CYCLING – TEAM Bahrain Victorious are ready to take on the 61st edition of the GP Gippingen, Switzerland’s most prestigious one-day race, which takes place today.
For six decades known as the ‘Grosser Preis des Kantons Aargau’, the race officially adopts its new name this year, although it is a moniker fans have been using for many years.
The change strengthens the race’s geographic identity and its deep-rooted connection to the region’s cycling culture.
Although the start and finish have been in Leuggern since 2016, the new name continues to honour Gippingen, a locality within the municipality of Leuggern, in the Swiss canton of Argovia.
The traditional 175.4km course will test riders with four laps of a flat 8.1km circuit, followed by seven longer laps of 20.2km featuring the Rotberg climb, split into two parts (3km at 5 per cent and 1.7km at 6.2 per cent).
With a total elevation gain of nearly 2,900 metres, the terrain sets the stage for a selective and unpredictable finale – especially under the forecasted hot conditions.
“This race represents not only a test of our current form after a longer break for most of our riders, but also a real opportunity to go for a strong result,” said Bahrain Victorious sports director Michal Golas.
“The parcours suits us well, and I believe we have options for different race scenarios.”
Matej Mohoric leads the team as he returns to competition after more than a month away. If the race is controlled, the Slovenian is expected to contest the final from a reduced group.
Finlay Pickering, coming off strong rides at the Tour de Romandie and especially the Tour of the Alps – where he claimed the King of the Mountains jersey – will be a key rider if the climbs prove decisive.
“Besides those two options, we also have a sprinter in Nicolo Buratti, who is coming back from altitude camp and looks to be in good shape,” added Golas. “He’ll be ready if it comes down to a reduced bunch sprint.”
Oliver Stockwell, Mathijs Paasschens, and Max van der Meulen complete the six-man squad and will play crucial support roles over the rolling terrain – staying alert to dangerous moves and ensuring Bahrain Victorious stay well represented throughout.
“Apart from the hilly parcours and the circuit structure, which will naturally cause selection, I believe the heat will play a crucial role in further splitting the race as we approach the finale,” Golas concluded.
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