Haute Route Group Expands into Gravel and Ultra-Distance Events

The Haute Route Group continues to expand with the acquisition of new cycling events Gravel Epic and Race Across France, to build upon its existing portfolio including the Haute Route cycling events and Gran Fondo National Series 

2021 sees two new races and destinations added to the Haute Route calendar and marks the 10th anniversary of its flagship event in the Alps. With new partnerships also announced for both the Haute Route and Gran Fondo National Series, this year is set to be hugely pivotal for the Group.

Founded in 2020 by independent investor and avid cyclist Michael Hartweg, the Haute Route Group is developing quickly as a key global player in the amateur cycling market. The Group’s portfolio includes the flagship Haute Route Cycling Series and the Gran Fondo National Series, a collection of nine one-day events held on the most beautiful courses in North America, a key targeted growth region for the Group. This year sees the Group expand even further and into new cycling formats, as they announce the signing of two new cycling brands to their portfolio of events: Gravel Epic and Race Across France.

“In the ever evolving cycling market we are committed to providing truly unique experiences to cyclists from all horizons. At the Haute Route Group our portfolio of events is expanding, however we remain focused on staying true to our values and DNA and continuing to deliver exceptional events in iconic destinations,” explains Julie Royer, CEO of Haute Route Group.

Created in 2019, Gravel Epic is the only multi-day gravel race series, which in 2021 will host two events in Marrakesh and Switzerland. By taking the series under its belt, the Haute Route Group hopes to bring its expertise and experience of multi-day formats to the series and its gravel enthusiasts, as they embark together upon a hugely exciting and growing market for cycling.

"While gravel participation is growing fast in Europe, we want to bring something new to the scene and offer a multi-day race with a true sense of adventure. This is what we know how to do best and we want to put our 10 years of experience in Haute Route towards the success of a new series in gravel,” continues Royer.

Race Across France was set up in 2018 by Arnaud Manzanini, inspired by his own experience in Race Across America and his strong passion for cycling and challenges. Offering different formats from 300km up to 2600km, with Race Across France added to its portfolio in 2021, the Group aims to help elevate this discipline not only in France but also on an international scale.

“Ultra-Distance cycling is a niche market with a strong potential for growth. We want to help more riders discover and experience long distance cycling, a physical and mental journey towards an exceptional challenge.” claims Royer.

With these two new acquisitions for 2021, the Group has ambitious plans to become a leader in this rapidly-growing and dynamic market, and looks forward to a full calendar of races this year as the world sees a return to ‘in real life’ sporting events.  

Haute Route Welcomes New Events

The Colnago Haute Route Cycling Series is the world’s first global series of prestigious multi-day cycling events for amateur riders.  From its inception of the Haute Route Alps in 2011, the event quickly established itself as a premium and unparalleled ‘professional’ experience for amateur cyclists. It has since developed from strength-to-strength, including the recent implementation of a franchise model which has seen the expansion of the brand from Europe to Oman, Mexico, Brazil and China.

This year, starting with Watopia in February, the Haute Route calendar has grown to encompass 7 events worldwide, with the addition of two new races and destinations - Haute Route Crans-Montana in June and Haute Route Brazil in October - a new 5-day event format and a new ‘TEAMS’ category for the riders.

To top it all off, 2021 will be made all the more exciting with the 10th Anniversary of the Haute Route Alps: the hardest, highest, and toughest amateur cycling race in the world. As the only 7-day event in the series, the Haute Route Alps will give riders the chance to tackle bucket list climbs made famous by the Tour de France. With 800km total distance and a staggering 21,000 m+ of total elevation gain, a unique Queen Stage locked in, and special celebrations planned throughout the year, this anniversary edition will be one to remember.

New Partners

In addition to an expanding portfolio of cycling events, the Haute Route has also teamed up with a number of major new partners in the cycling world to provide a holistic and professional experience to its riders both on and off the events. This includes the revival of the Haute Route’s previous partnership with Mavic, as Official European Neutral Service Partner, and a new collaboration as of November 2020 with OTE Sports as Official European Nutrition & Hydration Partner. 

Also new to the mix for 2021 for the Haute Route are Bollé as Official European Performance Helmets Eyewear Partner and Ride with GPS as Official Global Route Partner. While the Gran Fondo National Series reveals Hyperice as its new Official Technology Recovery Partner, who will be supplying some of their best products on the market for use at both the virtual and real life events of the series.

As of September last year, it was also announced that Colnago will act as the new Official Title Partner going forward for both the Haute Route and the Gran Fondo National Series. On and off the events, this collaboration with one of the most trusted brands in road bikes will provide an unrivalled experience to cyclists participating in all Haute Route and GFNS events.

“Our relationship with Haute Route allows us to help passionate amateur cyclists take part in the absolute pinnacle cycling experience. At Colnago we strive to create nothing but the best bikes and experiences, and we are proud to bring this dedication to riders of the Haute Route and Gran Fondo National series.” says Melissa Moncada, Colnago Vice-Chairman.

“Haute Route has always been about raising the bar for our riders and so we are absolutely thrilled to team up with such an amazing brand which stands for all the same things we do. When one of the most trusted brands in road bikes and pro cycling teams up with the finest global amateur cycling event, it produces the ultimate cycling experience.” adds Julie Royer, CEO of Haute Route Group.

About the Haute Route

Featuring challenging 3-, 5- and 7-day events in iconic cycling destinations worldwide, the Haute Route is the world’s first global series of prestigious multi-day cycling events for amateur riders. The Haute Route’s objective is to deliver an unparalleled 'professional' experience for amateur cyclists. This means not only delivering first class hospitality and event management, but all the key ingredients that make up the culture and experience of professional road racing. The Haute Route has grown since 2011 to encompass this year’s 7events, including the 10th Anniversary of the first of its events, the Haute Route Alps.

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Find out more at www.hauteroute.org

About the Haute Route Group

The Haute Route Group was set up in 2020 by independent investor Michael Hartweg, who acquired a major stake in the amateur cycling series. From 1 day – 7 day events, the vision of the Haute Route Group is to offer to cycling enthusiasts a premium, challenging and fun experience in iconic cycling destinations all around the world. Born in 2011 with the creation of the Haute Route Alps, the Group has grown over the past 10 years, developing the Global Haute Route Cycling series across 5 continents, and acquiring the Gran Fondo National Series in 2018, a series of 9 one-day cycling events in North America. This year, the Group has acquired Gravel Epic, the only multi-day gravel race event series in amazing destinations, and Race Across France, the first French ultra-cycling race for long distance and endurance cyclists.