Take Your Climbing to New Heights, with the Sports Tours Haute Route Program 2020.

Sports Tours International and Haute Route

Sports Tours International have been involved with the Haute Route from the very first edition, which was held in the Alps in 2011. Over the years Haute Route has developed a reputation for designing the highest, steepest and most challenging routes for amateur cyclists from across the globe.

Haute Route now operates, not only in Europe, but globally; with events in Oman, The USA, Brazil, China and Mexico, so, not only can you have the ride of your life, but you can do it on the trip of a lifetime, and no matter where you are, a Haute Route Event will never be too far away.Haute Route’s objective is to ‘deliver an unparalleled ‘professional’ experience for amateur cyclists’, and deliver they do! With unparalleled event management, slick organisation and first class hospitality, as well as extras, such as post stage massage, timed stages and segments, and mechanical support throughout your route.

Since 2011, Sports Tours International has built an excellent reputation for providing exemplary travel and support packages for our Haute riders. Our staff go above and beyond to deal with day to day issues, such as travel logistics and bike maintenance, leaving you free to focus on the most important thing, the rides!

So what are you waiting for?

There are no less than 11 different Haute Route destinations to choose from in 2020, spanning  9 different countries and 4 separate continents! With 7 day, 3 day and compact race formats there really is something for everyone, regardless of, aspirations, experience levels or preferences. So, take your pick of destination, distance and difficulty, and enjoy a ride to remember. With Sports Tours International and Haute Route – Adventure Awaits!

6th – 8th MARCH  – Haute Route Oman.

Nizwa, the home city of Haute Route Oman, is an ancient city, rich in history, and authentic Middle Eastern culture. The main attractions of the city include, the formidable Nizwa Fort (dating back to 1668 AD), the Nizwa Souk, famous for it’s agricultural produce such as,  meat, fish, fruits and vegetables to spices, dates, and also hand crafted goods including; copper ware, coffee pots, swords, leather goods, pottery. gold and silverware, and the falaj Daris, the largest falaj in Oman, which provides the farmlands surrounding Nizwa with much needed water for the plantations.

The Haute Route Oman will, in true Haute Route fashion, include some of the areas most demanding climbs. Heading into the Al Hajar mountain range, riders will take on the long, and daunting, climb up Jebel Akhdar, which has featured as the principal climb in the Tour of Oman, since 2011. The route will also include the 23km Hoota climb, to the 2000m high summit of Jebel Haat, which will offer riders incredible views over the stark desert landscape. The Haute Route Oman will finish, ofcourse, with an individual mountain time trial. With excellent local support, pristine road surfaces, and ideal cycling conditions (around the mid 20s in early march), this is the perfect opportunity for riders to test themselves, at the end of their Omani cycling adventure.

 15th – 17th MAY  – Haute Route Asheville

Haute Route Asheville gives riders the opportunity to experience the legendary Southern hospitality and laid back culture of North Carolina, whilst pitting themselves against the best climbs that the Blue Ridge Mountains have to offer. Asheville is a well known cultural and artistic hub in North Carolina, with a  a strong tradition of street performance, outdoor music, and festivals. The city is also a culinary hot spot featuring world-class chefs and craft brewers. Of particular note is the city’s green dining scene  as it was recognised by the Green Restaurant Association as the first Green Dining Destination in the U.S.

Riders will take on the narrow, twisting roads and challenging climbs of North Carolina across 3 days of spectacular riding. Relishing in the incredible views from the Blue Ridge Parkway. For the final, time trial day, riders will ascend Town Mountain, with a friendly crown of State- Side spectators to welcome them in, when they finish, this unique Haute Route experience!

12th – 14th JUNE  – Haute Route Dolomites

June sees the Haute Route venture to Europe for the first time in 2020. The town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, in the heart of the iconic Dolomite mountain range, is the ideal place for a challenging, but rewarding, summer cycling getaway. One of the most stylish and sought after ski resorts in the world, and famous for the notable artistic guests it has inspired (such as author Ernest Hemingway), you will be living in the lap of luxury, in this quaint and charming town.

