Gran Fondo World Tour® restarts at Multisegur Volta als Ports d’Andorra
The Multisegur Volta als Ports d’Andorra Gran Fondo on August 9th was a return to the roads in southern Europe, following new health and safety protocols setup by the Andorran Goverment
Good news, the roads are opening again for Gran Fondo events!
Albeit with a few adaptations for new social distancing rules that included start lines in 4 different locations, accomodating 100 cyclists each.
Adopting an individual start (time trial format) each minute, accomodating a total of 400 participants for the event in Andorra.
Additional safety regulations included a time check with a hands free system, QR codes validation and Aid Stations with individual bags for each participant, where cyclists collected the food and beverages in a self service system with an individiual cue.
The aid station system worked by pausing timing during the pitstp, leaving riders with no stress to hurry back on the bike. This system proved very popular allowing riders to savour the food and drink provided.
As regards to results, Lidia Puyals was the winner in 4 stars circuit female category and for the man, South African Pro Cyclist of Burgos BH team Willie Smit (resident in Andorra) was the fastest to complete 4 mountain passes, finishing on top of Ordino Arcalis at Grandvalira Resorts, the last Tour de France stage arrived there 4 years ago, when Tom Dumoulan grabbed a great stage win.
Weather for the riders was good until noon, and then rain arrived for the participants forcing them to wear rain coats to arriving wet at the finish line
Multisegur Volta als Ports was the first stop of restarted 2020 Gran Fondo World Tour® in Andorra.
The event opens the door to a International event in 20201 challenging #granfondo fans to some of “La Vuelta” or “Tour de France” mountain finishes.
All complemented with Andorra's low shopping taxes and excellent hotels, hosting guest all summer and Winter, all year round.
The next round is the Cycl’Aigoual Region Occitanie in France on Saturday August 29. Cycl’Aigoual Region Occitanie, in its 21st year, offers two courses, 95 km and 130 km departing from Espérou. The last 50km of both courses will follow the 6th stage of this year's Tour de France (which is set to take place on September 3) from Sumène until the arrival at the summit of Mont Aigoual, via Le Vigan and the dreaded Col de la Luzette (with passages over 15%).
For more information, please visit: https://www.cyclaigoual-vtt-route.com
For more information on the 2020 Gran Fondo World Tour®, please visit: https://www.granfondoworldtour.com
Photos: @granfondoworldtour photoset.es
Venue: Arcalis and Willie Smit
