Breitling, along with an impressive lineup of professional and amateur friends of the brand, competed in the TORTOUR 500 ultracycling event. Each member of the Breitling squad exemplified the grit, determination, and ferocity required to excel in their respective fields.
Breitling at the TORTOUR 500
Breitling cyclists took on the TORTOUR 500 sporting the newly launched Endurance Pro 44 and 38, Breitling’s ultra-lightweight watch designed for athletes. The Breitling squad for this year’s event included three-time IRONMAN® world champion Jan Frodeno, Grand Tour winner Vincenzo Nibali, Swiss triathlete and fastest IRONMAN finisher in Switzerland Jan van Berkel, and top cyclist and social media influencer Alina Jaeger.
From July 12 to 13, the squad began and finished their grueling 500 km round-the-clock tour in Küsnacht, near Zürich, navigating challenging alpine terrain that justifies the race’s name—a play on the word “torture.” The Breitling team rode with a shared mission to raise funds and awareness for Qhubeka, a South Africa-based charity that provides life-changing bicycles to people in remote communities with limited transportation options.
Inspiring Commitment
“We put some of our best athletes forward for the TORTOUR 500 this year, and our squad made incredible time, inspiring us in our mission,” says Breitling CEO Georges Kern, who was slated to participate but sustained an injury in training. “Thanks to their drive and commitment, we are donating more bikes to Qhubeka, an organization that continues to connect us with communities who inspire us to overcome odds and meet challenges time and again.”
Qhubeka founder Anthony Fitzhenry commented, “Breitling brings competitive energy and visibility to our work, providing transportation equity to those in remote areas. We have been delighted with this partnership and thrilled to connect the adventure of cycling and the Breitling brand with the practical impact bicycles can have on remote communities.”
A Partnership for Change
Since partnering in 2018, Breitling and Qhubeka have raised funds for over 2,500 bicycles, significantly impacting the lives of recipients. Breitling supports Qhubeka’s mission to build sustainable communities, ensuring kids and adults have access to schools, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
Breitling and the Cycling World
Breitling’s involvement with cycling dates back to the 1950s, when the brand served as the official timekeeper for major cycling races. This personal passion of third-generation founder Willy Breitling aligned perfectly with the company’s high-precision chronographs. Today, Breitling continues this tradition by sponsoring the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, aiming to become a World Tour-level team by 2026.
Vincenzo Nibali on Breitling’s Legacy
Vincenzo Nibali, who competed in the TORTOUR 500 and serves as the technical advisor to the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, expressed his honor in riding with Breitling. “Its timekeeping history is pushing cycling forward and cultivating the next generation of riders,” he said.
Promoting Social Mobility
These ambassadors and friends of the brand share a love for cycling and a mission to promote and inspire social mobility, reinforcing Breitling’s commitment to excellence and community impact.
For more information, please visit Breitling.com.
