznaun goes back much further. Already in the 9th century it was settled by Rhaeto-Romans over the Fimba Pass from the Engadin and used as pasture land. The flourishing smuggling trade is thus just another entry in the history book of the valley, which seems to have always been in constant exchange with the outside world. Tourism is probably

simply the next stage in this process. Another exchange and a process that is always in flux. Summer tourism here is strongly influenced by mountain biking and other mountain sports. And this also happens across the board, always in exchange. Not only the Fimba Pass now serves as a crossing into the Engadine, but bikers now also reach Switzerland via the Flimjoch using former smugglers' paths and also back again. It's not the first time I've been up here. And I can still remember a few years ago when I came up here with friends for sunrise. We climbed in the dark and at the top of the yoke we waited, slightly shivering, huddled together for the warming sun. But even before we caught the first

rays, the 2’900 m high Berglerkopf in the Verwallgruppe opposite was lit up in orange. The anticipation of warmth stopped our shivering and we began to grin to ourselves. In a moment it would be time, and finally we too were bathed in soft morning light. The heritage of smugglers ...and muleteers is also present here at altitude. The smugglers' trail leads down into the Engadine and small huts that once served as camps are still standing. Where back then 40 to 50 kg backpacks with goods were carried over the mountain, today we can bike. The Flimjochtrail leads us directly from the ridge line to Idalp, 435 m below. At over 2'700 m the trail starts in this high al-

pine landscape. It winds along the slope in numerous curves, waves and approaches and we have to concentrate hard not to look at the impressive opposite peaks again and again. With more than 2’900 m, the Berglerkopf is the one we like the most. Too awake is simply the memory of the sunrise. At Idalp we meet a group of people crossing the Alps. Over coffee and cake they take us on their journey. Again and again they are drawn to Paznaun, they tell us. Their first two crossings have already taken them on the Joe and Albrecht route over the Fimba Pass and now they just wanted something new and are crossing over the Flimjoch into the Engadin. It is the mixture of the old smuggler stories, the small chapels in the valley and the impressive landscape between the Verwall and Silvretta groups that brings them back here again and again. The Taja Trail After this little refreshment, we are now spoiled for choice at Idalp. We can take the Taja trail down into the valley or return to the ridge and follow the Vellil trail down. Today we decide to

take the Taja trail, which leads us to the alpine pasture of the same name over numerous wooden footbridges and through lush green meadows. We are still above the tree line here and so our view glides over the surrounding mountains again and again. This mixture of flow and in the last section technical challenge are the ideal conclusion for our tour. First high alpine rocky landscape, then lush green meadows and finally forest. So the valley holds not only for our alpine crossers, but also for us still one or the other surprise. One or the other trail that we have not yet ridden. And so we can cross off another trail from our bucket list... ... and add numerous others. We felt connected to the old smugglers, as well as to the alpine crossers. Even if our backpacks were fortunately much lighter.

Flimjochtrail The Trail The medium-difficulty Flimjochtrail in the Tyrolean Samnaun Group provides a good 3 km with numerous curves, bends and jumps for proper flow and lots of fun. The breathtaking panorama high above the Paznaun Valley and the high alpine terrain make the MTB trail a real highlight. Events August 4-7, 2021 Ischgl Ironbike Marathon ischglironbike.com Every year, the Ischgl Ironbike attracts numerous bikers with great stamina to Paznaun. Via the Joe and Albrecht routes, hundreds of people crossing the Alps pass through Ischgl on their way to Lake Garda. Destination ischgl.com Best travel time June – September Bikehotels alpines balance hotel Weisses Lamm****, See hotellamm.at Bike-und Wellnesshotel Fliana ****s, Ischgl fliana.com/bike Other regions & hotels bike-holidays.com signature-trails.com/salzburgersaalachtal #myplace2bike

