2100km from Brussels to Barcelona in 14 days via the Alps and Pyrenees
The GSM Association (GSMA) has announced the launch of the mHealth Grand Tour cycle ride, which will take place between September 5th and 18th 2013. The 2100km event will start in the Belgian capital Brussels, and finish 14 days later in the Spanish city of Barcelona, having crossed both the Alps and Pyrénées on the way.
“The mHealth Grand Tour is announced in conjunction with the launch of GSMA’s mDiabetes campaign, which aims to raise awareness and funds for diabetes,” says the press release.
For the tour, the GSMA is partnering with the International Diabetes Federation European Region (IDF Europe), which is an umbrella organisation that “promotes diabetes care, prevention and research and advocates for the rights of the for people living with the condition in Europe.”
“In Europe, more than 55 million people, or 8.5 per cent of the population, live with diabetes and it is the biggest cause of death across the region,” said Michael O’Hara, GSMA’s Chief Marketing Officer.
The MHealth Tour will be divided into four distinct stages as it makes its way across Europe; the first will open with the wooded hills of the Ardennes, in Southern Belgium; the second will cross the great wine regions of Champagne and Burgundy before hitting the Alps; after a rest day the third stage will cross the southern part of France between the Alps and Launguedoc; the fourth and final stage will cross the Pyrénées to Barcelona, which the GSMA named as the Mobile World Capital in 2011.
“Through the mHealth Grand Tour, we can raise awareness around the prevention and management of this public health crisis, as well as showcase how innovative mobile-based solutions can help people address diabetes and related conditions and liberate them to lead active lifestyles,” he added. It will also be a tremendously exciting experience and we are encouraging as many teams as possible to take part.”
Entries are open to amateur riders of all levels, as part of a team; these can either be company or industry teams, with riders entering together, or as one of a number of charity teams, representing several diabetes charities. Registrations are now open at www.mhealthtour.com, and via email at enquiries@mhealthtour.com.
Stage Schedule
Stage 1: Brussels & Ardennes (520km in 3 days)
Stage 2: Champagne, Burgundy & the Alps (640km in 4 days)
Rest Day: The Alps
Stage 3: Rhone Alps & Languedoc (540km in 3 days)
Stage 4: Pyrenees & Barcelona (470km in 3 days)