Etape Suisse announces 2016 event dates

Etape Suisse, the organiser and promoter of luxury cycling sportives, has released its calendar of events for 2016.

This follows the company’s final trip of 2015, the blue riband event in Grindelwald Switzerland, featuring 2011 Tour de France winner, Cadel Evans.

Here, Etape Suisse took riders and guests on a three-day festival of cycling and fine dining in the Eiger village. The cyclists picked up tips from Cadel, one of the top riders of his era. As well as a Tour de France winner, he’s a four time Olympian and was the first Australian to win the UCI ProTour (2007) and the UCI Road World Championships (2009).

On the trip, Cadel took time out to reflect on what makes Etape Suisse events special. He said: “We’re here by Lake Brienzersee, for another day, the weather is even better today, yesterday we went just above Lake Thunersee, in my opinion it is one of the most beautiful roads in Switzerland. Lovely rides, good company, nice lunch stops, plenty of coffee stops - we’re not going to go hungry – that’s for sure. But most of all, the beautiful roads, amazing scenery and just being around the mountains here in Grindelwald, and waking up with the Eiger above you in the morning, is something that makes you feel very lucky to come out and be on your bike every day.”

With its 2015 events now wrapped up, all eyes are on Etape Suisse’s plans for 2016. Highlights of the calendar include:

Etape Suisse Ibiza

Stay at Aguas de Ibiza, in a quiet part of the island overlooking stunning scenery and 10 kilometres of coastline.

Thursday 21 April - Sunday 24 April 2016

Etape Suisse Provence

Stay at La Coquillade, a 5-star luxury hotel in Gargas in Provence in the foothills of the Luber.

Thursday 19 May – Sunday 22 May 2016

Etape Suisse Gstaad & Velodrome

Cycle with Cadel Evans and Michael Vaughan OBE, captain of England’s 2005 Ashes winning team.

Thursday 16 June – Sunday 19 June 2016

Chiltern Cycling Festival

Held at Penn House, Buckinghamshire, the festival takes in climbs featured in the Tour of Britain.

Sunday 10 July 2015 (TBC)

Chenies Velo Classique

The three distances of sportive - 100, 60 and 30 mile – is based in and around the Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire - just north of London

Monday 29 August 2016 (TBC)

Marlow Red Kite Ride

The friendly event gives riders the option of four routes from 50 to 125 miles, including full route signage and well-stocked feed stations.

Sunday 4 September 2016

Etape Suisse Grindelwald & Velodrome

Stay in an exquisite suite at Chalet Rotstocki or Chalet Ostegg and enjoy breathtaking views of the world famous Eiger North Wall and surrounding peaks.

Thursday 15 September – Sunday 18 September 2016

Looking forward to 2016, Sara Tye, CEO of Etape Suisse, said: “This year’s events generated huge excitement among cyclists who demand much more from a sportive than substandard accommodation, average food and mundane scenery. Etape Suisse has raised the bar enormously over the last few years, growing rapidly in the process. We look forward to welcoming riders, new and returning, throughout 2016.”

Etape Suisse was established in 2013 as a response to growing mediocrity in the UK sportive scene. The company spotted a niche for luxury cycling events that allow riders of all levels and their guests to enjoy challenging rides in inspiring surroundings.

To book your place on an Etape Suisse 2016 event, contact Sara Tye on +44 (0) 7786 176617 or email sara@saratye.co.uk.

For more information, visit www.etapesuisse.com.

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For media enquiries, please contact Emma De Maio, redheadPR, 07921 160 134, emma@redheadpr.co.uk.