An ensemble cast of past and present riders is being assembled for a virtual event, as part of the 2021 Santos Festival of Cycling in South Australia. The pro riders will jump on their smart trainers to join hosted rides as part of the Virtual Challenge Tour powered by FulGaz, which goes live on January 21, 2021.
Innovating the event with COVID-safe riding experiences, the Virtual Challenge Tour aims to give cycling enthusiasts around the world the chance to experience some of South Australia’s most iconic ride routes. These virtual rides will now include a series of past and present pros from the men’s and women’s pelotons.
Days and times will accommodate audiences across Australia and the globe. Participation from two decorated former stars of the peloton, include:
- Simon Gerrans – 4-time Tour Down Under (TDU) overall winner, multiple Grand Tour and 2-time monument winner, and;
- Fabian Cancellara – 4-time World Time Trial Champion, 2-time Olympic Time Trial Gold medallist and ‘winner of countless cycling monuments’.
“As a 4-time winner of the TDU, the event is close to my heart and I can’t wait to hit the Adelaide roads again, albeit virtually,” said Santos Tour Down Under legend Simon Gerrans.
Time trialist extraordinaire Fabian Cancellara added, “The parcour put together for Chasing Cancellara Stage 2 looks really challenging. Stuey (O’Grady) tells me the Greenhill Road climb is a really popular route into the hills, and it looks like it’s followed by a punchy circuit into Uraidla. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
More star riders will be announced soon, and participants can register for the free Virtual Challenge Tour powered by FulGaz at Tourdownunder.com.au/virtualchallengetour, through to January 18, 2021, with the event going live on January 21.
Registered participants will be sent video links prior to the rides where they can dial into the hosted ride and engage in the Q&A session with the host and featured rider, whilst riding on their smart trainer.
