2021 - A year of global uncertainty
Year 1 after the outbreak of the global Corona pandemic and somehow we are not really further along. The policies of Europe and Switzerland are nothing more than a panicky copycat of the protective concepts from Asia. Except that this is not Asia. Vaccinations are slow, sport is slow to get going, vacations are still a long way off and numerous major sporting events are on the brink of collapse. You cannot really speak of improvements. The state is harming countless small businesses and self-employed people, but the promised aid money is not flowing or is being denied under false pretenses. We can do without such a state. European politics is weak and helpless. Even virologists are now coming up with the idea that the incidence of individual target groups should be determined in order to proceed in a more targeted and efficient manner than to develop a uniform protection concept for the entire population.
Corona-safe biking holidays
For our part, I hope we are doing a good job of educating those who want to go on vacation by bike/bicycle and are not sure where to go.
Editorial
Our big report provides information on this.
E-bikes 2021
It's as if every year even more e-bikes hit the market. We've featured some of the most awesome models.
Athletes, events and more
The most important events and if and when they will be held and which pro cyclists to keep an eye on is in the issue.
What's missing is the bike trip to the moon and the rescue of a stranded e-bikers at the Bermuda Triangle. To follow shortly.
The editor Rolf Fleckenstein
Athletes
For many cyclists, 2020 was a difficult season full of hardships and disappointments, but there are also new discoveries. And speaking of which, what are the established stars doing?
Events 2021
What events will take place, will the planned races be held? What about the trade fairs? What major events are on the 2021 agenda? Here you can find out the latest about bike races and fairs for bikers and bike enthusiasts.
E-Bikes 2021
A real flood of new e-bikes is heading for consumers in 2021. New brands, new concepts, new prices, fascinating. We have picked out the most important representatives that have something great to offer. New e-race bikes, e-MTB and concepts from the 3D printer!
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Roc du Maroc
Who knows the spectacular mountain bike event, the MTB Endurance stage race through Morocco's desert and mountains? No, unknown? Never heard of it? No idea? Well, then get to know it now!
Along the front
A MTB trip in Dobbiaco, a side trip with the racing bike to Nauders in the 3country corner or would you prefer something else? Regions and routes for ingenious bikers and bike enthusiasts.
Corona safe bike vacations
Wo auf der Welt ist man sicher vor Corona? Wo gibt es keine Reisehindernisse? Wir stellen 6 Regionen auf der Welt vor, wo Biker unbeschwert Urlaub machen können.
Content
4 This&That
All kinds of exciting & news from the world of cycling & the bike industry
6Suplest
Swiss quality without compromise
10 Bike Events
The most important cycling events of the year from the Tour de Romandie to the Absa Cape Epic
16 Roc du Maroc
Spectacular desert race
22 Bike News
The newest and most fascinating e-bikes in the year 2021
34Bimoz in bankruptcy
Many speak of fraud
36Athletes
Portraits of important MTB and road bike athletes and the outlook for 2021
443-Zinnen Toblach Trail
Along the front
44Countryhopping par excellence
Road bike vacations in the 3-country corner Nauders
52Ötzi Trail, Naturns
54Wetterkreuztrail Saalachtal
56Flimjochtrail Ischgl
58Bikevacations in times of Corona
Destinations worldwide
61 Istria
64 Sardinia 68 Iceland 70 Cuba 74 Madagascar
76 Costa Rica
80Imprint
Bike Events
April 2021
E-MTB Weltcup
April 24 - October 17, 2021
Into the new E-Bike World Cup season
The new World E-Bike Series (WES) kicks off with its inaugural race in Monaco. Four venues have been determined for the total of six races of the UCI E-MTB World Cup. For the races on June 12/13 and July 17/18, the venue is still open. Although Italy and France are specified as the country, even Ascona in Switzerland is an option.
www.worldebikeseries.com/
Tour de Romandie
April 27 - May 2, 2021
Repeat 2020
After last year's Tour had to be cancelled due to the Corona pandemic for the first time in the history of the cycling event, the organizers are implementing the same stage schedule for 2021 as was planned in 2020. The 74th edition of the 1-week stage race in French-speaking Switzerland will begin on April 27, 2021, and end on May 2, 2021, in each case with an individual time trial. In between, four exciting stages await the riders, which will take them to Lake Geneva, Lake Biel and Lake Neuchâtel, as well as to the Valais, the Lake Geneva region, the Seeland and the Jura.
104. Giro d’Italia
May 9 - 30, 2021
For climbing specialists
This year's Giro is planned for May 9-30, 2021, with 21 stages, 3450 km and 47’000 m of altitude. The stages are framed by the individual time trial at the 1st stage in Turin and the last and 21st stage in Milan. From Milan, the tour first runs north and stretches along the Adriatic coast to Foggia in the south, before turning north again, climbing passes, stopping in the fashionable winter spa town of Cortina, and ending up in Milan. Numerous mountain stages and various hilly stages favor the climbing and mountaineering specialists. In particular, Monte Zoncolan on May 22 is a real endurance test and could decide the tour.
UCI MTB World Cup
May 8 - September 19, 2021
On the way to normalization
After last year's collapse of the race calendarraces were held in October alone - they are somewhat more optimistic again for 2021 and have 8 venues on the list. Due to the Corona pandemic, however, the start of the World Cup was postponed to early May - one wants to be as sure as possible here that the calendar does not have to be renewed and canceled planned races. On the part of the organizers of the downhill race in Fort William, England, it was decided to hold the race in 2021 without spectators.
