2020 has been and continues to be an immensely challenging year for everyone with the devastating effects of Covid-19 worldwide, which has now put a significant dint in the economy and put travel plans on hold.
With the situation steadily improving, there is great hope and positivity for the near future. We’re building on this, committed to planning ahead and continuing to do what we’re passionate about, designing amazing cycling experiences!
Here is our latest update on the Covid-19 situation and our new policies adapted to ‘the new normal’, ensuring that when travel resumes, we’re ready to hit the ground running…
SPECIAL RISK-FREE, FULLY REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT POLICY
In response to the uncertainty surrounding global travel during the Covid-19 outbreak, we have now updated our booking policy to ensure that all new bookings made on our 2021 tours, including Tour de France tours will be risk-free and fully refundable in the event that the race does not run or clients are restricted in their travels.
POSTPONED EXPERIENCES
Due to the unprecedented effects the virus has had globally, we have made the difficult, yet necessary decision to postpone all of our global 2020 tours; including Paris-Nice, the Spring Classics, the Giro d’Italia , the Tour de France and La Vuelta. In postponing, we have been proud to have offered all booked clients a full credit of 100% of their funds paid to any tour offered by Mummu Cycling up until 31 December 2021.
PRE-RELEASE GUARANTEES
All of our 2021 tours now provide the option to place a 100% risk-free deposit that will secure your place on the given tour and ensure you receive all trip announcements prior to going live on our website and social channels, following the select event’s Official 2021 route confirmation.
We strongly recommend this option given the absence of most of our tours this season and many of our 2020 guests transferring their bookings through to 2021.
INCREASED HYGIENE
The health and safety of our guests and staff on tour will be our highest priority when travel and our trips commence.
We have implemented increased hygiene protocols accordingly on all tours including; extra sanitisation of equipment and transport vehicles (inside and outside), sufficient supply of disposable gloves, face masks and hand sanitiser for each client, reduced food handling by our team, confirmation of strict hygiene levels at all venues accessed during each trip and reduced human contact through riding and bike handling.
To add, all future tours will where possible limit vehicle transport and when transfers are necessary, there will be a limited number of clients per vehicle to ensure ample space and distancing between each passenger.
For meals, we will have focus on small group dining, in private spaces and meals will be portioned to ensure safe food handling.
MUMMU CYCLING LOCKDOWN ZONE
If you haven’t already, join our Facebook Lockdown Zone group; An interactive social group that has brought us together to share helpful tips, recommendations and general chat to keep us all smiling throughout challenging times!
Thank you for your understanding through these challenging times for everyone. Hope to see you back out on the road, on tour again soon! For now, stay strong, healthy and happy.
Last weekend’s Strade Bianche proving quite the spectacular return to racing, with riders in exceptional form and hungry as ever for victory. The only thing missing, of course was the fans lining the streets, lighting up the atmosphere. Here’s hoping we’ll all be back there soon!
In case you need a refresh of the new WT dates for 2020 to pencil in your diaries, here they are:
*Fingers crossed all goes ahead smoothly for the riders, team’s and organisers.
AUGUST
1: Strade Bianche (Italy) – provisional.
5-9: Tour of Poland (Poland) – provisional.
8: Milan-Sanremo (Italy) – provisional.
12-16: Critérium du Dauphiné (France) – provisional.
In March this year, Factor Bikes launched the second-generation model of its ever popular all round road bike, the O2.
The already strongly praised bike, first raced by professional team, AG2R La Mondiale in 2016, has now been even further bettered and redesigned to match the manufacturing methods of Factor’s climbing sensation, the O2 VAM, currently ridden by World Tour team, Israel Start-Up Nation. Now, by using higher pressurisation, excess resin is removed per model, ensuring that the carbon used is stronger, lighter and more efficient than ever before.
The development comes as no surprise as Factor hold a heritage that stems from advanced motorsport and aviation and are one of few bicycle manufacturers that own their own factory, allowing them the freedom to continually trial, innovate and strive for excellence through advanced engineering.
The redesigned O2 perfectly compliments Factor’s ability to consistently develop and improve their bikes as the sport continues to rapidly evolve.
Image by Sean Robinson/velofocus.com
What’s so special about the O2…
The O2 is the ultimate all-rounder…stiff, light, comfortable, efficient and incredibly reliable.
Its meticulous geometry and innovative design combine forces to ensure it excels in the mountains, without compromising its ability to conquer cobbles, glide around corners and storm down descents with absolute confidence.
To add, it’s stylish and very aesthetically pleasing. Some might just say, the dream ride.
If you’re looking to ride a premium, all-round bike that stands out from the crowd, the Factor O2 has your name on it.
In 2019, Mummu Cycling proudly partnered with leading, innovative bicycle manufacturer, Factor Bikes.
The collaboration enabled us to work with the Factor team to create our own custom designed fleet of their most raved about all-round road bike, the Factor O2, allowing our guests the opportunity to maximise their cycling experience on tour by riding on world-class, cutting edge equipment.
For us, when deciding on the right bike for our fleet, the Factor O2 was the stand out obvious choice. Its versatility and ability to tackle all terrains on the road, in particular its potential to dance up a climb, ensured the perfect fit into our season that ranges from the Santos Tour Down Under, to the Spring Classics , into the mountains of the three Grand Tours and beyond…
Due to the unprecedented pause on 2020 overseas travel and tour plans, we are now selling our brand new fleet of 2020 o2’s that were set for their debut at this year’s Tour de France.
The bikes can be purchased as a frame set only, or as a complete bike with the option to upgrade to full carbon, Black Inc FIFTY Team Edition Wheels.
Wheels: DT Swiss E1800 Spline 23 (option to upgrade to Black Inc)
Seat: Prologo Scratch 2
Bars/Stem: Black Inc Carbon Drop Handlebars and Level Nine Alloy Stem (various stem lengths available)
For more information on our Factor Bikes offer, head here or get in touch with our team who will be happy to assist. *Bike colour scheme pictured above, boxed and ready to be shipped globally!
Have you like us have been spending each day of July reminiscing on Tour de France memories from over the year’s?
We all know where we’d rather be, but looking back at the endless great times has certainly helped ever so slightly ease our longing for TDF action!
We have so many amazing Tour de France memories; from being on tour year in, year out, to personal memories from years back, glued to the television at all hours of the evening watching the likes of Contador and Schleck battling it out up France’s most iconic mountain passes.
We’d now love YOU to share your own TDF memories with us so we can continue to celebrate the spectacular Tour de France this July-August.
Simply post a photo of your favourite Tour de France memory on Instagramor Facebook(at the race or watching elsewhere). In the caption describe WHY it’s such a special memory, then tag us @mummucycling and use the hashtag #tourdefrancememories
Your chance to WIN…
The winner will receive a Mummu Cycling goodies pack including our slick new cycling jersey, a Mummu Cycling casual cap, riding cap, MC laundry bag, socks and more…
Enter as many times as you wish…the more memories, the merrier!
One year to date I landed in France for what all have called a trip of a lifetime. I would agree but I am planning on doing this again with Mummu Cycling in the very near future. Unfortunately 2020 hasn’t been what anyone thought it would be. I know I was supposed to be riding my bike in another country with the Mummu gang.
The extreme professionalism, how they made every single part of what was a 14 day trip (Best of Tour) across the country of France, following the Tour de France in 2019, was cut above any experience I have ever been a part of. And, Let me tell you, we were very much a part of the TDF.
Behind the scenes in the tour bus areas, meeting riders (Peter Sagan, Daniel Oss, Michael Hepburn) to name a few, notable announcers you watch and hear on TV watching from the states.
My mind was blown from the second I touched down in Pau. We started our tour in Lourdes which was absolutely breathtaking. It was the most green hillsides it was like I was in a dream!
There were so many places I could be writing forever about the 14 day adventure. I can’t wait to go back.
The fact that all the staff were amazing riders and catered to those who may not be as strong or as experienced as some of the others, it was nothing that held back the more experienced riders and we still felt as if we were all one group, because we were!
Riding to the ITT and accidently coming up on a 20% grade, as painful as that was we laughed about it after we conquered it. To add onto that we had Relais Etape access which was catered and we had some spirits to accompany the delicious food and some fun games to make mixed drinks with a stationary bike. What amazing laughs and memories for a lifetime with now lifetime friends.
I will say all the hardest climbs Col du Galibier, Mount Ventoux, Col du Tourmalet, Alpe D’Huez, Ventoux kicked my trash!! Alpe D’Huez was the funnest, not easy by any means but my legs felt great on that climb!
I’m sitting here writing this and I couldn’t be more grateful I was able to experience this in 2019 knowing we will not have spectators in 2020 for the TDF. We will all get back there and there should not be any other group you do this with.
The legendary Stuart O’Grady, Matt Goss, Nick Gates were all great to talk to and geek out on cycling and personal life getting to know each other more personally.
Hearing you have a smooth pedal cadence and stroke from Matt and Stuart was a huge compliment and motivator to not stop on some of the climbs. I’ll tell you again Ventoux was a long climb and you can blow up really early if you go too hard out of the gate. (exactly what I did).
Emily, Nicole and Cedric, what can I say about these three Amazing individuals!! They made the trip everything it was. And can I say I have never ridden with stronger climbers that made it look easy, but great carrots to chase!
I will never forget all the laughs we had and can’t wait to have more with them in the near future!
Mummu Cycling will forever have my loyalty in traveling to any cycling event in whichever country I may want to go to. The Giro is high on my list!!
Thank you to the whole organization, you made my year and many more to come…
See you all again soon!
John Miranda aka Johnny J
Interested in making lifelong Tour de France memories like this? Head here to secure your place on your preferred Mummu Cycling 2021 Tour de France experience now. With the majority of our 2020 bookings transferring across to next season’s tour due to Covid-19 restrictions, we highly recommend pre-registering by placing a simple risk-free booking deposit. Hope to see you there!
The rumours have finally been confirmed that the man who has somewhat dominated professional cycling for the past decade, Chris Froome will soon be switching forces, closing out his ten year stint with team Sky/Ineos at the end of the season to join Israel Start-Up Nation.
The recent press release by ISN confirmed that Froome would be signing a long term contract on August 1st that would see him commit to the team through to the end of his career.
The Israeli team have significantly grown over the years and although fresh to the World Tour this season, they have already proven their commitment to growth and aspirations of becoming real Grand Tour contenders. The addition of Froome to the squad, certainly proves what they are building towards in 2021, in shaping a team that will support the 4 x Tour de France champion.
Team Manager, Kjell Carlstrom:
“We have been looking to strengthen the team for 2021 in several ways, not least of which is to become Grand Tour contenders. With his impressive palmarès, Chris Froome is the perfect leader to mark our arrival as a serious contender for these races, particularly the Tour de France.
“I’m really excited to be joining the ISN family. I look forward to challenging and being challenged by their talent and continuing to strive for the success that I’ve enjoyed up to now. ISN’s impact on the sport is rapidly expanding, and I’m energized to be along for the ride. I feel we can achieve great things together.” – Chris Froome.
