Founded in 2020, the Tour durch Wien idea came about from the delayed start of the Tour de France due to COVID-19. For no real reason, the question “why isn’t there a multi-stage event in or around Vienna?” That question then changed into “is it possible to make such an event around Vienna?” The question then had to be answered, with plans and idea’s starting to formulate.
- Where could the stages be?
- Could we ride at night?
- How can it be made accessible to the many, but still be fair?
- How can it accommodate many different lifestyles?
- Could this event be COVID-19 proof?
- How can cheating be prevented?
The last question was, could the event be organised in four weeks time for the beginning of September 2020?
Although somewhat chaotic getting organised, the first edition of Tour durch Wien was a success. Small in numbers, but thoroughly enjoyed by the participants. New rivalries and friendships were born, and there was no doubt that this concept had potential. Another Tour durch Wien had to be planned, but this time with more time and more help. Welcome Tour durch Wien v2.0.
TdW v2.0 was a significant transformation – using the whole of the winter to anaylise and assess areas of weakness, how to improve racing safely, course improvements, social responsibility of fundraising, awarding cycle related winners prizes and much more. TdW v2.0 gained significant interest, with our target registrations easily being met with 3 weeks remaining until the start. TdW v2.0 went well, lots of positive feedback, and now all the effort put in becomes satisfying. So much so, that we had to follow up with another one 5 months later.
With TdW 2021, we made it bigger and better, with 12 stages (up from 10), three completely new courses added and vast changes to previous courses, with two stages even being reversed. We listened to feedback and aimed to make it safer, with less cobbles and more stage variety. A team of volunteer Test Riders were recruited from v2.0, and they helped by test riding short segments across Vienna for potential new courses for TdW 2021. This was invaluable help and there service was gratefully rewarded. As a result, the stages got positive feedback by many which added to the success of the whole event. TdW 2021 drew to a close in mid-October.
Tour durch Wien has developed year upon year, now reaching its five year anniversary with TdW 2025 being the most anticipated tour as yet. A bigger team of volunteers with a strong desire to make this project succeed, sponsors contributing their goods as winners prizes and the support from the charity “Lichterkette” has been invaluable to TdW coming back every year with fresh ideas to improve our event. But we thank you, the riders, for taking part in our event, because without you, there would be no Tour durch Wien.
Charity Cooperation with Lichterkette
Exercise, sport and nature are important cornerstones of mental health. With Tour durch Wien, we not only want to create an experience for the participants, but also make a contribution to destigmatizing mental illnesses. That’s why we cooperate with the Lichterkette association. At least 20% of the earnings from donations and participation fees for Tour durch Wien goes to this association.
Lichterkette supports the destigmatization of mental illnesses at various levels – including training, political work to influence conditions and support for projects to help people with mental illness. You can find out more about Lichterkette’s work at www.lichterkette.at