The TORTOUR, the world's largest multi-day non-stop ultracycling event, is entering its 17th round in 2025. From 10 to 12 July, Küsnacht-Zurich will be transformed into the meeting point of the international ultracycling scene. Cycling enthusiasts can compete on various distances from 50 to 1000 kilometres through the breathtaking landscape of the Swiss Alps. The event not only stands for top sporting performance, but also for social commitment. Charity teams offer the opportunity to pedal for a good cause. Participants decide for themselves what their donation and fundraising campaign will be focussed on. The start and finish of all routes is the KEK artificial ice rink in Küsnacht-Zurich, from where the routes wind their way through the alpine landscape.
TORTOUR race formats
The main TORTOUR 1000 race takes participants over a distance of 1000 kilometres and 14,000 metres in altitude. This challenging route must be completed non-stop within two days - day and night, solo or in a team, with or without a support vehicle. The route is divided into four laps, each of which passes through the start and finish area in Küsnacht-Zurich. The first lap covers 500 kilometres and 7,000 metres in altitude and leads from Küsnacht via Galgenen, Hätzingen, Andermatt, Disentis, Chur, Klosters and Alt St. Johann. The second round covers 250 kilometres and 3500 metres of altitude and runs via Endingen, Eglisau and Weiningen. Round three, with 200 kilometres and 2800 metres of elevation gain, runs via Galgenen, Brunnen and Hütten, while the final round, with 50 kilometres and 700 metres of elevation gain, runs via Mönchaltorf, Bubikon, Hombrechtikon and Wetzwil.
TORTOUR for beginners
For participants who would like to take on a shorter, but still intense challenge, the TORTOUR offers various sections. The TORTOUR 500 leads over 500 kilometres and 7000 metres in altitude non-stop through Switzerland. Individual cyclists and teams need 16 to 28 hours to complete this route. The start will be on Friday, 11 July 2025, at 16:00 for unaccompanied riders and 17:00 for accompanied riders. The route consists of a first lap of 250 kilometres, a second lap of 200 kilometres and a third lap of 50 kilometres.
TORTOUR 250 and Charity Ride
The TORTOUR 250 offers a shorter alternative with 250 kilometres and 3500 metres in altitude. This route can be completed unaccompanied solo or in a team as a long individual time trial through the pre-alpine landscape. Teams of 2, 4 or 6 can also take part, whereby the teams always ride together. The start is scheduled for Saturday, 12 July 2025, at 04:30. The route consists of a first lap of 200 kilometres and a second lap of 50 kilometres.
Tony Martin at the start
The TORTOUR 2025 also attracts numerous celebrities from the world of cycling and endurance sports. Among them are renowned athletes who are known for their top performances and extensive competition experience. Participants include former Swiss professional footballer Timm Klose, paracycling athlete Flurina Rigling and former Swiss professional ice hockey player Raeto Raffainer. Former professional handball player Stefan Schärer, mountain bike champion Florian Vogel and former professional cyclists Levi Leipheimer and Tony Martin rise to the challenge.
TORTOUR supporting programme
In addition to the races, participants can expect an extensive annual supporting programme. This includes training camps, the Cycling Business Club and the legendary Athlete's Party. All finishers receive an exclusive TORTOUR jersey and a finisher's medal. Thanks to GPS tracking, the race can be followed live online. Registration for the TORTOUR 2025 is still open, with all participants under the age of 25 benefiting from a 50 per cent discount on the entry fee.
Charity Ride TORTOUR MYSELF 50
TORTOUR offers the TORTOUR MYSELF 50 charity ride for beginners and hobby cyclists. This circular route of 50 kilometres and 700 metres in altitude can be ridden as often as you like. After each lap there is the opportunity to stop for refreshments at the start/finish area. The start is at 08:00 on Saturday, 12 July 2025, with the finish at 17:00. This option also allows less experienced cyclists to be part of the event and ride for a good cause at the same time.
Route details
- TORTOUR 1000: 1000 kilometres, 14,000 metres in altitude
- TORTOUR 500: 500 kilometres, 7000 metres in altitude
- TORTOUR 250: 250 kilometres, 3500 metres in altitude
- TORTOUR MYSELF 50: 50 kilometres, 700 vertical metres per lap
- Start times: vary depending on distance and category
- GPS tracking: available for all participants
- Refreshment stations: at the start/finish area and along the route
Kristian Bauer
Editor