So, as of January 1st2021, we’ll be seeing pro cycling great, Chris Froome take to the races on some slick new equipment. The most significant change being the switch to Factor Bikes.
The cutting edge bicycle manufacturers established in Norfolk will have Froome finally make the move to disc brakes, surprisingly for the first time in his career.
Israel Start-Up Nation primarily use two of Factor’s most advanced road bikes; The Factor One Disc – an aero bike designed for flatter terrain and the preferred option for the team’s sprinters, such as 22 x Grand Tour stage winner, André Greipel.
The bike that Froome will be teaming up with, however in his bid for further Grand Tour success, will be the lightweight Factor O2 VAM Disc.
The O2 has been specifically built to ‘dance up the mountains and storm down the descents’. The perfect fit for a Grand Tour champion as its innovative design and meticulous geometry will ensure maximum advantage when the road rises up, without compromising its ability to effortlessly sail around corners, and descend with utmost confidence.
The advanced bike will be decked out to perfection with Shimano Dura-Ace componentry, disc brakes and Black Inc Wheels.
Black Inc’s lightweight, incredibly versatile wheels with varying rim heights are the perfect wheel for all conditions with excellent power transfer, making accelerations smoother even on the steepest of climbs.
As a partner of Factor Bikes Mummu Cycling are incredibly excited to see them welcome the legendary Chris Froome to the Factor family and cannot wait to see the amazing things he’ll be able to achieve aboard his Factor O2.
We collaborated with Factor Bikes in 2019 to ensure our guests’ ride experience on tour is maximised on tour when they ride along some of the world’s most iconic roads for cycling, on cutting edge equipment.
Our loss, but great news for Factor Bikes lovers…
With current Covid-19 times still uncertain and continued travel restrictions, we are now having to part ways with our custom 2020 Tour de France fleet of brand new Factor O2 Disc bikes and have a complete range of fresh sizes available.
If you’re interested in riding the same revolutionary equipment as World Tour team, Israel Start-Up Nation and from 2021, Chris Froome, head here to check out our BIG Factor Bikes sale!
*Custom colour scheme and model pictured above. Sizes range from 49cm to 58cm and can be sold as frameset only or complete bikes and shipped globally.
Gippsland was one of the worst hit regions of Victoria during the bushfires of 2019/20. 1.5m hectares of Victoria burned, destroying 405 homes and 653 other structures all following three and a half years of drought.
The fires, thought to have started in November by lightning strikes took a devastating three months to contain due to the uncontrollable spread and the harsh Australian summer conditions.
Once contained, the nightmare didn’t end there, as almost as soon as local businesses and residents began the process of recovery and getting back on their feet in March, the blow of Covid-19 came. At a critical time where the communities needed tourism and support most, suddenly this was stripped away as the pandemic isolation protocols ran their course.
Following the recent loosening of restrictions and return to some normality, now is the time that Gippsland and its affected communities need the support of visitors to help local economies, keep small businesses afloat and aid their road to recovery. Travelling to these communities is now more important than ever before.
BIKE FOR BUSHFIRES
We are incredibly excited to be contributing by delivering our first Bike for Bushfires experience in Bairnsdale, Gippsland late July. The extended weekend experience, hosted by Stuart O’Grady, supported by our team and Factor Bikes Australia, will have guests staying in the heart of Bairnsdale at The Riversleigh, cycling through affected areas and enjoying amazing food and wine from local establishments.
Bairnsdale and surrounding communities was significantly affected by the bushfires and the Covid-19 hit. Renowned for being a commercial hub and the gateway to the stunning Gippsland lakes, coastline and high country, it marks the perfect location to hold what we expect will be an incredible weekend of cycling, wining and dining, meeting new friends and supporting local.
CYCLING IN GIPPSLAND
The Gippsland region is a real cyclist’s playground, encompassing everything from beaches, to farmland, mountains and picturesque lakes.
On tour, we’ll be riding through the many fire affected areas of the region and will include a mix of scenic routes through the Snowy River ranges and Eastern Coastline. The perfect combination of challenging mountainous terrain, to rolling country roads.
THE RIVERSLEIGH
We’ll be staying at boutique Victorian-style hotel, The Riversleigh, located in the heart of Bairnsdale on a quiet street over-looking the Mitchell River. The historic hotel, was established as early as 1886 and has now been elegantly refurbished to add the perfect modern touch.
The Riverseigh is obviously greatly reliant on visitors and tourists, so has been hugely impacted by the recent turn of events late 2019-2020.
“My husband Adrian and I have owned and operated the Riversleigh in Bairnsdale for the past seven years. The Riversleigh is a boutique hotel that we renovated to bring back to its former glory.
The last 6 months have been extremely difficult. Firstly with the tragic bushfires that ravaged East Gippsland and then just when things were starting to be a bit more positive, we were all hit with the Covid-19 pandemic.
We have implemented a COVID-safe plan and feel very confident we are doing everything to keep our staff and clients safe during these unprecedented times and look forward to welcoming guests back to our wonderful region”.
– Rachel Bromage, Manager at The Riversleigh, Bairnsdale
We are thrilled to be staying at the Riversleigh late July and hope our small bit of support will help them on their road to recovery.
LIGHTFORD & SONS WINES
Lightfoot & Sons is a family owned and operated vineyard, winery and cellar door in the Gippsland Lakes district, specialising in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Shiraz.
Stunningly located, between the foothills of the Great Dividing Range and Bass Strait, over Limestone soil structure. The cellar door views showcase incredible views of the vineyard and Lindenow Valley.
Lightford & Sons are now also on the comeback trail following recent events. We look forward to visiting their vineyard for a gourmet lunch, some divine local cheese and a drop of vino or two following a big day on the pedals on day two of our Bike for Bushfires, Bairnsdale experience.
LET’S GET BAIRNSDALE BUSTLING
Bairnsdale is packed with a selection of great restaurants, bars and cafes. To add to our specifically listed places, we’ll be making an effort to visit a number of local hotspots throughout the tour. Guests will also have down-time to explore and spend local if they so desire. From that second morning coffee run, to pre-dinner beers and beyond.
HOSTED BY STUEY O’GRADY
The trip will be hosted by Mummu Cycling’s very own Stuart O’Grady. As a 17-time Tour de France rider, 4- time Olympian and Paris-Roubaix Champion, Stuey will share his experience and expertise by leading our rides, sharing stories and advice along the way, as well as hosting exclusive dinners with the group.
“What an incredibly crazy year it’s been! I’ve never been so excited about riding my bike, exploring new areas and discovering new roads with my friends.
Bikes for Bushfires see’s us ticking a few boxes along the way.
Getting in some great rides in fantastic locations around Australia which were all heavily affected by the fires, while at the same time spending dollars in the local areas, supporting local Aussie businesses.
Now that Europe and the rest of the World is “Off limits” for a while, what a brilliant way to discover our own backyard by bike with some friends and enjoy some great food & wine along the way!”
– Stuart O’Grady
BACKED BY OUR TEAM & FACTOR BIKES AUSTRALIA
The tour will be backed by Mummu Cycling’s expert team of guides and staff. From transfers, to full daily ride support, expert mechanical assistance and advice, all in conjunction with Factor Bikes Australia.
Join us on our mission to ‘ride local and spend local’ on what we expect will be a memorable Bike for Bushfires experience in Bairnsdale, here.
We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Cycling Australia. As an Australian owned company, the collaboration is the perfect fit and next step to ensuring Australian cyclists have the best access to pro cycling’s most prestigious events abroad and domestically.
As the only Australian Official Tour de France Tour Operator, and commencing the fresh release of our Australian Experience, we are confident that the benefits we can offer and share with CA members are pre-eminent.
“We are really excited to be working with a world-class company such as Mummu Cycling. Mummu has such a strong reputation abroad and it’s great to be able to work with them to help generate much-needed revenue for bushfire affected areas around Australia.”
– GM for Sport Kipp Kaufmann.
“Mummu Cycling is proud to extend our cycling experiences with Cycling Australia members, and we are especially proud to support bushfire recovery with our ‘Ride Local, Spend Local’ experiences.”
– Marcel Berger, CEO Mummu Cycling
To celebrate the partnership, CA Members will receive:
● An exclusive 10% discount on the “Bike for Bushfires” Tour series in 2020
● 5% discount on all other Mummu Cycling trips
● 25% discount on bike hire on trips – subject to availability.
If you’re a Cycling Australia member and wish to have access to these exclusive discounts, please get in touch with our team before booking!
Learn more about our freshly launched Australian Experience that includes the Bike for Bushfires series commencing late July through to late October, here.
The world is gradually starting to get back on its feet, and with that many countries across the globe have now been able to loosen lockdown restrictions and allow some freedom to exercise outside.
Following many long and painful (for some) hours clocking k’s and keeping fitness up indoors, how incredible does it feel to ride freely, feel the wind on your face and appreciate the simple bliss of the great outdoors?
In saying that, Stuey’s next Challenge Throw-Down won’t be contested in your indoor pain cave, but out on the road!
So there’s something for everyone – we’ve come up with several different challenges…
1) This one for the ‘ride-fanatics’! How far can you ride solo?
Simply share your longest solo ride, by SENDING US your ride Strava link or a photo/screenshot of your ride stats. Note: It doesn’t need to be quick!
Then share the link/image on Facebook or Instagram, tag us @mummucycling and hashtag #stueyschallengethrowdown .
The longest solo ride winner will receive a $250 voucher to spend on any of our tours!
2) Just ride and share!
We understand not everyone has the time, freedom or energy to ‘ride long’, so instead you can also be in for a chance to win by sharing a photo on your solo ride outdoors.
A selfie, your favourite view…Whatever goes! Then simply post the photo on Facebook or Instagram, captioning it with ‘what riding outdoors means to you’…Can be as simple or as detailed as you so desire.
Then tag us @mummucycling and hashtag #stueyschallengethrowdown for your chance to win a $250 voucher to spend on any of our tours. Extra points for creativity and cool locations!
At competition close, the winner will be selected by Stuey.
3) Guess Stuey’s longest ride EVER.
Stuey raced professionally for many many years…just shy of 20! Throughout those years, as you can imagine, he endured countless training sessions and long, epic days in the saddle.
Can you guess how many km’s he clocked on his longest ride EVER? The closest guess will win a Mummu merch goodies pack!
*As the ride was ridden ‘back in the day’ there is no photo proof, however witness back-up and a great story to tell which we’ll be sharing post comp!
