The world premiere of the first digital pro-cycling race series organised by Cycling Unlimited AG/Tour de Suisse wins the renowned Digital Communication Award 2020 of Quadriga University of Applied Sciences.
The situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic this spring called for new ways to provide a new platform for cycling racing, professional teams and the many fans around the world. A platform in favour of a professional sports event, which had to comply with all epidemic regulations of all countries. Based on a very close and intensive cooperation, the Tour de Suisse, ROUVY, Velon and Swiss Television were able to realize the race series “The Digital Swiss 5” within a few weeks.
During the five digital races, the cycling pros were connected live on their racing bikes by smart roller trainers and the ROUVY App and fought to the point of exhaustion for the stage win. The victories of Stefan Küng in his home race around Frauenfeld and the nerve-racking duel with Michael Matthews will go down in history as highlights. In addition to Küng, illustrious names such as Rohan Dennis and Nicolas Roche entered the winners’ lists.
This world premiere was able to benefit from a very wide media coverage and received corresponding public attention. Public perception was also made possible by a novel and extensive TV production by SRF sport. The conclusion: Five races, five victories and five days of cycling at the highest level.
“The Digital Swiss 5 was a venture with many unknowns for all partners involved. Under the motto ‘special circumstances require special measures’, we seized the opportunity to launch a new, innovative form of bicycle racing and are proud of the successful result,” says Joko Vogel, Co-CEO Cycling Unlimited AG.
Petr Samek, CEO ROUVY: “I am thrilled about winning the Digital Communication Award. The technical implementation was a great challenge, but it was worth it and we are delighted with the recognition we have now received”.
The courage to take a chance and invest extensive resources in a new format was recognised at this year’s Digital Communication Awards 2020 (category COVID-19: Events & Online Broadcasts) presented by Quadriga University. The Digital Swiss 5 was chosen as the winner by a top-class jury consisting of representatives of well-known international companies from a wide range of economic sectors. “Winning this trophy fills us with pride and motivates us to continue to promote and develop cycling in the future through new ideas and innovations”, promises Joko Vogel, Co-CEO Cycling Unlimited AG.