The route will see your list of European climbs get considerably shorter as you ride the famous Passo Giau, the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, as well as Passo Pordoï and Passo Sella. The climbing will be tough, but you will be well rewarded for your efforts, with stunning mountain panoramas at every turn and views of the snow capped, jagged faces of the iconic Dolomite peaks that you will never forget.

3rd – 5th JULY – Haute Route Crans- Montana

Crans Montana is a fabulous, family friendly, holiday destination. The popular resorts of Crans and Montana are situated at an altitude of 1500 m, on a plateau overlooking the Rhone Valley, and surrounded by stunning Alpine views. Together they form one of the biggest holiday destinations in the Valais, and home to a brand new Haute Route event destination, Crans- Montana. Cyclists, supporters, friends and family alike will  all be more than happy to visit this breathtaking location which, with its wide range of outdoor and sports activities, numerous museums, events, and festivals, and wide selection of restaurants, boutiques and shops; has something to offer to everybody, whatever their pastime of choice.

Completing the Haute Route Crans Montana, will involve climbing the greatest elevation gain in the whole 2020 Haute Route calendar. The two classic road stages will include winding ascents and hairpin bends, through beautiful Swiss mountain scenery and gorgeous gorges, while, on the final day, riders will set off from the time trial ramp in Sierre. Their Haute Route journey will finish atop the Col de Crans-Montana, which is a tough climb that rewards, those who tackle it, with beautiful views of Switzerland’s sunniest city.

22nd- 28th AUGUST- Haute Route Alps

Returning to where it all began, August 2020 will see riders taking on a stellar selection of bucket list climbs, following in the tyre tracks of Tour de France greats. Starting in the heart of the Alps, in the ski resort of Megeve and finishing on the famous Cote d’Azur in Nice; the legendary Haute Route Nice offers cyclists from all over the world, and of any experience or ability level, to cut their own path on some of the most famous roads in cycling .

With stages ranging in length from 90-140 km and up to 3500 m of climbing on each of the consecutive, fiercely challenging stages, the Haute Route Alps will test all of its riders to reach heights they never thought they could and surpass limits they never even imagined. Raced over 7 consecutive timed stages, including  minimal flat sections with mountain top finishes where possible, and allowing riders to tick off several of the most legendary cols, the Haute Route Alps aims to provide amateur riders with the closest experience possible, to that of a professional tour cyclist. For the first time in the event’s history, the 2020 Haute Route Alps will finish with a time trial up the world renowned Col d’Èze. A superb final test for the riders, before they celebrate the feeling of joining the esteemed ranks of Haute Route Alps finishers.

30th AUGUST – 5th SEPTEMBER – Haute Route Pyrenees

 

Set in and around the historically rich and picturesque French city of Pau, the visually beautiful Haute Route Pyrenees, will challenge it’s riders to some legendary cols, as well as some of the Pyrenees’ lesser known treasures. Cycling on narrow, winding roads, cyclists of Haute Route Pyrenees will get an experience beyond that of the pro peleton, as the route goes on roads that are inaccessible for professional races. After finishing Haute Route Pyrenees, riders will be able to relax and celebrate in style in the exquisite ballroom of the Palais Beaumont which will host the event’s closing ceremony.

Highlights of the 2020 Haute Route Pyrenees will include the ascent of the legendary Col du Tourmalet, making its first appearance in 1910 and featuring on the Tour de France more than 80 times, this is perhaps, the most iconic climb in the history of the tour. The time trial for Haute Route Pyrenees will take place on the Col du Portet which is certain to prove a worthy test for even the most experienced riders.

11th – 13th SEPTEMBER – Haute Route Brazil

New for 2020, Haute Route is broadening it’s horizons and heading south to Brazil’s island paradise Florianopolis. ‘Floripa’, as it is affectionately known to the locals, is a South American hidden gem and hive of activity. The outdoor sports capital of Brazil, Floripa is known for its keen skaters and world-class surf scene, as well as being a hot spot for hiking, climbers, diving and much, much more. With a bustling,modern city, boasting a lively, thriving nightlife, juxtaposed with the calming tranquility of the sandy beaches and hilly jungles and impressive historical fortresses, there is something for everyone on the ‘Magic Island’, and it will soon have you under it’s spell.