Good news – The 136km route has been confirmed! With 2,770m of elevation and 3 challenging climbs along the way, it replicates that of a mountainous stage at the Tour de France itself…
The start will take place from Kiama, NSW and it’ll be a quick one as the first 35km’s travel right down the stunning coastal stretch that lines the Tasman Sea, before turning inland at the Shoalhaven Heads, providing the perfect ‘warm-up’ ahead of the first Category 3 climb, Berry Mountain. The route will then continue North-West, following a nice descent and run through Kangaroo Valley into the next Category 1 climb, Col de Fitzroy. Weary legs will soon be forgotten as you carry on along the scenic ridge-line, passing by the Fitzroy Falls and Wingecarribee Reservoirs that will veer you back East towards the coast. Your final challenging hurdle will come very late into the route, as the relentless 8.8% Saddleback Mountain lies just ahead of the finish back in Kiama, ensuring you’ll enjoy every moment of that final swift descent to the line!
Click here to watch the Relive clip of the complete 2020 route.
So there you have it!! Now the question is – Are you game?!
Our varying packages will guarantee your entry to the popular event, and ensure your every need is taken care of; from logistics, great accommodation options, ride support, experienced staff and beyond. Each tour has strictly limited availability and places are now filling up quickly. Get in touch with our team to discuss options or book now !
EARLYBIRD SPECIAL
Book any one of our L’Étape Australia by Tour de France experiences before June 30th to receive a free ticket to the exclusive Ambassadors Clinic, held early Friday evening ahead of Saturday’s ride. It’s the perfect opportunity to get to know a few of Australia’s greatest cycling legend’s; current National road champion Amanda Spratt and former cycling legend, Simon Gerrans, hosted by Matthew Keenan.
Both stars will be offering tips and advice to prepare you at best for the event, as well as sharing momentous career stories, and joining an interactive Q&A session to conclude.
Former professional cycling legend, Stuey O’Grady is throwing one down…
With current times still uncertain and with a lot more time than we’re used to indoors, if you’re like us – you’re by now well and truly immersed in the indoor cycling world!
We’ve just completed our successful RGT Cycling April ride series that consisted of a collection of fun, social group rides, with a few challenges up epic mountain passes in the mix…
This gave Stuey the idea to set up a ‘challenge throw-down’ competition, and yes there’s a worthy prize on the line!
HOW TO CONTEND?
We’ll be sharing Stuey’s Stava Segment of his ‘Challenge throwdown’ with his time, the specific ride route he’s selected and the cycling app/platform he’s using.
You’ll then have 2 weeks from release to try and beat the 2007 Paris-Roubaix champion’s time by submitting your best time using the same platform and riding the same route.
Does Stuey still have it and do you have what it takes to beat him?!
*All chosen app’s for Stuey’s Challenge Throwdown’s will have free sign-up policies or free trials. We will mix it up by using various different platforms for each challenge.
HOW DO I SUBMIT MY TIME?
Email your Strava workout link or a screenshot/image of the post ride stats (including ride details & date) to us at : ecollins@mummucycling.com
*(If you’re on Strava, your account can be synced to the indoor cycling app you’re using).
We’d also love you to share on social media and tag us @mummucycling , then hashtag #stueyschallengethrowdown !
WHAT’S UP FOR GRABS?
The first male and female will win a $250 voucher to spend on any Mummu Cycling experience through to the end of 2021.
An additional prize containing a selection of Mummu Cycling merch will also be randomly drawn from the pool of ALL participants entered during the week! So everyone who enters is in to win!
*Anyone can enter – this is all about having a bit of fun. However only non-professional cyclists will be awarded our prizes 🙂
We will be posting leaderboard updates as times roll in so you can see where you stand and if you’d like to have another crack or two before the week ends! Have a shot as many times as you so desire…
WHERE WILL I FIND ‘STUEY O’GRADY’S CHALLENGE THROWDOWN’ RIDE ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPDATES?
We’ve created a Facebook Event where all information; including each new challenge, our winners, leaderboards etc. will be released!
TIME TO GET GOING?! HERE’s STUEY O’GRADY’S CHALLENGE THROWDOWN #1
Platform: FullGaz (https://fulgaz.com)
Ride: Formentor
Distance: 35.1km / 21.83miles
Climbing: 2602 ft / 793m
Stuey’s time to beat: 1:11:59
Entry’s close: Sunday May 17th 5pm AEST and winners will be announced soon after!
*NOTE:When synced with Stava, the distance automatically increased from 35km to 39.59km. Ignore this – just make sure you do the same route, on the same platform and you’ll be away laughing, or suffering – you choose… 😉
Lockdown weekend’s have been rather busy for us and Stuart O’Grady as we’ve been running our ‘Lockdown Live with Stuey O’Grady + Friends of the Pro Peloton’ over on our Instagram channel.
The extra down time and absence of racing has left Stuey with more hours to catch up with old mates of the peloton and chat all things ‘lockdown’, to missing the race days that ‘would’ve been’. In particular, the Spring Classics!
Here, we’ve shared Stuey’s Lockdown Live with the legendary, Fabian Cancellara that took place on Paris-Roubaix day. Paris-Roubaix holds very special memories for both former pros and team mates; Stuey having won the race back in 2007 and Fabian a phenomenal 3 times (2006, 2010 and 2013)!
Lockdown Live with Stuey O’Grady + Friends of the Pro Peloton. Starring: Fabian Cancellara
Interested in tuning in for upcoming Lockdown Live’s with Stuey? Next up, we’ll have Australian Cycling Legend, Simon Gerrans on Liège–Bastogne–Liège day!
In case you missed it, we’ve recently combined forces with RGT Cycling .⚡️⚡️
The impressive virtual cycling app has the capability of taking you on a truly realistic journey over some of the sports most iconic ‘real’ roads. To add, they’re offering free premium memberships in response to Covid-19 for the foreseeable future!
If you have a smart trainer, we’d love you to join us for some indoor ride time on our April Ride Series with RGT Cycling. We’ll be running a combination of ‘social’ rides, with the odd ‘challenge’ up an epic mountain pass thrown in the mix – if you’re game! 🤜 ⛰
All rides will be joined by members of our team and open to everyone. The more the merrier, so we encourage you to spread the word by sharing with your friends and cycling communities…then let’s get pedalling!
Firstly – head across to RGT Cycling and follow the simple steps to sign-up and connect – www.rgtcycling.com
You can then register for our group rides below on the dates that you’re keen to join!
We have a few different times to suit various time zones, so hope you can make it for a ride or two 🙂
DATES, TIMES and RIDE REGISTRATION LINKS
1) SOCIAL SPIN Borrego Springs x 3 laps 23.1km
Tuesday April 14th (5.00pm AEST, 9.00am CET)
Next up, from our ‘Pros in Quarantine’ is Aussie National Time Trial Champion, Luke Durbridge. Luke, like Jess is also confined to complete home lockdown, so is restricted to training indoors for now, keeping busy with other hobbies and discovering hidden talents…!
Top playlist/s on Spotify or #1 song that keeps you upbeat?
Current favourite playlist hottest 100 of the decade triple j.
Top read?
Doing audio book at the moment ‘Brene Brown – Braving the Wilderness’.
Recommended wind trainer session/brief run down on your go-to workout to do on the trainer?
I use Zwift and mostly just do 1 lap of the mountain circuit which is usually about an hour.
For the Zwifters – Have a special ride/workout (or series of) coming up on Zwift that others can sign up to and get involved with?
I love the Zwift races. I get pretty competitive and end up going as hard as I can haha…
Do you have a favourite strength/home gym routine or exercise?
I don’t have a specific one I just normally get my wife to prescribe a workout and I just follow it. She is more into Pilates and cross training. I’m not a massive fan of this style of workout but they are great for injury prevention and to pass the time!
Anything else you’re getting up to to keep entertained/active/stay positive or recommendations that you’d be happy to share?
Baking bread and trying to make my own music, but not very successful in either at this moment…
We disagree and think that bread looks pretty damn tasty??
Thanks Luke for taking the time out to chat…Keep at it!
Follow Durbo to see what he’s up to in quarantine on Instagram – here:
During current times of uncertainty and forced ‘down time’ at home for many in self-isolation/strict quarantine, we’ve had a chat to a few of the pros in lockdown throughout Europe to get some top entertainment and fitness recommendations!
First up, is Jess Allen, an Aussie pro cyclist racing for Mitchelton-SCOTT. Jess is currently in Spain unable to train on the roads, restricted to apartment life. She’s remaining positive, busy and upbeat, however and has kindly shared a few tips to doing so below!
Top playlist/s on Spotify or #1 song that keeps you upbeat?
Aussie BBQ
Guilty Pleasures
Even Flow
Hot Hits Australia
Top read/s?
I’m not a huge reader so I’ll be looking for recommendations, but I’m actually reading a book called ‘Attached’ by Dr Amir Levine and Rachel Heller. It’s about understanding the three attachment styles in relationships.
Currently watching on Netflix/other or go-to movie/s?
I’m into some Spanish TV series at the moment. Elite, Money Heist and Cable Girls. The latest season of Elite is out and the next season of Money Heist is out in a couple of weeks.
I love a good rom-com movie but also any genre.
Recommended wind trainer session/brief run down on your go-to workout to do on the trainer?
I like interval sessions on the trainer as it makes the time go faster. At the moment my favourite sessions are SE’s and 30/30’s (3 sets of 8mins, 30seconds max, 30seconds active recovery).
For the Zwifters – Have a special ride/workout (or series of) coming up on Zwift that others can sign up to and get involved with?
I just finished the Bike Exchange Where the World Rides series and I quite enjoyed that so I’ll be on the hunt for some more to join.
Do you have a favourite strength/home gym routine or exercise?
My home gym routine is the following:
3 x 1min skipping (I air skip as don’t have a skipping rope)
Stabilisation exercises with an exercise ball and 2 x 1min wall sits.
My main exercises are 4×8 Squats, 4×8 Single legged deadlifts and 4×8 lunges.
I then finish with core and upper body exercises.
Anything else you’re getting up to to keep entertained/active/stay positive or recommendations that you’d be happy to share?
I find having a daily planner really helpful. I will put times in for certain activities to do each day. This helps me get out of bed in the morning and have purpose and meaning to my day.
I’m having 2 lessons a week on ‘italkie’ learning Spanish. You can pick a tutor on there and you have a one on one session over Skype. On alternate days I’ll do 30mins of Duolingo.
I think it’s also a nice time to do things you don’t get the chance to do normally. I’m going to start making birthday cards with watercolors/pencils etc for friends throughout the year.
I will also do some online core, yoga and zumba classes. I find this a bit more motivating than doing it myself. I’m yet to find good channels yet but I’ll keep you updated.
I’m also speaking to a sport psychologist in Australia once a week. I think now is a really important time to speak to sport psychs to help keep your motivation and purpose when the rest of the season is so unclear.
Thank you Jess for taking the time to chat and share these top tips! Tuning in to ‘Aussie BBQ’ as we type…
Follow Jess to see what she’s up to in quarantine and to add a positive spin to your own situation.
Our thoughts and concerns are with you and your families throughout this time of uncertainty.
The unforeseen situation has left us unsure of what the near future holds, yet confident that with us all banding together to fight COVID-19, we will come out stronger and healthier.
