Breitling, together with impressive professional and amateur friends of the brand, competed in the TORTOUR 500 ultracycling event. Each Breitling squad member at the TORTOUR 500 embodied the grit, determination, and ferocity that it takes to be the top in their field.

Breitling cyclists competed in the TORTOUR 500 sporting the newly launched Endurance Pro 44 and 38, Breitling’s ultra-lightweight watch for athletes, during this ultracycling challenge.

The Breitling squad at this year’s TORTOUR 500 included three-time IRONMAN® world champion Jan Frodeno, Grand Tour winner Vincenzo Nibali, Swiss triathlete and fastest IRONMAN finisher in Switzerland ever Jan van Berkel, and top cyclist and social media influencer Alina Jaeger.

From July 12 to 13, Breitling’s squad of cyclists began and finished in Küsnacht, near Zürich, completing the grueling 500 km round-the-clock tour over challenging alpine terrain—hence the name of the race, a play on the word “torture.” Breitling cyclists rode with a shared mission to raise funds and awareness for the South Africa-based charity Qhubeka. The organization provides life-changing bicycles to people living in remote communities with limited transportation options.

“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 prior to the event. “Thanks to their drive and commitment, we are donating more bikes to a wonderful organization, Qhubeka, that continues to connect us with communities who inspire us to overcome odds and meet challenges time and again.”

Qhubeka founder Anthony Fitzhenry says that “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.”

Since partnering in 2018, Breitling and Qhubeka have raised funds for over 2,500 bicycles, providing a life-changing impact on the recipients. Breitling supports Qhubeka’s mission of building sustainable communities, while working to ensure kids and adults have access to schools, health care, and employment opportunities.

BREITLING AND THE CYCLING WORLD

Starting in the 1950s, Breitling served as the official timekeeper for the biggest races on the cycling calendar. A personal passion of third-generation founder Willy Breitling, the speed-driven sport went hand in hand with the company’s high-precision chronographs.

Today, Breitling continues that longstanding tradition with its sponsorship of the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, a squad on a mission to become a World Tour-level team by 2026.

Breitling’s Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team and the athletes on its triathlon squad wear the Endurance Pro, featuring an ultra-light case made of Breitlight®, a robust material 3.3 times lighter than titanium and 5.8 times lighter than stainless steel.

Vincenzo Nibali, who competed in the TORTOUR 500 and is the technical advisor to the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team says, “It is a complete honor to ride with Breitling. Its timekeeping history is pushing cycling forward and cultivating the next generation of riders.”

These ambassadors and friends of the brand share a love of cycling and a mission of promoting and inspiring social mobility.