GCN Saalbach Roadbook 2019

WELCOME TO
GCN SAALBACH
We hope you are ready for a spectacular few days in the beautiful alpine town of Saalbach.
We’ve got an action packed programme for you from riding to workshops, with fun on and off
the bike and of course plenty of time to relax too.
We are excited to be joining you for some amazing riding where we will explore the Austrian
valleys and mountains. It all culminates with the GCN KOM Challenge on the final day so
remember to keep something in the tank (and not get too carried away at Lloydy’s pub quiz the
night before!)
We really look forward to spending the next few days with you and hope you leave Saalbach on
Monday with memories and achievements that you will remember for a long time to come.
GCN Team
Hank, Olly & Alan

WELCOME TO
SAALBACH
We are delighted to partner with Saalbach Tourism to host our final GCN event of 2019 – GCN
Saalbach.
Saalbach is actually referred to as Saalbach-Hinterglemm as it is a municipality combining the
towns of Saalbach and Hinterglemm which are only a few kilometres apart along the beautiful
Glemm valley. It is well known as one of Austria’s biggest ski areas with some of the finest
intermediate pistes anywhere in the Alps.
Outside of the ski season Saalbach is a fantastic summer destination and perfect for cyclists.
MTB lovers will be in their element with a great route network with over 400 km of bike trails.
The stunning Austrian mountains can be easily explored on marked routes, including the
neighbouring region of Leogang which is included in the world famous BIG-5 Bike Challenge.
This only scratches the surface of activities and attractions in Saalbach so make sure you check
out www.Saalbach.com before you arrive.
Special thanks to the Saalbach Tourist Board for hosting us and helping to create the GCN
Saalbach experience.
James Pope
GCN Events Director

GET TO KNOW THE PRESENTERS
A MASSIVE WELCOME TO YOU ALL FROM EVERYONE AT GCN AND GCN ITALIA
JAMES LOWSLEY-WILLIAMS OLLY BRIDGEWOOD ALAN MARANGONI
How would you describe yourself as
a cyclist?
All Rounder. Jack of all trades master
of none.
Your best moment on a bike?
Racing in the Tour De Yorkshire in front
of an epic crowd.
Post-ride beverage?
Recovery drink... actually no, thats
definitely not it! Maybe a cold
refreshing coke.
How would you describe yourself as
a cyclist?
Like all kinds of cycling disciplines, not
the best at any.
Your best moment on a bike?
Finishing an Everesting.
Post-ride beverage?
Gravy.
You are most likely to...?
Get Dropped.
How would you describe yourself as
a cyclist?
A dreamer.
Your best moment on a bike?
The victory on the last official race of
my career in Okinawa.
Post-ride beverage?
A recovery beer.
You are most likely to...?
Be starving during a bike ride.
You are most likely to...?
Go hard too early (my motto is go hard
or go home)
Favourite bike tech?
Power meter. Vital bit of kit that really
helped me in training.
Your cycling hero?
Chris... haha, no he wishes! Probably
Fabian Cancellara or Tom Boonen.
Your best joke?
Dont really have one as most people
laugh at me, not with me
Favourite bike tech?
SKIN SUITS.
Your cycling hero?
Boonen. Class on a bike.
Your best joke?
The definition of TWERK: Being from
Yorkshire, this is where I go to earn a
living.
Favourite bike tech?
High profile carbon wheels.
Your cycling hero?
Marco Pantani.
Your best joke?
When I say I am getting in a good
shape.
What are you looking forward to at
GCN Saalbach?
Having the most fun possible on a bike!
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Spokes are online coaching specialists for cyclists, triathletes and endurance athletes. All of our coaching programmes are
completely tailored to the personal profile, circumstances, needs and aspirations of the individual. The coaching programmes
vary in terms of the specialist treatments included, ranging from: ‘video call’ consultancy and regular review time with the
coach and or nutritionist; DNA analysis; sweat analysis; access to expert and specialist webinars on mental fitness, strength +
conditioning; stretching + yoga and a nutritional recipe library.
Regardless of your age, experience or goals Spokes can provide you with a personal coaching programme to improve your
performance and enjoyment.
PAV BRYAN – PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR
Pav heads up the coaching team at Spokes and is responsible for ensuring the products and
services they offer is market leading and always at the forefront of innovation. Pav developed
the ‘Truly Personal Coaching’ methodology, which has provided countless successes not just
with his coaching, but within the industry that has now adopted it. Truly Personal Coaching is
a promise that you will always get coaching that is achievable, be that from the time you have
available, the goals you want to achieve or the manner in which you want to achieve them.
ZAK COLEMAN – COACH
I have been involved within many different disciplines of cycling for 7 years now after being
encouraged into it from my dad who competed in triathlons. After trying out and experiencing
almost every form of cycling such as mountain bike, track, time trial and even cycle speedway I
now compete full time on the road racing, throughout Europe for a Belgium team. I have raced
in many different countries at various levels which has allowed me to build up experience of
tactics, psychology and physiology of bike racing.
Over the last few years, I went on to obtain my level 3 Association of British cycling qualification
and have since gone on to coach riders of all ages and abilities. I have experienced first-hand
the challenges of balancing first studies, then work and then both with training, racing and
reaching my goals. I know that without the right guidance and coaching I would never have
reached my goals. For me, coaching is about engaging, inspiring and enabling you to go as far,
as fast or as long as you can.
STEFAN MASTALLER – COACH
I am still racing professionally on the track and on the road, at the moment trying to qualify for
the Olympic Games in 2020 and in the last years I did some coaching here and there, just for
fun. Two years ago I started picking up some more work as a coach because I realized how
much I enjoy passing my knowledge on to other people and see their excitement and joy when
they reach their goals.
I got to realize that there is more to this beautiful sport than trying to win races. I love numbers,
and watts, and TSS and heart rate – but this sport has so many beautiful and interesting aspects
to it, which are all equally important to perform well. This is something unique that I want to pass
onto my clients.