As many of you know, our upcoming tours through to June have been put on hold or postponed, and we’ve been closely communicating with booked guests discussing options to ensure they still get their dream travel experience with Mummu Cycling in the future.
For now, keep your eyes on the road ahead, keep pedalling (indoors if you have to), support one another and continue to smile brightly.
We look forward to getting back to traveling the world by bike with you all again soon! ✌️🌍🚴♂️
A few TIPS to get you through…
Keep active! Even if it’s just 30 minutes a day…happy legs = a happy head! If in isolation or quarantine, look at doing some home gym routines, or get stuck into indoor wind training! Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sending you some trainer and fitness routines recommended by our pro hosts and friends of the pro peloton, many of which are also in restricted isolation throughout Europe. Stay tuned…
Hydrate – Aim for 2 x litres a day if you can…and for something new + added vitamins, try revamping your standard water bottle/jug with some fresh lemon and ginger.
Eat well and healthy to ensure your immune system’s at its best and ready for any curveballs thrown at it – Remember those 5 serves of veg a day!
Get enough sleep – Sleep is absolutely KING when it comes to staying healthy and strong. Do your best to treat yourself to 8 hours a night.
Practice proper hygiene and encourage family, colleagues and friends to do the same.
If you’re in isolation, or restricted from your usual social and sporting activities, take the opportunity to try something new whether it’s a different recipe, yoga, a language, an online course, a new book…your options are unlimited!
YOGEUR with Nicole
Last year we had the pleasure of having former pro cyclist, Nicole Moerig with us on tour as a ride guide at the Tour de France.
Nicole is a qualified Yoga instructor and has kindly shared her own Yogeur videos with us to pass on to you! Her practices are specifically ‘designed for cyclists and endurance athletes with a focus on performance benefits and personal wellbeing.’
Head to the links below, then follow the simple prompts to gain access & get started!
Sam Bewley is a New Zealander racing for Mitchelton-SCOTT currently in his 12th season as a professional and is a big fan of La Vuelta having raced the Spanish Grand Tour many times throughout his career. Here he talks about his own Vuelta race memories, highlights, hardest racing moments, the passionate atmosphere and what makes the Vuelta so special for riders and fans alike…
What do you enjoy most about racing La Vuelta?
I really enjoy the enthusiasm of the fans in the Northern part of Spain. The Basque fans are some of the best cycling fans in the world and it creates such a cool atmosphere on the climbs around there. They really are something special and luckily for the riders this year, a fair bit of the race is around that area.
Key differentials to the other Grand Tours?
The Vuelta does have a much more relaxed vibe than the other two Grand Tours and that creates a cool opportunity for spectators to get close to the riders at the starts and finishes of each stage. It’s also a very diverse tour with so many different terrains and landscapes around Spain. There is always something to contend with; mountains, winds, hot weather and wet weather and this is what plays a big part in the day to day excitement of the Vuelta.
How many La Vuelta’s have you raced in your career?
Umm…good question. I think I have done 6 or 7 now, and hopefully a few more still to come.
Favourite La Vuelta race memory?
Stage 20 of the 2016 Vuelta. Esteban was sitting 4th overall at that stage about 1 minute behind Alberto Contador. The team was incredible that day and we managed to set up a long range attack for Esteban to take that time back and finish 3rd overall that year. Every rider played such a big role in their own way which made what we pulled off pretty special.
Hardest La Vuelta stage you remember racing?
Ohh, there have been many! Probably the one that sticks out in my mind most recently was stage 16 in 2019. It was a relatively flat stage but it was super windy and a 225km stage. After 2km the race was in pieces because of the winds and I had made the front group of 20 and from then on it was a 225km slog fest. It’s now the fastest Grand tour stage in history with an average of 54kmhr or something and I ended that day a complete wreck…it took a few days or maybe weeks to recover from that one.
How would you best describe the atmosphere/culture at La Vuelta?
It’s really relaxed and accessible for spectators which is cool. Like I said above, the culture of the Basque fans in particular is unreal and that just creates such an amazing atmosphere on the climbs around that area. It’s like racing through a party of thousands.
Why would you recommend coming to watch La Vuelta over other events throughout the season to fans of the sport?
The Vuelta just offers such a great opportunity to get up and close with the riders with their more relaxed start and finish areas. It’s pretty rare that you can get right up to the team buses and meet the riders and get some photos with your favourite. The racing in recent years has probably been some of the most exciting of Grand Tour stages. The way the course is set out over the three weeks encourages full on racing, day in, day out, and being there to witness it first hand would be pretty exciting. There is never a dull moment at the Vuelta and if there was, Spain is littered with some of the worlds best wineries!!
Gracias!
If you, like us are now happily convinced by what Sam has to say about the Vuelta, check out our freshly launched 2020 La Vuelta experience, that’ll have you taking in the best of the race’s middle week through the Basque Country and onto the stunning Asturias region nestling the Cantabria Coast. This week is certain to be the race deciding week, including 3 very testing mountain stages, with the iconic Alto de l’Angliru in the mix. It’s going to be EPIC! Join us for the ride, here.
This year marks the seventh occasion that the Tour de France will depart from the South of France, daringly close to the mountains, from the stunning Côte d’Azur city of Nice. Located right on the Mediterranean coastline, and nestled at the foot of the Alps – Nice la Belle ‘Nice the beautiful’ offers quite the spectacular backdrop and will excitingly once again play host to the world’s greatest bike race at the 2020 Grand Départ.
Nice has been a significant part of Tour de France history since as early as the fourth edition in 1906 where it was home to the finish following a gruelling 345km battle that started in Grenoble and saw René Pottier kick start a long running history of Tour de France victories there.
It has since, featured a prominent 37 times, three of which have been Grand Départ’s and its most recent being at the special 100th edition in 2013, where it held the Stage Four Team Time Trial.
A place of great significance for Orica-GreenEDGE
Although each Tour de France return to Nice has been significant, the Team Time Trial at the 100th edition certainly created something special. The discipline itself; a unique, entertaining event to witness firsthand, topped by sensational crowds – lively atmosphere, and the idyllic coastal city setting.
A day to remember for many – in particular the then fresh to the World Tour scene, Orica-GreenEDGE who claimed an emphatic, history-making victory in Nice, only a day following the Australian team’s first ever Tour de France win on Stage three with Simon Gerrans. Gerrans’ success, coming soon after the team hit headlines during Stage One in Corsica when the team bus dramatically got stuck under the finish banner. Their success to come, all the more welcomed, following the chaos and stress surrounding them to start.
The team, established only the year prior in 2012 stepped into the 2013 edition with a real vengeance to prove their position on the World Tour to sponsors, fans and themselves. Their achievements well and truly demonstrating their worth and kickstarting their continued rise to the top of the ranks, where they now stand as one of the most dominating professional teams on the pro circuit, as Mitchelton-SCOTT.
The monumental day for the team on July 2nd, 2013 saw them tackle a 25km flat circuit through Nice’s city centre. Lines of excited, passionate fans gathered the streets in cheer as the fastest professional cyclists united with their team mates in time trial format. Orica-GreenEDGE crossing the line, a mere 75 hundredths of a second ahead of Belgian squad, Omega Pharma-QuickStep in an unbelievable time of 25:56, holding an average speed of 57.54km/h over 25km. The average speed still stands in history as one of the fastest ever.
The victory came with double success for the team as not only did they secure their second consecutive Tour de France stage, but also moved into the prestigious Yellow Jersey, with Simon Gerrans.
Now they’d had their taste for the Maillot Jaune, and as their Tom Petty team theme song said, ‘they weren’t backing down’ easily. Their incredible stream of success, continuing on to see Gerrans hold the Yellow for an additional two stages, before passing it onto the shoulders of team mate, Daryl Impey. Impey, also making history as the first ever African to wear the Yellow jersey, in which he did so impressively for another two stages, tremendously supported by the team – high on Tour de France success.
2013 Orica-GreenEDGE Tour de France team
Simon Gerrans
Daryl Impey
Stuart O’Grady
Matt Goss
Brett Lancaster
Cameron Meyer
Svein Tuft
Michael Albasini
Simon Clarke
Words from the riders
What it mean’t to win in Nice…
SIMON GERRANS –
Simon Gerrans raced professionally from 2005-2018 and is highly regarded as being one of Australia’s most decorated cyclists. He raced for GreenEDGE since their initiation in 2012, right through to his penultimate year as a professional in 2017. Gerrans won multiple Tour de France stages (including two team time trial’s), as well as stages at the Giro d’Italia and La Vuelta. To top, he won the most gruelling of one day monuments; Milan-San Remo and Liège–Bastogne–Liège throughout his stellar pro career….
“When I look back on my cycling career, one of my fondest memories is our Team Time Trial victory in the 2013 Tour de France in Nice.
We were not on anyones radar as big favourites for the stage and our preparation for the stage was limited at best, so I don’t think there was a huge amount of expectation on the team. The fact that we were all so elated with the teams win on the stage prior and the yellow jersey was up for grabs, everyone in the team simply lifted for the occasion and put in a world class performance.
It is always a special feeling to win a race, however to win at the Tour de France alongside 8 great mates really elevated this win to another level.”
Image by Cor Vos
CAMERON MEYER –
Current Australian Road National champion, multiple World track champion across several disciplines, Commonwealth Games 2018 Road Time Trial champion and a GreenEDGE original having been with the team since 2012, minus a short hiatus in 2016.
“To win the Team Time Trial in the 2013 Tour de France in Nice was incredible. We had so much drama happen with the bus getting stuck on Stage 1, Simon Gerrans winning Stage 3, the first week became a whirl wind of stories every day. We went so fast in that Team Time Trial and won by the smallest of margins. We knew we could go well but I don’t think we ever expected the Yellow Jersey along with the win. To have the leaders jersey of the biggest cycle race in the world was unbelievable and to hold it for the next four stages was more then we could of ever imagined. It was a dream come true for everyone within our new GreenEdge organisation and put Australian Cycling as a Team at the top of the World Stage.”
Memories from the race itself…
“I remember the day of the Team Time Trial being really hectic. The stage was packed with spectators and we arrived late to the start. We did one quick lap on the bikes to check the course out and nearly ran out of time to do our warm up. Everything was a bit rushed that we never really got time to think about all the what if’s. That probably helped us as went we out and attacked the course as hard as we could. I was a little nervous being in the starting position for the team as we rolled down the ramp, but once we were into the race and rhythm, I knew we were on a fast ride. I remember Whitey screaming to pedal as hard as we could all the way to the line because it was that close. Once we knew we were the winners it was pandemonium. We were jumping up and down, cheering in disbelief like we had won the lottery. You could not take the smiles off our faces.”
Bring on Nice 2020
If Nice’s last appearance at the Tour de France is anything to go by, its return in 2020 will no doubt be spectacular. With the Grand Départ and the opening three stages taking place from its picturesque coastal shores, it will provide the perfect stage to showcase professional cycling at its very best as the world’s most talented cyclists go head to head to claim first honours.