Haute Route Brazil will prove a fantastic way to explore this intriguing and varied island. The route will take you, from the oceanside to the highlands, through rainforests and even features a time trial starting in downtown Florianopolis. Heading out from the Hercílio Luz iron bridge (which connects Santa Catarina Island to mainland Brazil, the time trial heads up to the highest point of the island, offering athletes a phenomenal ocean view!

18th – 20th SEPTEMBER – Haute Route Boulder

With 300 days of sunshine a year, and within spitting distance of the winding canyon roads leading up to the Rocky Mountains. Boulder has long been a favourite destination among athletes from all kinds of disciplines, not least of which cycling. Boulder also has plenty to entertain non sporting friends and family too with a thriving music scene and Pearl Street, which is famous for its quirky shops, coffee houses,vast array of restaurants and independent local craft breweries.

Although the 2020 route for Haute Route Boulder has not been announced yet, with 2500M+ to 3500M+ of elevation on each stage, and a location in the iconic Rocky Mountains (which so many pro cyclists and triathletes swear by as a training ground), you can be sure, that the 2020 edition of Haute Route Boulder, will prove a worthy test for even the strongest cyclists.

2nd- 4th OCTOBER – Haute Route Ventoux

This is a route that needs no introduction. The ‘Giant of Provence’ has gained itself a firmly established place in cycling legend, through dramatic Tour de France stage finishes, and the races that have been won and lost on this bare limestone peak. As the name ‘Venoux’ might suggest, no two climbs on this mountain are ever the same, as it is so greatly affected by the wind (winds can get so high that they blow cars off the road). But it is an exhilarating climb, with a thrilling decent, and, upon finishing Haute Route Ventoux, you too can feel as though you have passed into cycling legend.

Haute Route Ventoux will give you the opportunity to ascend the mountain from all three different sides. Each route will present its own challenges and demand of riders in different ways, but what will be the same is the incredible views you will be greeted with as you climb, and the tremendous sense of achievement at the end of the mountain top time trial, when you will have truly conquered the ‘Giant’!

16th -18th OCTOBER – Haute Route Qingcheng

 

With its inaugural event in 2019, Haute Route Qingcheng is back! Located in the shadow of the sacred Qingcheng Mountain, this edition of Haute Route offers riders the unique opportunity to ride on fully closed roads, in areas that are normally closed to public access. Sichuan Province is notable for many things including its colourful towns and buildings and, its most famous residents, the Giant Pandas. Most importantly, Sichuan is known for it’s hot, spicy and incredibly tasty food, so there’ll be plenty to refuel with after each demanding stage.

Haute Route Qingcheng gives riders from all over the world the opportunity to experience the exemplary Haute Route service – the closest experience to the professional peloton that an amateur can get. The luscious green landscapes and striking colours of China will amaze riders as they tackle demanding ascents, such as, the magical Qingcheng Mountain Road. Be prepared for a totally different cycling experience at Haute Route Qing cheng China.

23rd – 25th OCTOBER – Haute Route Mexico

At 3534 metres above sea level, on Haute Route Mexico, you will be able to boast that you have climbed to the highest point reached, by any event, on the 2020 Haute Route calendar. With a course situated on the shores of the glistening Lago Avándaro, you will be treated to stunning views as you battle through the demanding Mexican climbs. Valle de Bravo has been ranked one of the best tourist locations in Mexico with fantastic food, friendly locals and a vibrant culture, and with second to none accomodation on Haute Route packages, you can enjoy a post race massage and relax in the rooftop pool, after a tough day of climbs.

One of the main highlights of the 2020 Haute Route Mexico will be the, gruelling but incredible, climb up the Nevado de Toluca volcano (the highest point on Haute Route). With stunning surrounding mountains, and rides through fresh green pine forests, you will feel as if you are in an out of this world cycling heaven, at Haute Route Mexico in Valle de Bravo.

Find your perfect Haute Route trip in 2020 by clicking here

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