2 4 6

Vacation destinations worldwide

Bike vacations in times of Corona Anyone who wants to pedal and just relax in a healthy way despite the pandemic doesn't have it easy at the moment. Just quickly mount the bike and off to Lake Garda, it's not that easy. Other Alpine countries and the most popular destinations for biking are mostly in lockdown, or there are travel warnings. Some faraway island would even be Corona-free, but also strictly prohibits any entries. Our big country check shows which countries are now inviting vacation destinations, where the infection rate is low and what you should look out for when planning your trip.

by Henning Heilmann

t's year one after the start of the Corona pandemic outbreak. In the lockdown was enough time to check out the local trails. Now the biker's heart strives to discover new realms. But anyone who wants to travel in 2021 will have a hard time. Almost like a prayer mill, it is recommended to spend the vacations in your own country. But since hotels and restaurants are closed in many places, the radius remains limited and without a stop for refreshments, dreariness soon sets in after the trail. Lockdown in favorite destinations Many top bike regions such as South Tyrol have been at a standstill until recently. There is also great concern in Tyrol, where the South African mutation has spread. Almost all of Italy continues to be in a state of emergency due to the Virus pandemic. In France, too, several departments are affected by virus mutations.

Country

Infected Total

Slovenia, which just enjoyed growing popularity with its single trails, was recently even listed as a high-incidence area in the travel advisories. Bike vacations with the Alps neighbors must therefore probably still be postponed. Worldwide warnings It is not enough that worldwide warnings already dampen the desire to travel. In the Far East, Australia and Oceania, many borders are currently closed to tourists. New Zealand has a zero covid policy and does not allow any travelers into the country. Florida, California and Hawaii are also closed for the time being. Everything can change quickly, though. Anyone who wants to explore new bike destinations in 2021 should therefore always find out about the current situation beforehand.

After thorough research we found regions, which are suitable for all, which want to start perhaps already at Easter or in any case this year with bike holidays. Istria, Sardinia and Iceland as well as Costa Rica, Cuba and Madagascar are very popular in 2021, as they offer a lot of variety for cycling, are currently relatively unaffected by the pandemic and offer good protection concepts.

New longing destinations Before frustration breaks out now, still fast the good news:

Infected/ 100000 Inh.

Dead Total

Dead/ 100’000 Inh.

7-dayincidence

Madagascar

19831

71.6

297

1.1

1.2

Seychellens

2592

2635

144.4

610

0.8

2.3

49161

434

318

2.8

50.1

204341

4011

2800

38.1

Finland

56407

1018

742

13.4

80.3

Norway

70034

1291

622

11.5

78.3

Iceland

6049

1172

8.5

2.9

Thailand

25951

0.1

0.6

Australia

28965

113

909

3.6

0.3

Sardinia

43081

3713

1205

103.8

44.6

Croatia

246540

6075

5590

137.7

93.9

Mauritius Cuba Costa Rica

*Entry bans/restrictions/quarantine Thailand, Australia, Finland, Norway, Seychelles - Istria 7-day incidence below 50; figures from early March 2021.

Istria

Alternative on the Adriatic Sea

Croatia's westernmost vacation region advertises with the slogan "Istria so close" and at the same time can score with low incidence and high safety in the Corona year 2021. Longing for sun, the sound of the sea and the Mediterranean lifestyle?

Istria awaits vacationers as early as Easter with beautiful bays, crystal-clear water and charming coastal towns with world heritage sites. At the same time, the region is still an insider tip for cycling enthusiasts. Curve over cobblestones through Poreč, Rovinj & Rabac and let your soul dangle. Current location Under the motto "Safe Stay in Croatia", the vacation destination Croatia promises the highest safety standards for all partners who carry the seal. For the popular vacation region Istria, travel warnings were recently lifted. German holidaymakers traveling home from Istria no longer have to go into quarantine. Journey Istria is the fastest accessible vacation region in Croatia. With passenger car at present only the approach is possible over Austria and not through Italy. Due to Corona, waiting times are to be expected at borders. Flights from Zurich, Basel, Munich, Vienna to Pula. Distance Zurich-Porec 770 km, Zurich-Pula 810 km.