For the Mitchelton-SCOTT team, they may just carry that bit of additional motivation, as they push their pedals through Nice with some unforgettable memories.
“I am excited to see the Tour de France return to Nice. So many professional cyclists have a base in that area which makes it a special place. Our team will always remember that day we pulled on our first yellow jersey, so I’m sure when the team lines up this year, an extra motivation will be in them to start the Tour in a successful fashion. It’s a fantastic location with special memories for the GreenEdge family and fingers crossed 2020 is just as good.” – Cameron Meyer
Interested in being there to witness the beauty of Nice and the Tour de France combined at this year’s Grand Départ Nice? Mummu Cycling will be running a 5 day experience that will have you as close as can be to the spectacular start; from the official opening ceremony, through to three LIVE opening stages, all from the heart of stunning Nice. Limited places remain…find out more, here.
Wonder what it takes to become a World Class climber? What do they think about? How to mask the pain?!
Hear from New Zealand’s greatest professional climbing success, George Bennett who runs us through some key pointers, shares personal ‘climbing’ race memories, his most favoured and dreaded training/racing climbs and his BIG ambitions for 2020.
What are some key tips you can offer a recreational rider when training for long climbs?
Repeat! Climbing is all about repeatability- a lot of people can do a climb fast once but it takes a lot to survive a long hilly ride. The only way to get to that level is to drag yourself through a number of climbs in one session. It can suck at first, but eventually you will be doing the 5th climb of the day as fast as your first.
Has climbing always been your greatest strength?
Being light, I’ve always had gravity on my side, but a lot of people shake the kilos later in their cycling lives and come and join the party in the mountains.
What did it take to really make that step up to being consistently there climbing against the world’s best?
I think there were many factors, for sure years of training and racing and a lot of suffering but I think when it comes down to it the key factor is nutrition. Learning to be able to eat enough on the bike so I can avoid the bad days.
What do you think about when climbing?
Ideally nothing but the wheel in front of me…but it doesn’t alway work like that. Some days I have a line of a song stuck in my head or a phrase of another language I’m trying to learn, but at the end of the day I just try and focus on saving the legs as much as I can until I need them.
Any key mental tips that help with overcoming the pain?
There is no avoiding it, some days you deal with it better than other days but just try and embrace it. If you really focus on a certain goal, it can distract you from the pain. For me, in a race I just think a lot about the last corners and when I should try and make a move and that point seems to distract me a little from the fact I still have 30mins of suffering to get there.
Favourite training/racing climb/s?
Big fan of Takaka hill in my native Nelson (New Zealand) or Col de Ordino in my adopted home of Andorra. As for racing – the Dolomites and the Pyrenees can’t be beaten!
Hardest training/racing climb/s
I think anything in Spain is pretty hard, it’s hot and generally steep and on rough roads. Rocacorba in Girona is a filthy climb alongside many of the Vuelta specials, (Los Machucos being one of the worst).
Best climbing race memory?
There’s a number of them but maybe one of the best as a climber was in last year’s Tour de France up the Tourmalet…I just got to ride the front as hard as I could without having to worry about saving anything, it was on the worlds biggest stage on one of cyclings most mythical mountains and when I finished there was a handful of guys left.
Toughest mountain stage you’ve raced throughout your career?
So hard to pin point them, I think the two hardest stages of my life have actually not been in the mountains but as far as climbing stages go, I think stage 7 in the TDF 2017 was pretty crazy or basically anything in the last week of the Giro 2018- Maybe the Finisterre stage won by Froome.
What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Giro d’Italia, heading your team Jumbo-Visma?
I think approaching it with a bit more experience and support than previous years should make things a bit more successful. It looks like a pretty crazy course with a heap of stages over 200km so I’m probably looking forward to the rest days already….
With the Tokyo Olympics also on the radar and suited to you, assume this will be your biggest target for 2020?
Yep, 2020 is a pretty special year being Olympic year. That’s what I’m pinning most of my hopes on, but with the way the World Tour operates these days you need to be good all the time, so i will have quite a few goals spears across the year!
George’s climb to success continues and in recent season’s he’s certainly confirmed that; from winning the Tour of California in 2018, to soaring into a credible 8th on GC at the Giro d’Italia, and to last year being a significant part of the sensational Tour de France Team Time Trial victory of his team Jumbo-Visma.
A big thank you to George for taking the time to share some pointers and words on climbing and a little insight into personal experiences as a World Class climber. We wish George all the best for the 2020 season to come as the already successful kiwi with incredible talent and a big personality to top, continues his climb! Watch this space.
Hear from former Paris-Roubaix champion, also third at the Ronde van Vlaanderen in 2003 and real Classics specialist, Stuart O’Grady talking all things Flanders!
Stuey will be hosting our Spring Classics experiences this April, including the recently launched Flanders Weekend. His experience, expertise and firsthand knowledge will certainly not go amiss on tour.
Find out what he has to say about the iconic one day Classic, below…
Image: CyclingTips – Cor Vos
What’s so special about the Ronde van Vlaanderen?
The Ronde really is one of the coolest races of the year. The entire country is in party mode for one of the most historic and difficult races on the calendar.
If you stand on the podium at the end of this gruelling race, you gain instant ‘hardcore’ status from your fellow riders!
It’s one of the most challenging days you can have with the small roads, constant change of direction and super steep cobbled climbs.
Although the cobbles aren’t anything like Roubaix, they are constantly changing in their difficulty and it can get really dangerous when racing.
Your favourite Ronde van Vlaanderen race memory?
Finishing 3rd in 2003.
This was a huge moment for me personally. It gave me the confidence after years and years of trying to be competitive in the final of these one day Classics, that I did have what it takes.
It gave me the belief that i could potentially win one of these big races if everything fell in my favour in the years to come.
Favourite Flanders climb?
I wouldn’t call any of them my favourite as they hurt so much when you’re racing over them!
But the Muur van Geraardsbergen was probably the most iconic and hardest when the race used to finish in Meerbeke. Racing up such an incredibly steep cobbled climb after 250kms was so hard….But so cool if you were having a good day.
Preferred Flanders cobbled sector?
I didn’t really have a preferred cobbled section, but the one I really struggled with the most was the Stationsberg section.
It is long and is only at around 5-10%, but you really need big power on this section.
Most challenging section or phase of the race?
From km 100 to the finish line. You have to stay so focused on everywhere you put your front wheel. The roads are constantly changing, the wind blowing different directions. It’s a crazy race.
Greatest difference to Paris-Roubaix?
The climbs. Roubaix is fairly flat, whereas Flanders has 20+ climbs. All different lengths and difficulties.
In Flanders you can use slow down tactics on the climbs to ‘block’ the roads so teams are out of position for the following sector, whereas in Roubaix, the roads are wider and you race 50kmph + over the sectors.
They’re both incredibly hard and have their own personalities.
Interested in experiencing the incredible Ronde alongside Stuart O’Grady this April? Learn more, here.
Another fun-filled, action packed Santos Tour Down Under has been and gone, and we’ve headed home exhausted, but immensely satisfied, following the delivery of two very successful tours (8 and 4 days) and an additional corporate one-day experience.
Take a look back…
We kicked things off on Schwalbe Classic day, perfectly timed to enjoy a cruisy warm-up spin out to the beach, in far but balmy conditions and drizzle. Not the hot, sunny Adelaide we were expecting, but the weather certainly didn’t dampen the mood, as excitement flooded the air, our guests well and truly ready to get amongst the action.
From there, we were off to see the pro women go head-to-head in a valiant battle for overall honours as the criterium marked the final stage of the women’s edition. An incredible display of fast, fiery, aggressive racing followed that saw eventual winner – American National road champion, Ruth Winder maintain her lead by the slimmest of margins to take the GC victory.
Next up, the men took to the streets in cool, windy and wet conditions…caution the priority for most, with the official tour to commence Tuesday. The battle against the sprinters, however still came in full force, despite the slick roads – Caleb Ewan a few bike lengths too quick for competitors, proving he’s bought his flying form from last season right back into 2020.
The following morning, we were up and at em’ fairly early to get some k’s and exploring in before meeting Team Sunweb pre recovery ride.
We woke up once more to blustery conditions and wet roads, so our plans to tackle the Adelaide famous Norton Summit shifted to a safer, sheltered ride led out by local guide, Darren O’Grady and former pro – Tour de France Green jersey winner, Baden Cooke.
The sun showed its face just in time for the pros to venture out for their ride as we made our way in to the City of Adelaide Tour Village to meet them. While we waited for the team to kit up, our own Stuart O’Grady, now official Race Director of the event popped down for a visit with none other than his old mate from the pro peloton, Fabian Cancellara – fresh off the plane having just arrived to Australia that morning. An incredible surprise for our guests, that understandably left them feeling a little speechless!
Team Sunweb then graciously took the time to chat and grab a photo, before rolling out in pursuit of the beach. We hopped on the train for roll-out to get an idea as to what their ‘recovery pace’ is…Verdict – NOT easy.
From there, we were back to the hotel to freshen up, before departing to enjoy the remnants of the tour ‘rest day’ at McLaren Vale’s world-famous winery, d’Arenberg.
Here, we enjoyed a walk through the abstract building ‘the cube’ before retreating to the top floor to enjoy a wine tasting and the stunning panoramic views on display. By then, our stomach’s were rumbling and well and truly ready for the decadent three course lunch that followed. An afternoon well spent, doing the rest day ‘just right’.
The next day, we were up early, ready for action as the games were well and truly about to begin, with Stage One kicking off from the heart of Adelaide’s other world-renowned wine region, the Barossa. The mood was high, from start to finish as we enjoyed the stunning, scenic route out over the iconic Gorge road. Joined by the Factor Bikes Australia team, we had plenty of support out on the road and an excited group of guests to match, cheerily anticipating the race action to come.
We rolled in to Tanunda just in the knick of time to see the Stage start as the pros set out on their first lap of five. We then settled in to our marquee roadside, setup a mere 75m from the line, where we enjoyed a delicious gourmet picnic spread by the incredible ‘Everyday Gourmet’. Not a bad way to replenish our efforts post ride and await the race action, that eventually saw a furious sprint battle against the peloton’s fastest men – Irishman, Sam Bennett, this time stealing the show.
The following morning, we whipped our climbing legs out of the bag to set out in pursuit of Stirling, where the Stage Two finishing circuits would take place around a testing, undulating course. Our own first hurdle came up the slopes of the mighty Montacute ascent…cruelly tough in its final stages, reaching some punishingly steep gradients. Nonetheless, everyone made it up, albeit through gritted teeth. A cool coke and a handful of lollies later, the grins were back and we were off again – Stirling bound to tackle a lap of the circuit.