WC MTB Eliminator, Graz (AUT)
May 2, 2021
Roc du Maroc Spectacular desert race
How big the cultural distances within Europe can be and how little we know about each other is shown by this spectacular mountain bike endurance race in Morocco, which is largely unknown within German-speaking Europe. It’s about time that we change that and present this great event.
by Rolf Fleckenstein
Bike News
Ducati TK 01 RR
The new freeride e-bike from the motorcycle company
Since 2018, Ducati has been producing its own ebikes through Thok E-Bikes. This is a very special opportunity for fans of the Ducati motorcycle brand. Right from the start, Ducati has thrown itself into the e-mountain bike segment, and has done so successfully - after all, e-mountain bikes are currently all the rage. In 2021, Ducati will now present its new e-fireball, the "TK 01 RR" freeride e-bike. Equipped is the good piece with a high-quality suspension by Öhlins with 180 mm at the front and a strong damper by Öhlins. The 4-piston brake system with 203 mm discs from Shimano XT provide powerful grip. In front a 29" wheel from Crankbrothers was mounted, in the rear a 27.5" large. The pedaling is supported by a new 85 Nm strong Shimano electric motor. The high-quality equipment should not only appeal to Ducati fans.
Fantic XXF 2.0 Factory
Little known, real downhill e-bike
The Italian brand Fantic is not seen very often in Switzerland and German-speaking Europe. That's a shame, because the brand has a really great range. From the range of 11 E-MTBs I have selected the downhill variant. Equipped with a 200 mm DH fork from Öhlins and an Öhlins damper, they have provided maximum suspension comfort. The bike is powered by a new 90 Nm Brose S-Mag motor with 720 Wh battery for a long puff. In front is a 29" wheel mounted, rear a 27.5" large piece, of course, from Vittoria, „bella Italia”. Offered in Switzerland for just under CHF 9,000.00, the Fantic XXF 2.0 Factory is arguably the most capable and professional downhill ebike on the market. A wonder that hardly anyone knows it.
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Vacation destinations worldwide
Bike vacations in times of Corona
Anyone who wants to pedal and just relax in a healthy way despite the pandemic doesn't have it easy at the moment. Just quickly mount the bike and off to Lake Garda, it's not that easy. Other Alpine countries and the most popular destinations for biking are mostly in lockdown, or there are travel warnings. Some faraway island would even be Corona-free, but also strictly prohibits any entries. Our big country check shows which countries are now inviting vacation destinations, where the infection rate is low and what you should look out for when planning your trip.
by Henning Heilmann
It's year one after the start of the Corona pandemic outbreak. In the lockdown was enough time to check out the local trails. Now the biker's heart strives to discover new realms. But anyone who wants to travel in 2021 will have a hard time. Almost like a prayer mill, it is recommended to spend the vacations in your own country. But since hotels and restaurants are closed in many places, the radius remains limited and without a stop for refreshments, dreariness soon sets in after the trail.
Lockdown in favorite destinations
Many top bike regions such as South Tyrol have been at a standstill until recently. There is also great concern in Tyrol, where the South African mutation has spread. Almost all of Italy continues to be in a state of emergency due to the Virus pandemic. In France, too, several departments are affected by virus mutations.
Slovenia, which just enjoyed growing popularity with its single trails, was recently even listed as a high-incidence area in the travel advisories. Bike vacations with the Alps neighbors must therefore probably still be postponed.
Worldwide warnings
It is not enough that worldwide warnings already dampen the desire to travel. In the Far East, Australia and Oceania, many borders are currently closed to tourists. New Zealand has a zero covid policy and does not allow any travelers into the country. Florida, California and Hawaii are also closed for the time being. Everything can change quickly, though. Anyone who wants to explore new bike destinations in 2021 should therefore always find out about the current situation beforehand.
New longing destinations
Before frustration breaks out now, still fast the good news:
After thorough research we found regions, which are suitable for all, which want to start perhaps already at Easter or in any case this year with bike holidays. Istria, Sardinia and Iceland as well as Costa Rica, Cuba and Madagascar are very popular in 2021, as they offer a lot of variety for cycling, are currently relatively unaffected by the pandemic and offer good protection concepts.
1 Istria Alternative on the Adriatic Sea
Croatia's westernmost vacation region advertises with the slogan "Istria so close" and at the same time can score with low incidence and high safety in the Corona year 2021. Longing for sun, the sound of the sea and the Mediterranean lifestyle?
Istria awaits vacationers as early as Easter with beautiful bays, crystal-clear water and charming coastal towns with world heritage sites. At the same time, the region is still an insider tip for cycling enthusiasts. Curve over cobblestones through Poreč, Rovinj & Rabac and let your soul dangle.
Current location
Under the motto "Safe Stay in Croatia", the vacation destination Croatia promises the highest safety standards for all partners who carry the seal. For the popular vacation region Istria, travel warnings were recently lifted. German holidaymakers traveling home from Istria no longer have to go into quarantine.
Journey
Istria is the fastest accessible vacation region in Croatia. With passenger car at present only the approach is possible over Austria and not through Italy. Due to Corona, waiting times are to be expected at borders. Flights from Zurich, Basel, Munich, Vienna to Pula. Distance Zurich-Porec 770 km, Zurich-Pula 810 km.