Entry Negative PCR test (max. 48 h), entry form recommended. Biking in Istria The vacation region of Istria appeals to sporty mountain bikers and racing cyclists as well as pleasure cyclists and touring cyclists. One vacation destination is Rabac in the east, for example, which has its own bike park with trails and guided MTB tours. Bike routes lead through vineyards and olive groves and offer views of the azure sea. Near Poreč also invites a former stage of the Giro d'Italia.

Length: 31 km Ascent: 230 m Time: 2:00-2:30 h 2. route of 365 tastes Type: Road bike Start: Bale (near Rovinj) Length: 86 km Ascent: 810 hm Time: 3:05-3:45 h

Tours 1. from the sea to the Baredine cave Type: MTB Tour Start: Poreč

Poreč

Istria

Pula

Useful Links Istria www.istria.hr Bike Park Rabac bike4you.hr/bike-parkrabac/ Bikesport-Informationportal with many tour tips incl. GPS www.istria-bike.com

Sardinia

Island of the Blissful

Since March, Sardinia has been the first area in Italy to be listed as a "white zone". Since then, the popular vacation island has once again been inviting travelers. Who explores Sardinia on the wheel, meets step by step on testimonies of a millennia-old history. Tours lead from the emerald green sea to the enchanting mountains, where the "Trenino Verde" runs. On guided tours with luggage transfer you can climb up to the highest altitude. Sardinia is not only a land of nuraghi, but also of good food and wine. General situation Almost all regions of Italy are still in lockdown due to high infection rates. However, since March 1, Sardinia is the first area that is officially "white zone". Some weeks the incidence (weekly new infections) was below 50 for that reason

almost all restrictions except MNS and spacing rules were abolished. Bars, cafes and pubs are open until 21.00, restau-rants until 23.00. Hotels, agriturismi, museums, exhibitions, theaters & cinemas are also open. Arrival Due to the lockdown in Italy, arrival by plane is recommended. Flights to Alghero and Olbia as well as to Cagliari in the south of the vacation island. Entry Entry declaration, fever measurement, negative PCR or antigen test (max. 48 h old) Travel ban between regions in Italy, therefore arrival only with airlines (entry from Austria: additional 14 days quarantine and further tests)

Sardinia

Cagliari

Biking in Sardinia Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean, has recently become a popular season opener for road cyclists and mountain bikers. It is true that bike parks and signposted trails are hard to find. However, many local providers on the island specialize in cycling vacations and rent out good bikes or e-bikes. Bike tour operators in this country also have Sardinia in their program. Tours & Events When choosing tours in Sardinia, it is best to contact one of the many local operators and arrange a guided bike tour. GPS data cannot be found at Sardinia Tourism, but only in outdoor platforms. Nevertheless, there are many great road bike & mountain bike tours on the vacation island. Sardinia is full of enthusiastic bikers and offers every year also numerous sportive participatory

races like Belvi Trail (23.25.04.21), Rally di Sardegna International Mountain Bike (30.05.04.06.21) with distances between 100 and 400 km. Always many hundreds of mountain bikers from Italy and abroad participate.

Useful Links Sardinia Tourism www.sardegnaturismo.it Sardinia Infos www.enit.de/reiseziele/ regionen/sardinien/ Rally di Sardegna International Mountainbike www.rallydisardegnabike.it Sardinia Biking www.sardiniabiking.com/