Safe to say, on arrival back to the finish there were a few weary faces, more than ready for their afternoon, wining and dining over incredible pizza and local wine as we watched the stage action unfold right before us from a prime viewing location. Big screen entertainment, atmosphere on point and air-conditioning made for a day very well spent at the Santos Tour Down Under. Excitement levels at their peak when we saw the sensational Caleb Ewan prove his strengths once more in an exhilarating uphill sprint to the line.
Meanwhile, the Mummu team were also busy delivering a Corporate Tour Down Under day experience with Piper Alderman.
Their morning started right with coffee and baked goods before setting out into the Adelaide Hills, led by Baden Cooke. Mount Lofty, their first test of the day as they made their way out to Stirling and deeper into the daring hills. They then contested not one, but two laps of the final circuit to well and truly work up an appetite for a huge afternoon of indulging in incredible food, wine and race viewing. Three courses later, paired with a drop or two of stunning local vino, and they were well and truly prepared for the spectacular finish that came!
Find out more on our Corporate and Bespoke travel experiences, here…
The next day, it was time to get the cameras out as we set off to the Stage Three Start in Unley. As an official tour operator of the race, we were granted special access to the pre-stage rider prep area that had us wandering by the teams and riders within very close proximity. Literally, as close as you can get! We were lucky enough to then meet, chat and grab photos with some of the sports biggest stars along the way. Most, incredibly relaxed and friendly ahead of go-time, leaving our guests feeling a little starry-eyed!
Following the Stage start, we were back to the hotel to prepare for the arrival of our 4 day guests and get set for an afternoon welcome ride as the weather took a turn for the better. Thank you to Factor Bikes Australia for once again doing a fantastic job assisting in bike setup and dialling ahead of go-time.
Concluding a relaxed spin out to the beach, we were back to refresh and doll up ahead of the evening’s Mummu Cycling cocktail function at the Hilton. Several drinks and canapés later and we were joined by a number of very special guests from the pro peloton…
A BIG thank you to; Luke Durbridge, Jens Voigt, André Greipel, Stuey O’Grady and Baden Cooke who took the time to join us for the evening, sharing fantastic insight into the race, as well as some memorable moments from their impressive professional careers.
The next morning, we were up before the birds to contest the Westpac Challenge Tour, presented by the Advertiser – a sportive event that runs along the same Stage Four route as the pros – from Norwood through to Murray Bridge, with several shorter ride options from different start points also available.
A huge day out for many battling over testing terrain – some even lucky enough to cruise along with Fabian Cancellara!
Challenge ✔️- All arriving to the finish in Murray Bridge weary yet satisfied and ready for an afternoon kicking back watching the race action and preparing for the quick sprint battle that came. The man to beat, Caleb Ewan once again proving all too strong…
Meanwhile, our spectators were off on their own adventures, enjoying a touristy morning scoping out the Adelaide famous German town of Hahndorf, followed by wine tasting and a delicious meal at The Lane Vineyard before joining the rest of the group at the finish.
At Mummu Cycling we strive to create spectator and rider friendly itineraries run simultaneously to ensure an all-inclusive group dynamic. The only differing activities are when rides take place and spectators head out not their own guided adventures with our support team. Find out more, here.
The following day’s adventures included a cruisy spin to the Stage Five start in Glenelg where we enjoyed the buzzing pre-race festivities and met some big names of the pro peloton.
It was then back on the bikes and into the hills…a little leg weary for most, but still game for some k’s! Concluding a beautiful beach to hills ride, we arrived to the City of Adelaide Tour Village in time to enjoy the Stage action, while enjoying a delicious picnic lunch by the always impressive Everyday Gourmet.
It was then time to put the feet up ahead of the evening’s ‘Legend’s Dinner’ hosted by Fabian Cancellara and joined by the inspirational Kristina Vogel, as well as the voice of cycling, Phil Liggett.
Last but not far from least, the thrilling final showdown up Willunga Hill awaited…
Our day started bright and early as the Mummu peloton hit the streets on route to McLaren Vale, along Adelaide’s impressive vineyard-dotted cycle ways.
Following a challenging summit or two (for the keen) up the leg zapping Willunga Hill, it was time to settle in for an incredible afternoon replenishing our efforts over great food and wine, while watching the excitement of the closing stage unfold from big screen entertainment, to witnessing the action live, roadside.
We then made our way over to our marquee’s set up 75m from the finish to join the madness and get our cheer on as the pros hit the base of the climb for the final time. As expected, an epic fight to the line that saw the legendary Richie Porte come out on top of the GC ranks….Truly surreal to witness it all live!
Thank you Santos Tour Down Under for putting on another seamless event, to our amazing, easygoing guests and to our dedicated, positive team of staff. We’ll be back…
Interested in joining us for the ride Down Under in 2021? You can now reserve your spot on tour, HEREwith a Prerelease Guarantee. This will ensure your receive all 2021 tour itinerary information before we go LIVE on our website and social channels, as well as securing your place on the tour of your choice. Hope to see you there!
The Ronde van Vlaanderen ‘de Ronde’ is a day in cycling that the entire country of Belgium and cycling fans around the world unite to watch one of the most entertaining one-day bike races across the calendar.
It stands among the most prestigious, sought after events in the sport and one of the five famous monuments, alongside; Paris-Roubaix, Milan-San Remo, Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Giro di Lombardia.
The race was established in 1913 and has successfully run almost every year since, with WWI being the only reason for intermission. In 2004, a professional women’s version of the race was initiated and continues to take place ahead of the men.
Johan Museeuw on his way to winning his third Ronde van Vlaanderen in 1998.
Six cycling greats hold a joint record for the most victories, a highly commendable three times: Eric Leman, Ahciel Buysse, Johan Museeuw, Fiorenzo Magni ,Tom Boonen and Fabian Cancellara.
The Ronde van Vlaanderen is one of the two major cobbled classics, held the weekend prior to its cobbled counterpart, Paris-Roubaix. Both hold similar degrees of prestige, yet offer a highly differential race experience. Paris-Roubaix, well regarded for its tremendously challenging sporadic ‘pavé’ sectors with little elevation throughout the races’ course, while the Ronde van Vlaanderen offers a much lumpier route through the testing hills of Flanders and a combination of cobbled climbs and technical cobbled straights. The cobbles themselves contrast significantly; Roubaix’s pavé much rougher and lined less orderly than its Flanders counterpart.
The route
Over the years, the Ronde van Vlaanderen has exchanged start and finish locations between numerous Belgian cities within the Flemish region. In 2017, the start city was handed over from Bruge to Antwerp and in 2011, the finish moved to Oudenaarde from Meerbeke. Oudenaarde also marks the start city for the professional women.
The route traditionally travels through the Western Provences of Belgium, crossing through both West and East Flanders.
Both 267km (men) and 160km (women) routes offer little to no respite throughout, with the exception of a usual straightforward ‘open’ start and a recurring famous 13km flat run into the finish, directly proceeding a succession of race-deciding climbs; the punishing Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg critical final hurdles. The flat stretch often leaves key contenders battling it out cat and mouse style – separated from the aftermath of the climbs and fighting against the cross winds in a desperate drag to the line, to either win the race or claw their way back into contention.
Start and finish aside, the majority of the course is jam-packed with a consistent stream of short, steep bergs – some lined with cobbles, others so narrow that the race for position to its base, is as imperative as the ascent itself. When the attacks aren’t being laid down on the climbs, they’ll be frequently flying on the infamous cobbled sectors; time after time stringing the peloton out into single file, fighting for the ‘smoother’ gutter line – again the battle for position proving crucial for contenders and their loyal domestiques on duty to get them to the head of the pack.
To be a key competitor in the race, it takes tactical knowledge, immense skill and strength combined and an aggressive, all or nothing nature. The strongest men and women are persistently left battling it out to the final stages and if the race’s history is anything to go by, only the very greatest in the sport will cross the Ronde van Vlaanderen line first.
@Yuzuru Sunada – The champion of champions, Philippe Gilbert claiming an emphatic solo RVV victory in 2019.
Key sectors and climbs to note:
Paterberg: Average gradient – 12.9%, Maximum gradient – 20.3%, Length – 360m
The Paterburg is famously known within the cycling world for its rough cobbles, meshed with harsh gradients of up to 20.3%. As the last climb in the Ronde van Vlaanderen, it almost always lives up to its name, encouraging countless late race attacks before the final flat stretch into the finishing town of Oudenaarde.
Oude Kwaremont: Average gradient – 4%, Maximum gradient – 11.6%, Length – 2200m
2.2km of pain – tackled not once, but three times throughout the race and more often than not, splitting the peloton or what’s left of it to bits! It was atop the Kwaremont in 2017 that World Champion, Peter Sagan’s race was ended with a brutal late race crash. On our 2020 Flanders Weekend and Cobbled Classics tours we will spend most of our day catching the action up the Oude Kwaremont, as the most frequently crossed point throughout the race.
Koppenberg: Average gradient – 9.4% , Maximum gradient – 22% , Length – 700m
It’s feared by all, mostly due to its punishing steepness and cobbles to combine. On many an occasion you’ll see riders being forced to run their bikes up the short, but brutal climb – usually caused by chaos ahead!
Muur van Geraardsbergen: Average gradient – 9%, Maximum gradient – 20%, Length – 750m
Muur means ‘wall’ in Flemish, so we’ll let you be the judge. Narrow and steep – and known to always bring an electric crowd of excited spectators awaiting the race to explode up its famous slopes.
Kanarieberg: Average gradient – 7.7%, Maximum gradient – 14%, Length – 1000m
A slightly longer climb for the peloton to take on and certainly a challenge. The riders will have a break from their dose of cobbles, however as the climb is lined with smooth asphalt.
Taaienberg: Average gradient – 6.6%, Maximum gradient – 18%, Length – 530m
It’s over before you know it with it’s short length, but size certainly doesn’t matter on this occasion. More often than not, the big names will be right up at the head of the peloton and ready to pounce!
Haaghoek: Length – 2000m
The Haaghoek is a famous sector, lined for 2km with gnarly cobblestones. The race is almost always going to explode along here as riders hit it at speed and attacks fly. One word – hectic!
Paddestraat: Length – 2300m
Another famous sector of cobbled madness – 2.3km of burn in the legs along this stretch is inevitable. Attacks will fly and the hammer will be laid down as riders battle for the narrow, uneven side gutters and only the strongest, most skilled riders will reach the end up front.
We are incredibly excited to be returning to the spectacular Ronde van Vlaanderen this season in full force. Due to popular demand, we have recently launched an additional Classics experience – ‘Flanders Weekend’ dedicated to the iconic Ronde that’ll have you riding the very same cobbled roads in the official Flanders Cyclo (Sportive) the day ahead of witnessing it’s greatness yourself LIVE within the thick of the madness! The weekend will be hosted by Classics expert, former Paris-Roubaix champion, Stuart O’Grady and will include a final day ride and drink with 3 x Flanders champion, ‘The Lion of Flanders’ – Johan Museeuw. Jump on board –here.