SAALBACH MAP
GCN RESIDENCE
TOURIST BOARD
TUNNEL (NO BIKES)
GCN REGISTRATION
GONDOLA SERVICE
TUNNEL BYPASS
GCN VENUE
ROAD
KOM SEGMENT
6

7

RIDE GUIDE
The GCN Saalbach ride outs will be fully supported with guides, mechanic support vehicles and feed stops. Plus you’ll get
the pleasure of the company of the GCN presenters!
RIDE GROUPS
Riders will be split into groups based on different speed and ability levels. We’ll contact you in advance to find out which
group is most suitable. Riders will also have the option to join the coaching masterclass – this will be a shorter route
providing the opportunity for more hands on coaching by the Spokes coaching team.
There will be the opportunity to change groups if you feel that the group you are in is too fast or too slow. Each day we will
make any updates to ride groups and provide information and timings at the GCN reception in the hotel lobby.
RIDING GUIDE
Each group will be led by an experienced ride guide who
will lead the group. The ride guide will provide instructions
during the ride and any other warnings on the road so it
is important that riders follow their instructions at all times.
Although the ride guide for each group will lead the group
on the road, please bear in mind that we all have a collective
responsibility to conduct ourselves safely and respectfully
on the road at all times, both to your fellow riders and other
road users.
Signal Right
Signal Left
On the climbs, it is possible that the group will fragment,
and riders are encouraged to take the climbs at their own
pace. The ride leader will regroup everyone back together
at the top of each climb before continuing. If any riders are
struggling, the support team will be there to help and can
assist a rider to join a slower group on the road or provide a
short boost up the road.
Slow Down/Stop
RIDE SAFETY
A safety briefing will be provided each day before the ride
begins. Please ensure you follow the safety instructions
given and any further instructions of the ride leader on the
road. Riders are to ride two abreast within the groups unless
asked to single out by the ride guide. Groups must not be
spread across the road as you may see in a race situation.
Please ensure you ride safely at all times, observing the
rules of the road and following good basic riding etiquette.
Good etiquette means that we are always respectful of our
fellow riders, have good communication with each other
and take due care and attention to highlight any hazards or
obstacles you may encounter on the road, clearly and safely.
Point Out Hazard
Move Around Object
With respect to any descents on the rides: please ensure
that you take extra care and attention when descending as
a group. The rides are not a race situation and the roads are
all open to traffic. The ride guide will always be the first rider
8

