The Tour de Suisse as an adventure – that’s what the “Öpfelchasper” couriers had in mind. They tackle the eight stages with a gas stove, sleeping bag and tent.
The fully loaded trailer that the “Öpfelchasper” couriers pull through Swiss cities each week weighs almost 100 kilograms. Now, they are leaving the trailers behind to test whether they are physically fit enough to tackle the 950 kilometers and nearly 19,000 meters of elevation on the Tour de Suisse.
The group will ride each stage on the same day as the professionals. Their plan: get up early and ride about half of the distance before midday. Then, after a relaxing lunch break, they continue cycling. In the afternoon, they will be caught up and stopped by the convoy of cars, after which they will follow the race and ride to the finish. Finally, they set up camp for the night at a nearby campsite.
What makes this challenge special is the fact that the “Öpfelchasper” couriers are undertaking this epic journey “unsupported”. This means that although they can make use of all accessible services, they have no accompanying vehicle to support them. Their bikes are loaded with a tent and sleeping bag, and they cook their meals on a gas stove or eat at restaurants and gas stations.
“We wanted to take on a truly unique challenge,” explains Mathias Gottet, location manager for the Bern-based “Öpfelchasper”. “The Tour de Suisse is an iconic event that demands everything from the athletes. We want to see how far our cycle messengers can go and at the same time show our dedication to cycling and our commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle.”
If you want to follow the “Öpfelchasper’s” journey, you can keep up to date on the company’s Instagram channel. And if you follow the races on TV, you will spot the green jerseys of the couriers cheering for the pros along the route.