Island of natural spectacles: Its fantastic waterfalls, majestic volcanoes, huge glaciers and bubbling geysers have made Iceland famous worldwide. As a vacation destination for biking vacations, however, the country is still exotic and unknown. Yet every nature lover should have seen the fascinating island once in his life, and in the bike saddle the breathtaking landscape can be experienced particularly intensively. Special tour operators have long been offering bike tours around the exciting island. Who loves the special kick, can book Heli Biken and be flown on volcanoes, in order to rush from there on legendary Lava Trails in the valley. Relax from strenuous tours in the hot springs of the country. General situation Iceland has by far the fewest new corona infections in Europe. This is due to smart health policies that rely on testing, tracking and a Corona app. Quarantine-free entry is also planned for tourists who have not yet been vaccinated. Corona testing, of course, remains mandatory. Currently, entry involves a 5-day quarantine plus PCR testing. Entry Registration form and negative PCR test (max 72 h old on arrival). All travelers must also have a PCR test done upon entry. If pre-registered, this costs approximately 65 CHF/60 EUR. Currently, travelers must then go into quarantine for five days before undergoing another PCR test. However, the list of accommodations that accept guests in quarantine is long and includes over 400 accommodations throughout the island. However,

Iceland

Volcanoes for bike

after receiving the negative result on the second PCR test, the quarantine may then be terminated and the safe vacation can begin. Those who can prove with a PCR test or antibody test that they have already recovered from COVID-19 infection are exempt from quarantine. Anyone who can prove with a valid vaccination certificate (or entry in the international vaccination certificate) that they have received a full vaccination with an approved vaccine against COVID-19 is also quarantine exempt. Biking in Iceland Whether touring bike or gravel bike tours around the island or thrills on the guided MTB adventure Lava Trails: Iceland offers the cyclist almost countless opportunities to experience the magnificent nature up close, and so it is becoming increasingly popular to discover Iceland intensively on the bike saddle. With the "Skálafell Bike Park" (30 min from Reykjavik) there is also a bike park with a lift on the legendary island of the elves, which invites you to downhill. Tours Iceland offers countless enchanting trails among its many natural wonders. But it is not easy to find the hidden trails, GPS tracks are scarce. Mountain bikers are advised to book tours with a provider recommended by the tourist office, such as Icebike Adventures (also Heli Biking).

Rekjavik

Iceland

Useful Links Visit Iceland www.visiticeland.com Entry to Iceland www.covid.is/de Skalafell Bikepark www.facebook.com/skalafell.bikepark/ Icebike Adventures MTB-Touren, GravelbikeTouren, Heli Biking & www.icebikeadventures.com

Cuba

Everywhere in Cuba, you encounter places where time seems to have stood still. At the same time, the island is modern and is developing a vaccine that will also be offered to tourists. Cuba can be discovered very directly on a bicycle. Whoever approaches this too doggedly, however, has not understood the island. It is better to surrender to the Caribbean way of life and to experience the island intensively off the road. Meet the rhythm of its people and take time for a good coffee, Cuba Libre, Mojito or Piña Colada. "This island is probably the most beautiful island that man's eyes

have ever seen", wrote Christopher Columbus more than 500 years ago in his shipboard diary. Many cyclists who conquer the island certainly write the same in their logbook. The lively capital Havana with its Fords and Chevis of the 50ies, endless sandy beaches with crystal blue sea and the mountains of the Sierra Maestra at the southern tip of the island. Especially for bikers the Caribbean island has a lot to offer. Current situation & entry Cuba has been relatively little affected by the Corona pandemic. Upon entry, a negative PCR test

bike tour operator like Bike Adventure Tours from Switzerland.

in paper form must be carried, which must be no more than 72 hours old upon arrival and issued by a certified laboratory.

Tours Those who take on the adventure of Trans-Cuba (the crossing of the island from east to west) on "La Ruta Mala" will cover about 1,384 kilometers and conquer about 32,000 meters of altitude from Santiago de Cuba via Havana to the La Guire National Park and should plan 20-30 days for this sporting highlight.