on the road when descending, they will set an appropriate
and safe tempo for the descent. Please do not pass the
ride guide when descending, allow yourself some space
between you the rider in front and please remain on the
correct side of the road at all times.
FEED STATION
There will be a feed station on the main ride days (Friday/
Saturday) which will be just over halfway. The feed station
will provide snacks, nutrition products and the opportunity
to top up water. Before the ride there will be fruit and snacks
available at the GCN bike area to put in your pockets.
MECHANIC SUPPORT
Our mechanic team will be on hand for bike checks before
and after the ride. They will also provide support on the road
and can assist with minor problems and punctures. Please
be aware that this is not a “race style” neutral service and
riders are still expected to be capable of managing minor
problems and punctures. In the event of a more significant
mechanical problem that cannot be fixed at the roadside,
the support team may need to take the bike for further
assessment to ascertain if further repair or replacement parts
may be required. In the event that a bike is unrideable, the
bike and rider can be transported back to the hotel in one of
the ride support vehicles.
RIDE DETAILS
The following pages provide a detailed summary of each
ride day including route maps and profiles. Riders are
recommended to add routes to your bike computer – GPX
files will be available to download in advance.
KOM CHALLENGE
The grand finale to GCN Saalbach will be the KOM
Challenge (see details of the climb on page 18-19). The KOM
is designed to be fun - riders can choose to race or ride at
your own pace.
PERSONAL INSURANCE
As is good practice when riding at home or abroad, We
highly recommend all riders have full personal insurance
(see insurance section on page 10).

TRAVEL INFORMATION
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Airport shuttles will be provided on the designated transfer days (see transfer details below). For guests who are arriving
outside of these transfer times please contact us for assistance with a private transfer by emailing
gcn@sportstoursinternational.co.uk or refer to the Saalbach transfer service at www.holiday-shuttle.at
ARRIVAL – THURSDAY 22ND AUGUST
Transfers departing from Munich airport at:
DEPARTURE – MONDAY 26TH AUGUST
Transfers leaving Saalbach at:
14:00
08:00 for flights departing Munich after 13:00
Your flight should arrive 1 hour prior to this time to
ensure that you and your luggage are ready to leave
on time. The GCN team will be located just beyond
baggage collection.
Please meet at the hotel reception. Ensure you are
checked out of the hotel, have your bike packed, and
are ready to depart ahead of the transfer times.
INSURANCE
Please ensure that you have put in place your own travel and personal accident insurance cover for the event that
specifically insures you for cycling activities and covers potential theft and damage to your belongings. Having this insurance
in place is a condition of participation of GCN Saalbach – refer to section 4.2 in our T&Cs here:
www.gcnevents.co/pages/terms
ITINERARY
We have four action packed days of riding, events and
entertainment at GCN Saalbach:
DAY 1: ARRIVAL
Thursday 22nd August
DAY 2: PILLERSEE LOOP
Friday 23rd August
All Day
Guest arrival and transfer
Morning
Breakfast & Pillersee Loop
or Coaching Masterclass
Afternoon
Short (optional)
orienation ride
Afternoon
Workshops
Evening
Welcome with the GCN team
Evening
GCN Show Live
10

GENERAL, VISA, PASSPORT AND HEALTH INFORMATION
For passport and visa information, please check the relevant section on this page: www.gov.uk/browse/citizenship/passports.
General Travel and health Information for your destination is available on the FCO website. Please note that this information
relates to UK passport holders only and that other nationalities should refer to their own authorities for this information.
KIT LIST
☐
Passport
☐
Bottles
☐
Sun Screen
☐
Flight Details & Pass
☐
Multitool
☐
Personal Medication
☐
Insurance Documents
☐
Mini Pump
☐
Energy/Hydration Products
☐
Credit Cards & Cash
☐
Tyre Levers
☐
Chamois Cream
☐
Mobile Phone & Charger
☐
Quick Chain Links
☐
Plug Socket Adapters
☐
Lights
☐
Bike (in bike box)
☐
Pedals
☐
Helmet
☐
Bike Computer
☐
Sunglasses
☐
Heart Rate Monitor
☐
Cycling Shoes
☐
Power Meter Parts
☐
Cycling Kit
☐
Spare Mech Hanger
☐
Waterproofs
☐
Spare Tubes
☐
Arm/Leg Warmers
☐
Spare Cleats
☐
Full Finger Gloves
☐
Swim Kit
☐
Overshoes
☐
Wash Kit
DAY 3: GROSSGLOCKNER
DAY 4: KOM CHALLENGE
DAY 5: DEPARTURE
MORE DETAIL
Saturday 24th August
Sunday 25th August
Monday 26th August
Morning
Morning
Morning
Breakfast & Grossglockner
Breakfast &
Checkout by 11:00
Route
KOM Challenge
Afternoon
Afternoon
Rest & Relaxation
Ask GCN Anything
– Free Time
Evening
Evening
Lloydy’s Pub Quiz
Dinner & Wrap Party
11

