Last October saw the 40-strong team behind the Design & Innovation Award 2016 descend on the picturesque mountain village of San Vigilio at the foot of the Kronplatz. With the rugged peaks of the Dolomites serving as a spectacular backdrop, pioneering ideas and innovations were held up and dissected, with the bike world’s best products ultimately being rewarded Here’s an exclusive look behind the scenes.
Having begun in Barcelona, Spain, the Award transferred to Latsch, South Tirol, two years ago. Keeping in the same region, it relocated once more for the 2016 edition – this time opting for San Vigilio, an idyllic village encircled by awe-inspiring mountainous scenery courtesy of the Dolomites. Such a location didn’t just grant the Award jury the optimal test conditions, circuits and challenges on which to test numerous road cycling and mountain biking products, it also delivered flawless infrastructure in which such an international event like these Awards can be carried out.
From nail-bitingly tough high Alpine trails rammed with rocks and roots through to mellow flow trails, the presence of such diversity was a perquisite for hosting the Design & Innovation Award in San Vigilio/Kronplatz, the Dolomites. After all, these Awards are to highlight the very best of cycling – from XC to enduro, the whole spectrum is covered. The right blend was nailed in this spot, with man-made flow trails, super diverse freeride sections on the Kronplatz and the unspoiled trails in the Fanes region.
But it wasn’t just mountain bikes that came under the microscope during the Design & Innovation Award. The region’s many tarmacked mountain passes witnessed a host of parts and bikes being put to the test throughout the course of the Awards.
After lengthy —some might say exhaustive— testing sessions, the jury reconvened with a selection of international journalists and the rest of the Award team. Evenings were spent at the impressive MMM Corones, a stunning high altitude feat of architecture by Zaha Hadid, heatedly discussing the status quo of the bike industry, future trends and where potential can be recognized, which was high on the agenda.
Yet the time for interaction, analysis and in-depth discussions weren’t limited to the time spent in MMM Corones. Within the plush surroundings of the Hotel Excelsior, which hosted the entire team throughout the Award, there were yet more smaller meetings and expert discussions taking place.
The surroundings of San Vigilio proved throughout the process exactly why they were the perfect choice for the Design & Innovation Award. Thanks to the breathtaking scenery, unbeatable infrastructure, and excellent support and – last but not least – the delectable food, the Awards couldn’t have found a better stage. But work aside, it’s a location that we’re already planning to return to –and next time at our own leisure.
We’d like to take this opportunity to say a huge thanks to Werner Call from Hotel Excelsior, oman and Thomas Erlacher from Sport Hotel Exclusive, Martin Resch from Tourismusverein San Vigilio/San Martin – Dolomites, Artur Costabiei from the Kronplatz ourist board and Andrea Del Frari from the Konsortium der Seilbeförderungsanlagen Skirama Kronplatz for all their support!
Click here for further information on the Design & Innovation Award 2016
Words: Christoph Bayer Pictures: Christoph Bayer, Ross Bell, Trevor Worsey
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