Upon arrival at the airport, entrants must undergo another PCR test. A health declaration must be made at the airport. Biking in Cuba If you travel to Cuba individually and expect to find a spotless bike complete with signposted touring tips, you will be disappointed. It is better to turn to an experienced

Useful Links Cuba Tourism www.cubatravel.cu Bike Adventure Tours www.bike-adventuretours.ch Infos und GPS-Datas Trans Cuba www.bikepacking.com/ routes/trans-cuba

Havanna

Cuba Santiago de Cuba

Madagascar

Antananarivo

Madagascar

Useful Links "Magical Madagascar" 39-day organized bike adventure trip across the island (Itafy to Nosy Be) Length: 2720 km (29 biking days, 6 rest days, 4 other travel days) www.tdaglobalcycling.com/ magical-madagascar National Tourist Office (Office National du Tourisme de Madagascar) Antananarivo Tel.: +261 20 22 661 15 www.madagascar-

To discover Madagascar in the saddle of a bicycle will remain an unforgettable experience for all those who face this adventure with an experienced special tour operator. From South Madagascar to the dream beaches of Nosy Be: In addition to many combined bike and bus tours, "Magical Madagascar" also offers a crossing of the island by bike in about 40 days. The fourth largest island in the world is often referred to as the "eighth continent" because of the unique nature that has developed here in a long isolated development. Not only the cute looking lemurs: also chameleons, geckos and more than 3’000 butterfly species are at home on the island of Madagascar. 4’800 kilometers of coastline surround the 587’000 square kilometer island.

airport (free of charge). A 48-hour quarantine must be observed until the result of this PCR test is received. This is usually completed in a hotel at the traveler's own expense. Entry visas can be applied for online. The visa fee for up to 30 days is 35 Euro. Arrival International flights to the capital Antananarivo and to the vacation island Nosy Be. Biking in Madagascar Madagascar is so far first considered a paradise for sailing, diving and snorkeling. Those who explore the island by bike, which is only recommended with special tour operators, also experience the many nature parks as well as the people of the island directly.

General situation The safety of travelers from Covid-19 is a top priority in Madagascar. In a charter, which is available at the hotel reception, the country and the participating companies have committed themselves to numerous measures: Covid-19 contact person, mask, hygiene, cleaning, ventilation and disinfection, among others. Entry A negative PCR test, no older than 72 hours, must be presented prior to travel. Upon arrival, travelers will be tested again at the

Costa Rica

More than half of Costa Rica is covered with dense rainforest. The lush nature of the country is known for its volcanoes and waterfalls. Paradisiacal beaches line the coast and the country has been considered a model of sustainable tourism for years. Fantastic vacation conditions, but also for bikers?

Costa Rica is an enthusiastic cycling nation and regularly organizes both road and mountain bike events for sporty cycling professionals. Over 400,000 bikers testify to the popularity of the sport. Enthusiastic bikers can expect countless kilometers of dirt roads and trails on extremely varied terrain in this Central American country. Early in the morning, bi-

kers are awakened by the polyphonic concert of jungle birds and, after a day full of discoveries, are spoiled with lovingly prepared local dishes. Costa Rica invites you to bike in nature reserves with exotic animal and plant diversity and to relax on junglelined dream beaches.

Current situation Costa Rica is now less affected by COVID-19. Currently, the number of daily new infections is decreasing nationwide. Vaccinations have started. Most recently, the number was below 50 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants.

quired. Entry for tourists by land is prohibited. Completion of an online health form prior to travel (QR code must be presented upon entry) as well as health insurance that also covers Covid 19 disease (proof in Spanish or English) are mandatory.

Entry Tourist entry is only possible by air to San José or Liberia. Neither PCR test nor quarantine are re-

Tours Popular day tours outside of San José include the Irazú and Poás volcanoes or the Orosi Valley high mountains. More challenging tours include the high mountains of Talamanca, the central volcanic mountains, the mountains of Guanacaste and Tilarán, and the beautiful valleys and plains along the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.