DAY 1 THURSDAY
STAGE
TIMINGS
NOTES
Transfer
Various
Please refer to travel section on page 11
Arrival
From 13:00
On arrival at Hotel Sonnleiten guests will receive their
welcome pack at the GCN desk before checking in at the
hotel reception
Bike Build
From 14:00
GCN bike area will be located outside the hotel.
Mechanics will assist with bike build and checks. Orbea
demo bikes can be collected here
Orientation Ride
17:00–18:00
Optional beginner coaching session to learn the basics of
riding in a group, riding etiquette, descending. Group will
ride up the valley road through Hinterglemm and back to
the hotel (approx 10km). Please meet at GCN bike area at
16:45 ready to ride
Dinner
19:00–20:00
Dinner in the hotel restaurant. Following dinner guests
will walk down to the Tourist Board in Saalbach centre
GCN Welcome
20:30–21.30
GCN welcome - meet the GCN team and hear the
briefing from our Ride Director
12

HOTEL INFORMATION
The AlpenParks Hotel & Apartment Sonnleiten Saalbach is a brand new premium hotel complex located on the side of the
mountain with panoramic views across Saalbach town. The hotel comprises hotel apartments and suites. Some with sauna,
all with kitchens and terraces or balconies. Facilities including restaurant, bar and lounge, the heated outdoor swimming
pool, underground parking, secured ski and bike depots, e-charging stations will ensure a relaxed and enjoyable experience
after some fun days in the saddle.
Hotel Sonnleiten, Hinterhagweg 361, 5753, Saalbach, Austria
+43 6541 6402
www.alpenparks.at/en/hotel-apartment-sonnleiten-saalbach
13

DAY 2 FRIDAY
STAGE
TIMINGS
NOTES
Breakfast
07:30–08:30
Breakfast in hotel restaurant
Ride Out
From 08:30
Ride groups will depart from 08:30 – check daily groups
and start times at the GCN information desk at the hotel.
Meet at GCN bike area ready to ride 15 minutes before
departure time.
Workshops
16:30–18:30
Workshop sessions hosted at the hotel - check at the
GCN information point for locations:
16:15 – Coaching: Nutrition
17:00 – Mechanic Basics
17:45 – Coaching: Training Tips
Dinner
18:30–19:30
Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Following dinner guests
will walk down to the Tourist Board in Saalbach centre.
GCN Show Live
20:00–21:30
Head to the GCN studio for the GCN Show with Hank
and Olly
14

ROUTE INFORMATION
MAIN RIDE STATISTICS
Distance 112 km
Difficulty Difficult
Total Elevation 740 m
Total Descent 950 m
Est. Moving Time* 05:37
*average speed 20 km/h
MASTERCLASS RIDE STATISTICS
Distance 55.9 km
Difficulty Intermediate
Total Elevation 450 m
Total Descent 450 m
Est. Moving Time* 02:52
*average speed 19.5 km/h
15

DAY 3 SATURDAY
STAGE
TIMINGS
NOTES
Breakfast
07:30–08:30
Breakfast in the hotel restaurant
Ride Out
From 08:30
Ride groups will depart from 08:30 – check daily groups
and start times at the GCN information desk at the hotel.
Meet at GCN bike area ready to ride 15 minutes before
departure time
Dinner
18:30–19:30
Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Following dinner guests
will walk down to Soul House in Saalbach centre
Lloydy’s Pub Quiz
20:00–21:30
Guests will be split into teams for Lloydy’s Pub Quiz
16

ROUTE INFORMATION
MAIN RIDE STATISTICS
Distance 89.4 km
Difficulty Difficult
Total Elevation 1730 m
Total Descent 2010 m
Est. Moving Time* 05:32
*average speed 16.2 km/h
17