La Planche des belle Filles is a challenging Tour de France featured climb, located within the Vosges Mountains – a lower mountain range in eastern France, near the German border.
Lesser known to the Alps or the Pyrenees, yet well respected and talked about for its serene nature, dotted with unique, lush forest roads – a true cycling playground.
The name, La Planche des Belle Filles refers to a local legend, that some ‘beautiful girls’ – ‘the belles filles’ threw themselves into a lake up the mountain in 1635 rather than face the Swedish invaders during the Thirty Year’s War.
La Planche des Belle Filles has made quite the reputation for itself since its step onto the Tour de France scene in 2012 when Chris Froome emphatically stole the show on Stage 7 up the slopes of the gruelling ascent. The victory, only the beginnings of his journey to eventual Tour de France domination.
La Planche des belles Filles has since reappeared in the Tour de France four times, each time in the first phase of the race, marking the perfect platform for key contenders to stamp their authority early on.
In 2014, it was Italian climbing sensation, Vincenzo Nibali who took hold of the climb, demonstrating his incredible form that eventually saw him take the Yellow jersey through to Paris.
Several editions later, La Planche des belles Filles was back and this time it was his Italian counterpart Fabio Aru, that took honours following a perfectly timed attack 2km out from the brutal summit finish.
By then, the testing 6.9km La Planche des belles Filles, that averages a lung busting 8.9% had well and truly cemented itself in Tour de France history as being a critical ‘early race’ climb, marking a pivotal turning point in the overall standings as early as week one.
To well and truly confirm its reputation, ASO Tour de France organisers decided to take it to another extreme in last year’s 2019 edition by extending the finish by 1km to include its cruel gravel, dirt road final section, reaching punishing gradients up to 20%. The much talked about Stage 6, lived up to the hype, proving a thrilling stage and final battle up La Planche des belles Filles between Stage winner Dylan Teuns and Giulio Ciccone, who’s credible performance saw him claim the Maillot Jaune.
In 2020, La Planche des belles Filles will be back to the Tour de France with flying colours, but this time as late as the penultimate stage and to really spice things up, as an Individual Time Trial. As the sole race against the clock of the 2020 edition, and ‘uphill’ it could prove a real final game changer if standings remain close. Could we see the Maillot Jaune switch hands up its slopes once more, as late as stage 20? If it’s anything to go by La Planche des Belle Filles history at the Tour de France, then we’ll no doubt be in for one dramatic final showdown.
Interested in seeing the Tour de France LIVE this July? Check out our complete Tour line-up, here.
The latest addition to our 2020 Tour de France tours, is the Alps Ride EPIC experience that’ll have you endeavouring on a testing journey through what is arguably road cycling’s greatest playground, the French Alps!
It’s the ultimate Alps bucket list experience, designed for the hardcore cyclists out there who dare to go head-to-head with some of the most challenging, iconic cols across the globe.
Find out what 10 epic Alpine ascents you’ll be tackling here:
Mont Ventoux
Mont Ventoux literally means ‘Windy Mountain’ and the name speaks for itself. To add – it has been nicknamed by many as ‘The Bald Mountain’ due to its interesting, barren Provencal landscape.
The 21.4km climb (via Bédoin) travels up to 1912m, with a testing average gradient of 7.6%, and is widely known throughout the cycling world as being a real physical challenge. Tough? Yes. Painful? Absolutely, but the elation and incredibly satisfactory feeling atop will certainly make it all the more worth it.
Cormet de Roseland
The Cormet de Roseland is a Rhone-Alps favourite and will be featured mid Stage 18 of the 2020 Tour de France across an incredibly challenging 4000m+ route. The lengthy 19.4km climb (via Bourg Saint Maurice) has a steady average gradient of 6% and climbs up to a sky-high 1937m.
Alpe d’Huez
Renowned for its mythical 21 switchback bends, covering 1120 metres of elevation in 14 kilometres with a leg zapping 8.1% average gradient. The climb is a real Tour de France icon and has been the stage for many-a legendary victory since its inception to the race in 1952. It not only offers a great challenge, but truly surreal views and scenery for its entirety.
Col de Sarenne
Col de Sarenne lies beyond the legendary Alpe d’Huez and offers the perfect platform to continue climbing into the clouds (1999m) for an additional 9km, at at an enjoyable 3.8% from the West. Stunning landscape and hairpin roads ensure the extra metres of climbing all the more endurable.
Col de la Madeleine
Col de la Madeleine is an Alps icon that has made quite the name for itself in Tour de France history – its relentless gradients proving quite the test. ‘Beautiful, but heartbreaking’…even for the pros. From La Chambre, the daring 19km giant averages a vicious 8% and tops out at 1933m.
Col de La Morte
The lesser known switchback dominated Col de La Morte, situated in the Rhone-Alps travels up to 1368m over 15.3km and averages 6.5%.
Col d’Ornon
The 11km Col d’Ornon is part of the Dauphiné Alps and has been featured in the Tour de France 7 times in its history. It’s 1373m high and averages a steady 5.8%.
Col du Lautaret
The Col du Lautaret ascent is a testing 34km (from Le Clapier). Long, yet gentle with an average gradient of 3.8%, climbing up to 2058m.
Col du Lautaret marks the boundary between the valleys of the Romanche and the Guisane and has been climbed regularly throughout Tour de France history, often countered by the connecting Col du Galibier.
Col du Galibier
The Col du Galibier is incredibly iconic and brutal to pair. Dauntingly high at 2642m, there are multiple challenging ways to reach its sky-high summit. On our 2020, Alps Ride EPIC experience, we’ll be tackling its relentless slopes from the summit of the Col du Lautaret. From the turn, the climb travels 9km at a demanding average of 7%, the final km proving the most difficult. Well rewarded, nonetheless with its truly spectacular glacial views.
Col du Télégraphe
The Col du Télégraphe has appeared frequently in the Tour de France route since as early as 1911. The 7.3%, 11.8km ascent climbs up to 1566m (via Saint Michel de Maurienne) and it often placed as a hurdle just ahead of its daunting neighbour, the Galbier.
From the Valloire side it is a tamer 4.8km in length, averaging 3.4% – 1566m.
So, there you have it…our own Alps Ride EPIC Bucket List. If you’re up for the challenge, head here to register and join us on one hell of an Alps Tour de France adventure!
The official startlist is yet to be revealed, however word on the street says that it’ll be yet another start-studded field lining up to set the 2020 World Tour season off with a bang.
Here are a few big names to look out for, that’ll no doubt be bringing some fine form to Adelaide.
Daryl Impey
Two-time reigning champion, Daryl Impey will be returning in full swing in a bid to claim his third consecutive overall title. The South African National champion had an impeccable 2019 season, claiming a number of outstanding victories, including a Tour de France stage. He has fought vivaciously from start to finish in past editions, with the help of his Mitchelton-Scott team, winning both titles by the narrowest of margins, much to his competitors’ dismay.
We have no doubt Daryl will be right in the mix for a third title, however it will be a tough challenge at hand with key contenders undoubtedly marking his every move.
Richie Porte
The King of Willunga Hill, Richie Porte will return once again to not only make his mark on the testing slopes of Willunga once more, but to steal back the overall lead. Having won the title in 2017, followed by two close second’s, he’ll be raring to reposition himself on the top step with the support of his Trek-Segafredo team.
@Santos Tour Down Under
Simon Yates
Climbing sensation, Simon Yates will be lining up for his debut Santos Tour Down Under. A very exciting addition to the Mitchelton-SCOTT team, significantly bolstering the squad’s strength, especially when it comes to the road rising up and going on the attack. Having not raced since the Tour de France, we’re confident he’ll be more than ready to put the hammer down Down Under!
@Getty Images
Romain Bardet
French climber, Romain Bardet will no doubt be primed and ready to hit the Adelaide hills, with climbing stages 3 (Paracombe) and 6 up Willunga hill on his sights. The 3 x Tour de France stage winner will be another first timer in Adelaide, leading AG2R La Mondiale. The team, however no stranger to the race, as the only ones to have competed in every Santos Tour Down Under since its inception.
@ASO/Alex Broadway
Elia Viviani
Italian fast man, Elia Viviani is undeniably one of the quickest riders on the World Tour. His incredible turn of speed has seen him claim a large handful of stage victories across all three Grand Tours, and has had great success in past Santos Tour Down Under edition’s. As reigning European Road Race champion, he’ll be flying onto the streets of Adelaide in style wearing the special blue stripes and yellow stars, representing his new team Cofidis.
AndréGreipel
Cycling legend, Andre Greipel will be returning to the Santos Tour Down Under with a credible 18 x stage wins and 2 x General Classification victories already to his name. This time round, he’ll be lining up alongside the latest addition to the World Tour, Israel Start-Up Nation and will undoubtedly be on the hunt for another victory or two to increase his incredible stage record.
Patrick Bevin
New Zealander, Paddy Bevin was the man to watch at last year’s Santos Tour Down Under, until his dreams of winning the overall title were heartbreakingly diminished when he suffered an untimely crash on the penultimate Stage 5, injuring himself enough to lose the lead he’d worked so hard to establish.
The tough kiwi, will be returning repping the orange colours of his CCC team, back with a vengeance in a bid to claim what was close to being his in 2019.
@Chris Auld
Mads Pedersen
The current road World Champion, Mads Pedersen of Denmark, will be proudly taking to the start wearing the rainbow stripes in support of his Trek-Segafredo team mate, Richie Porte. The race will present a fantastic opportunity to showcase his fresh jersey and start the 2020 season on a high as World Champ.
@Trek-Segafredo/JoostVH Photography
Caleb Ewan (?)
A question mark still hovers next to Australian sprinter, Caleb Ewan as his name has yet to be confirmed by his team Lotto-Soudal or Santos Tour Down Under organisers. We are very hopeful he’ll be lining up, once again bringing his exceptionally quick sprint with him. He’s no stranger to success at the race, and if it’s anything to go by his stellar 2019, where he claimed a jaw-dropping 3 Tour de France stages and a Giro d’Italia victory to top – he’ll surely be storming into 2020.
Rohan Dennis (?)
Another unknown, is World Time Trial champion, Rohan Dennis. Following a mostly rocky 2019 with team issues, he was able to put troubles behind him in time to close his season out on an all-time high winning the World title, for the second consecutive year.
He now begins a fresh season with Team Ineos and as a local Adelaide rider, we’re confident he’ll be taking to the start in a few weeks time to show off his new look.
@UCI / SW Pics
For now, stay tuned for more rider updates and get excited for what is sure to be another fast and fun-filled Santos Tour Down Under! Find out what we’ll be up to on our 8 and 4 day experiences, here.
Hear Mummu Cycling Managing Director, Marcel Berger’s thoughts and review of the 2019 season; including the many high’s, favourite moments and challenges undergone throughout.
He then talks 2020 plans and ambitions for what we are confident is a bright, exciting future for Mummu Cycling.
How would you best summarise Mummu Cycling’s 2019 season?