San José

Costa Rica

Usseful Adresses & Links

Costa Rica Tourism Board San José Telefon 00506-2299-5800 www.visitcostarica.com

Bike vacations with guided tours in Costa Rica are offered by Bike Adventure Tours, Hauser Exkursionen and Biketeam Rad-reisen, among others. Tour 1: Poasito - Varablanca Waterfall La Paz - La Virgen de Sarapiqui Type: MTB Tour Start: Poasito Length: 61 km Ascent: 1099 hm

We are family

The family hotel Post in Serfaus You want to spend a cozy vacation with the family or long for a romantic getaway with your better half? Do you want to shred the excellent trails of the area all day long? Whatever your vacation motivation is the Posthotel (post-serfaus.at) always hits the right note. As a family, you can expect personal service with many great inclusive services, as only a family hotel can. Examples pleasing? How about cooking classes for kids and teens or a bike session with the in-house guides? Whether in the family clan or with your partner - the wonderful mountain air, cozy huts and numerous bike routes will more than sweeten your stay. Have we already mentioned the wellness area? Put your legs up and relax in the relaxed atmosphere of the sauna area. More info for your next mountain bike vacation. www.bike-holidays.com. #MyPlace2Bike

Hotel Lungomare

Dolce Vita on the Adriatic Coast Whether on the so-called salt route along the coast with a whole 0.0 meters of altitude or full-throttle events and training camps: the Hotel Lungomare (lungomarebikehotel.com) lives road biking. Of course, it also lives the Bella Italia lifestyle: here you'll find dolce vita as far as the eye can see. Both in the hotel in a cozy atmosphere and in the form of tour provisions: You want to have a good breakfast to start the day on the bike optimally? Check! Bars and fruit for the tour? Check! Delicious after-ride meals followed by a spa stay? In any case! And of course, the hotel will provide all GPS data upon request. You don't want to navigate yourself? Then just take a guide who will show you the most beautiful corners of this beautiful area. Enjoy the long racing bike season and discover the numerous highlights of the area such as the beach of Cesenatico, the dwarf state of San Marino or the Marco Pantani Museum. More info about Roadbike Holidays: roadbike-holidays.com. #myRoadbikeMoment

Imprint Publisher Rolf Fleckenstein Media Alte Landstr. 168, CH-8800 Thalwil, Schweiz Tel. +41-44-720 99 55 Fax +41-44-721 00 35 Email: info@sportguide.ch www.sportguide.ch Editor Rolf Fleckenstein Editorial Collaboration Henning Heilmann, Norman Bielig, Daniel Wakeford, Rolf Fleckenstein Photos, Sorces Cover: Marc Hirschi/imago images/Panoramic Int. Inside pages:: EVENTS: imago-images/Mario Stiehl, Claudio Furlan, Rolf Simeon, Sirotti, Rene Schulz, Kyodo News, Zuma Wire/Adrian Baul, Red Bull, Absa Cape Epic; ATHLETES: Kate Cortney, Avancini, Jenny Rissvbeds/Red Bull Content Pool; other Athletes: imago-images/Eibner europa, Belga/Davis Stockman, Mario Stiehl, Panoramic Int., La Presse; TOBLACH: David Karg; NAUDERS: TVB Tiroler Oberland /Florian Albert, Alex Moling; NATURNS: Source Tourism Association / Thomas Gründer; ISCHGL, SAALACHTAL: David Karg; ISTRIEN: Tourism board Istria/Frank Heuer, Istria-Bike; SARDINIEN: Sardinia Tourism/Marcello Olla, Pixabay, Rallye di Sardegna; ISLAND: Island Tourismus, Pixabay, Icebikeadventures; KUBA: Pixabay, Bike Adventure Tours; MADAGASCAR: Pixabay, Ke Adventure; COSTA RICA: Tourist board Costa Rica, Pixabay, Race La Ruta Where not mentioned separately Image archives of the manufacturers & brands; Archive publisher Rolf Fleckenstein Media Advertisement info@sportguide.ch Suscriptions, orders info@sportguide.ch Printin house Aumüller Druck GmbH 93001 Regensburg Copyright © All contributions and editorial content are protected by copyright and are subject to the exclusive copyright of the publisher. No part of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher.

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Sportguide Bike, 1/2021, english

Articles inside

Istria

Costa Rica

Sardinia

Madagascar

Cuba

Roc du Maroc

Iceland