ENDURA Alpen-Traum
An Event with the Potential to Become a True Classic
News Release / 23.09.2014
The ENDURA Alpen-Traum has the potential to become a true classic. At any rate, that is the unanimous conclusion after the 2nd edition which concluded on 13 September 2014 with a double victory for Italy and outstanding performance by all of the 850 participants, a marked increase from the 1st edition.
One thing is certain: The ENDURA Alpen-Traum, the ride over 6 Alpine passes, with non-stop rain in the Allgäu region in Germany and sunshine in the Vinschgau region in Italy, was more than just an exceptional cycling race. It was a must-do event and an unforgettable experience for all the participants.
It was all about being part of it, the excitement. NetApp-ENDURA pro rider Andreas Schillinger put it this way: “Unbelievable, it was a totally new experience for me. It was fun, it was hard, but it was also unbelievably long.”
As always, Jörg Ludewig, the amazing rider who came in third in the 2014 ENDURA Alpen-Traum, found the right words to sum it up: “That’s what I thought was most amazing, too: I have never seen so many people with tears in their eyes while crossing the Finish line. I found that deeply impressing, and it showed me clearly how important events like this are to many people. I can definitely recommend the event to you. If you want to seriously test your physical and psychological limits, then you should register for this race next year. I don’t think you can go much farther.”
Bernd Hornetz, 2013 UCI World Champion, couldn’t agree more: “Perfect organization, a challenging course and an awesome atmosphere. I hope to take part again in 2015 and maybe even ride onto the winner’s podium. This is how I would describe the ENDURA Alpen-Traum: even longer, even higher, even tougher.”
The rider from Karlsruhe was obviously impressed by the course and the altitude profile. In the 2013 premiere, Hornetz had registered for the shorter course starting in Landeck, which around 250 cyclists signed up for in the 2nd edition.
This year, he signed up for the Long-Distance course where he took a sensational 4th place - also winning the Master’s Class as a result - and engaged in a spectacular duel with Jörg Ludewig: “Nobody fights like Lude does,” Hornetz comments with respect.
The 252 km course from Sonthofen to Sulden with more than 6000 m (19,685 ft) of elevation change is doubtlessly the ultimate test in the marathon scene and need not fear any competition in terms of athletic challenge. Here is the participants’ take on the race: This race is tough. It feels 30% harder than the Ötztal race. It demands rigorous preparation. You have to invest loads of time in your training. Sacrifices. Despite all that, it is a brilliant experience that you can’t find anywhere else.
“We have learned from the mistakes made in the premiere. The 2nd edition was organized perfectly; I haven’t heard a single negative comment.” Richard Thomas from the title sponsor, ENDURA, was impressed all around. And he wasn’t the only one. “The international media were totally delighted. Journalists from the English region and Scandinavia, in particular, were completely perplexed at how smooth everything went,” explains Thomas.
And, after all, he should know. Because the ENDURA Sales and Marketing Manager himself actually finished the Alpen-Traum for the second time after the 2013 Premiere: “The aid stations were positioned perfectly and the atmosphere there was super. All the helpers were extremely friendly and helpful. And there were still enough refreshments for the last riders. That was truly awesome. It was incredible how the organizer’s helpers were standing everywhere and asking the riders if they needed some more gel.”
One change met with a very positive response: The time limit in Laatsch was set at 15:30. Seventy of the 600 or so Long-Distance starters who had not yet reached the checkpoint after the descent from the Reschen Pass were redirected to Prad and then Sulden. Richard Thomas: “This change was the biggest sensation of the race and met with a very positive response. Because, no matter how grueling the ENDURA Alpen-Traum may be, there must be an opportunity for those who drop out.”
Who else besides Jörg Ludewig, who ended his long career on a road bike with dignity in the ENDURA Alpen-Traum, can find the fitting concluding words: “This event is sure to become a recurring date in everyone’s calendar: The organization and the panorama merit that; the athletic demands are truly extreme for every participant.”
The 2014 ENDURA Alpen-Traum is already history though, as we look ahead to the 3rd edition in September of 2015.
SleepMonsters