2019 was a huge year for Mummu Cycling! We successfully delivered more tours to more destinations and created more memories for clients from over 15 countries. Beginning in Adelaide for the Santos Tour Down Under, we had the pleasure of hosting an immersive team experience with team Mitchelton-SCOTT, a partnership which grew through the year to include the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and La Vuelta.
Our European season began with the Spring Classics where we hosted four tours with over 40 clients. Excitingly, we launched our Mummu Bespoke experiences with Vodafone UK at Paris-Roubaix. Our new offering has been specifically designed for corporate organisations keen to offer unique hospitality for their stakeholders.
We had record numbers at the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and La Vuelta and our growing global team of expert guides helped deliver memories to over 350 guests across the year. All in all, 2019 was a massive year of growth for Mummu Cycling and we are excited about what 2020 will bring.
Most memorable moments?
Difficult to summarise the moment into only a few, but I am so proud to share that we helped create a range of unique and exclusive opportunities for guests to meet their cycling heroes. This included Tom Boonen dropping in for a beer at the Spring Classics, lunch with Eddy Merckx, Phil Gilbert coming to say hi to our clients after his post-Roubaix media duties, and of course Peter Sagan stopping for a group photo pre-stage at the Tour de France. This is what makes Mummu Cycling special.
Most challenging?
With growth comes logistical challenges and the 2019 Tour de France brought just that. During the final week, we had six different tours running in parallel to each other and then throw in some of the weirdest weather I have witnessed. We had three groups on Galibier the day of the landslides and unfortunately had a coach with 25 guests forced to drive through Italy just to get around the road closures. This was a stressful day, but our team managed it perfectly, ensuring that everyone was safe and happy through a trying period.
Biggest success?
Our biggest success in 2019 would have to be our fantastic team and how they have helped deliver memories and experiences to cycling fans from around the world. We now have a group of incredible staff across four countries and three continents and their ability to continually deliver world-class cycling experiences is just amazing.
2020 ambitions?
If 2019 was big, the first year of the next decade will be even bigger! Starting with our new partnership with Factor Bikes, Mummu Cycling now offers one of the world’s best, most advanced road bikes to our customers. We are so excited to continue to grow this partnership through exclusive experiences, different bike models and of course unmatched access to Factor’s new team, Israel Start-Up Academy.
We are continuing to focus on our famous Pro Tour Experiences at Grand Tours and Monuments throughout the 2020 season but have expanded our product offering to include Bespoke Experiences at over 12 events throughout the year for corporate and private groups, as well as ride-specific experiences in Australia, Europe, USA and Asia. In true Mummu fashion, all of our trips are designed and/or hosted by our Pro Host Ambassadors which has now expanded to over 15 of the best cyclists in the world.
We also have some exciting announcements to come in the first part of 2020, so stay tuned!
What a year we had in 2019! Thank you to everyone who was part of our journey, helping create some of our best memories to date.
To reminisce on what was a fantastic season, we’ve thrown it back to 10 of our top Mummu Memories on tour. 💛
Kicking off at #10 – We had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with the legendary Brad Wiggins, courtesy of Stuey at this year’s Tour de France. What a day to be on tour!
Coming in at #9 is when we witnessed this legend ⬇️ Philippe Gilbert claim a thrilling victory at the Queen of the Classics, Paris-Roubaix.
Parked right inside the Roubaix velodrome, we saw the final battle for honours, followed by the raw emotions that followed.
What a win, what a champion.
#8 – Having this ⬇️ view of what was a thrilling sprint battle against the pro pelotons fastest men at the Tour de France’s Stage 16. The sensational bullet of speed, Caleb Ewan stealing the show once more.
As a TDF official tour operator, it’s days like this that make us truly appreciate just how special the access we have to the world’s biggest bike race is. 💛
#7 – It was all smiles, miles, blue skies and scenic, vineyard dotted roads on route to this year’s Santos Tour Down Under final showdown out at Willunga.
A perfect ride, topped with an incredible day kicking back watching the action unfold – Willunga hill a spectacle as always!
Rolling in at #6, was the day we set out to tackle the legendary Alpe d’Huez while following the Tour de France.
The iconic climb has been a huge part of TDF history and when riding up its incredibly unique 21 switchback bends, it certainly lived up to the hype and fame surrounding it.
Safe to say, we had a top day conquering the mighty mountain – the hard work rewarded well with its killer summit views on a perfect summer day, and all in fantastic company.
#5 – We had insane roadside action up the slopes of the iconic Passo San Boldo at the Giro d’Italia. All avidly supporting the eventual stage winner, Esteban Chaves.
An incredibly emotional moment for the ever-smiling Colombian and one we were thrilled to be there to witness!
#4 – We take a look back at what was a very special final stage at La Vuelta in Madrid. An unreal view and an even better crew to top an incredible time on tour, backing Mitchelton-Scott. 🙌🏻❤️🔥
#3 – We revisit what was a very special day meeting the greatest cyclist of all time, Eddy Merckx for lunch during our Spring Classics tour. 🤩
#2 – Podium time at the Tour de France.
This is an experience exclusive to TDF official tour operators and one that for us, never gets old as each time we witness the sheer excitement and joy on our guests’ faces as they take top step.
All followed by riding the final km’s of the stage on closed roads, right through the barriers at the Flamme Rouge, to cross the official stage finish line – arms sky-high. 🏆
Rounding out our top 10 in #1, was a dream moment at the Tour de France when Stuey arranged a special photo opportunity + thumbs up for our guests pre-stage with the man in Green and true legend of the sport – Peter Sagan.
Starry eyes and toothy grins all round! 💚
Thank you for the Mummu Memories 2019 and here’s to new adventures, challenges, people and travel destinations in 2020. Happy New Year all!
One of the world’s greatest mountain passes, the Passo dello Stelvio will be returning to the Giro d’Italia in full swing in the penultimate mountain stage, 18 – arguably the ‘Queen Stage’ of 2020.
The incredibly testing ascent, next year’s ‘Cima Coppi’ (the highest climb of the race) will be faced following a testing start, including the ascents of the Campo Carlo Magno and Passo Castrin, and will be cruelly closely followed by the Laghi di Cancano up to the finish, ensuring a much anticipated race-shaping day in the mountains for contenders.
Passo dello Stelvio
As the second highest mountain pass in the Alps, to France’s Col de l’Iseran, at 2758m – the Passo dello Stelvio it is far from an easy feat.
There are three varying routes to the summit: the South Tyrolean side from Prato allo Stelvio, the Lombardia side from Bormio and the Swiss side from Santa Maria, over the Umbrail Pass.
The most famous side from Prato allo Stelvio, set to be featured in 2020, also marks the most challenging at a daring 24.3km in length and with an average gradient of 7.4%. Renowned for its unique 48 switchback bends that can be counted down from turn 48.
The first 8km drag from Prato remains fairly tame from the start, before eventually hitting the first of the switchback turns and with that, its steeper gradients, hugged by lush Alpine forest.
The trees eventually diminish, leading to a much more exposed final phase; the summit now teasingly in sight, high above the countless bends that lie before it. Yet, the pain and suffering somewhat masked by the truly surreal views that overlook the Ortler mountains.
Gradients remain fairly consistent, right through to the closing km, that viscously ramps right up to ensure a true battle to the line. Worth every inkling of suffering endured for the incredible feeling of elation and immense satisfaction welcomed at the Passo dello Stelvio summit. Topped with breathtaking views and scenery to appreciate, while kicking back on cloud nine.
In 2020, we’ll be there tackling the epic Passo dello Stelvio ourselves, before setting up at our base roadside to join the electric, mountain-mad atmosphere and await the pros to go-head-to-head with the Passo dello Stelvio in style, as we watch on in awe.
Interested in learning more? Head here, to see what else we have in store for our 9 day Giro d’Italia experience, with special guest, 2 x Giro d’Italia winner, Ivan Basso.
We are immensely excited to see our incredible new bike partner, Factor Bikes has joined forces with the latest entry to the World Tour, Israel Cycling Academy.
The team has recently announced its big step up in 2020 and with that, an additional stream of talented, on-demand professional athletes that have already significantly bolstered the squads standings, and will undoubtedly be the key to what we expect will be a stellar debut World Tour season. Included in the star-studded line-up of recent signings, are; Andre Greipel, Dan Martin, Rory Sutherland, Alex Dowsett, Mads Würtz Schmidt and Nils Politt, amongst others.
The three year deal with Factor Bikes will have the team storming into the 2020 season on two of Factor’s most advanced road bikes, including; the aero, highly desirable Factor One, designed for flat races and stages, combined with the Factor O2 VAM – built to excel in the hills.
We’re all too familiar now with the lightweight Factor O2 having recently partnered with Factor Bikes ourselves. Having spent our closing phase of the season trialling the world-class bike, we can confirm – it’s the ultimate dream ride…fast, light, and handles like a champion.
We are thrilled to have our fleet of custom Factor’s officially available to hire from January, 2020 across all Mummu Cycling tours, and following the announcement of their partnership with Israel Cycling Academy, we can confidently share that we’ll be cheering the squad on at every opportunity throughout the season!
“With the best equipment, we will reach for the top. Yalla, Factor, welcome to Israel Cycling Academy.” – Sylvan Adams, co-owner Israel Cycling Academy.
A big congratulations to Factor Bikes and Israel Cycling Academy on the collaboration. We can’t wait to see what you can achieve in 2020.
Find out more on how to hire a Factor O2 on a Mummu Cycling tour in 2020, here.
At Mummu Cycling all of our tours are not only designed for cyclists, but spectators alike…We strive to deliver the same tour experience, providing a unique platform to view and step within World Tour racing at its absolute best.
Our itineraries are specifically curated to enable our spectators to undergo specialised activities daily on tour during a select ‘ride’ window. We will then always come together for race viewing, meals and all other tour happenings to create an inclusive, fun and dynamic group environment for all.
While rides are taking place, our spectators will usually be off on their own guided adventures with our specific team of support staffto allow ample opportunity to see the incredible regions we travel through and maximise tour experience.
Other primary race days may involve jumping ahead in transport vehicles to ensure spectators are driven to the ideal stage viewing location, where they will reconnect with riders – Often up the slopes of a decisive climb, or parked right in the thick of the action at the finish line. Wherever it will be, we’ll ensure you’re there!
So…if you are an avid cycling fan that doesn’t ride or alternatively, a spouse, partner, friend or relative of a cyclist considering joining us on tour too – don’t think twice about coming along for the adventure. We promise and adhere to deliver an experience just as epic!
That’s what they said…
Whether you’re a serious cyclist, a weekend warrior or a cycling fan like me, Mummu will go out of their way to make sure everyone takes home more than they came with.” – Kym Dickson
“As a spectator, I was always treated equally to the cyclists and my experience was as important to them as those on the bicycle. I was never left out or isolated from the action. Total inclusivity is what they do best.” – Nicole McIntosh
