Eight years ago Tuomas Pernu invited cycling enthusiasts on the Fillari magazine’s online message board for a mass cycle ride. Around a dozen turned up for the first 200-odd kilometre trundle around Helsinki, and they were rewarded with a fierce hailstorm.
Those present decided to make the event an annual end-of-summer tradition. This year’s event will be held on the first of September. It will start from the Käpylä Velodrome and will follow a 140 km course.
Although the route is shorter than it was eight years ago, the range of participants has widened and now includescompetitive riders as well as hobbyists. Pernu says that Finnish road cycling has changed a lot since the first Tour.
“Now you will often encounter groups where there can be 15-20 riders,” says Pernu. “You can also see in the equipment that there is a different kind of seriousness involved.”
Quick pace from former pros
Finland does not have Alpine climbs to offer, but Pernu says that even small differences in elevation can have an effect. The opening stages towards Pitäjänmäki are usually undertaken in a group, while the field is more spread by the end when riders cross from Espoo into Helsinki.
Up to now some 1,600 riders have signed up to race. The field includes professionals and former professionals, which ensures a good pace throughout. Pernu estimates that the leading riders will average 43-44 km/h.
The quickest riders will be separated into a competition group, but organisers hope the event retains an attraction for hobbyists as well.
The Tour de Helsinki route and further information is available on the event website.