DAY 4 SUNDAY
STAGE
TIMINGS
NOTES
Breakfast
07:30–09:00
Breakfast in the hotel restaurant
Ride Out
09:30
Groups set off from 09:30 for warm up ride along the
valley (option to go further up the valley and back to start
of KOM)
KOM Challenge
10:30–12:00
On arrival riders will sign in. Riders will set off at 1 minute
intervals in start order
Lunch
12:00–13:00
BBQ and refreshments at the Sonnhof (Sunhouse)
restaurant. Guests will be able to purchase food and
drinks
Ask GCN Anything
13:00–13:30
Ask GCN Anything hosted at Sonnhof. Q&A with GCN
presenters and experts – your chance to ask the GCN
presenters anything you want! After the Q&A guests will
ride back to the hotel in Saalbach
Dinner
18:00–19:30
Dinner in the hotel restaurant. Following dinner guests
will walk down to Castello in Saalbach centre
Wrap Party
20:00–21:30
Wrap party and event awards
18

ROUTE INFORMATION
KOM SEGMENT PROFILE
12% Average Grade
VITAL STATISTICS
Distance
Difficulty
Total Elevation
Total Descent
Est. Moving Time*
2.39 km
Difficult
280 m
0 m
00:31
*average speed 4.6 km/h
19

DAY 5 MONDAY
STAGE
TIMINGS
NOTES
Breakfast
07:30–09:30
Breakfast at the hotel restaurant
Pack
Morning
Riders pack bikes into bike boxes ahead of departure.
Assistance will be available from our event team.
Please note: for early departures we recommend
packing bikes on Saturday afternoon
Transfer
Various
Please refer to travel section on page 11 for departure
instructions and information on the airport transfer times
20

GCN SAALBACH PARTNERS
We are pleased to be supported by the following partners at GCN Saalbach:
Wahoo Fitness harnesses the power of your smart phone to transform the way you ride, run
and reach your fitness goals. At GCN Saalbach you will be able to try out the latest Wahoo Kickr
smart trainer. Wahoo will also have the latest Elemnt bike computers to test - you will need to
download the Wahoo Roam app onto your phone in advance.
Go to www.wahoofitness.com to download the app and find out more about Wahoo
Leading Bicycles, helmets and cycle clothing brand Orbea develops technology applied to
products for bike lovers. At GCN Saalbach you will get the chance to test a top of the range
Orca Aero road bike as well as the new Orbea Gain road e-bike.
To find out more about Orbea go to www.orbea.com
Enervit Sport is a complete line of endurance sport nutritional supplements, providing specific
products for every step of your performance strategy. We are delighted to have Enervit providing
energy products before, during and after GCN Saalbach rides.
Find out more at www.enervit.com
Whether hiking or biking, Komoot’s planning and navigation tech helps you to easily plan
your next adventure. GCN Saalbach guests will get access to worldwide offline maps on
Komoot. You will also be able to download all the ride routes from Komoot as well as upload
images to the routes using your Komoot account.
Find out more at www.komoot.com
Find out more about our Coaching Partner, Spokes on page 5 or by visiting www.spokes.fit

EVENT TEAM
James Pope
Event Director
Ben Roberts
Drone Pilot
Gary Willis
Ride Director
Mick Stoodley
Event Support/Mechanic
Paige Pinder
Event Manager
Howard McAlpine
Event Support/Mechanic
Neil Wyatt
Production Manager
Manuel Himer
Ride Guide
Keith Stocker
Event Manager
Roland Steger
Ride Guide
James Lowsley-Williams
GCN Presenter
Pav Bryan
Performance Director
Olly Bridgewood
GCN Presenter
Zak Coleman
Coach
Alan Marangoni
GCN Italia Presenter
Stefan Mastallar
Coach
Tom Simmonds
Senior Video Creator
Olly Bowman
Photographer
Olivia Hughes
Video Creator
CONTACT INFORMATION
General enquiries info@gcnevents.co
Booking enquiries +44 161 703 8161 – gcn@sportstoursinternational.co.uk
Event Control Number +44 7968 264 196
Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram
#GCNINSPIRATION

in partnership with
www.saalbach.com
www.wahoofitness.com
www.orbea.com
www.enervit.com
www.komoot.com
www.spokes.fit