Tour de Friends 2025: With the GOREWEAR Team in the Dolomites

Tour de Friends has become a well-loved tradition in the cycling calendar — a ride that combines challenging climbs with a strong sense of community. Five days. Four stages. Real climbs — and even more community vibes. The 8th edition took place from 1st to 6th September in the Dolomites, Italy, with a typical day covering around 100 km (62 miles) and 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) of elevation, offering a true test even for experienced riders.

But the event is about more than just distance and climbs. Checkpoints are personal and welcoming, with locals sharing their region and creating moments that make the ride memorable. From Prosecco and pizza to spontaneous sing-alongs, these small interactions are part of what makes Tour de Friends special. And the Final Party is a highlight in its own right — a chance to celebrate the week together after all the effort on the road.

Every year, some of our GOREWEAR colleagues join the ride. This year, Christian, Tobias, and Guenter took part along with friends. After the event, we caught up with them to hear about their training, experiences on the climbs, team moments, and why they keep coming back to Tour de Friends.

Can you briefly introduce yourself — what’s your role at GOREWEAR, how long have you been with the company, and how did you get into cycling?

Christian: My name is Christian Obermeier, and I’m the Supply Chain Leader at GOREWEAR. I joined the company on March 12, 2006, as a student writing my diploma thesis for the brand. I only started cycling about six years ago.

Tobias: My name is Tobias Huebner, and I’ve been with GOREWEAR for 21 years, where I’m responsible for wholesale in Europe. I started cycling when I was 15. With the forest right behind my house, mountain biking was my first passion. At some point, I discovered road cycling and have stuck with it ever since. In recent years, I’ve also really enjoyed riding gravel — it feels a bit like going back to my roots.

Guenter: My name is Guenter Waldinger and I’ve been with GOREWEAR since 2007, responsible for field sales in Bavaria and Austria. I originally come from trail running and cross-country skiing. Back when there was still a spot available at the Tour de Friends from Augsburg to Feltre, I spontaneously decided to give cycling a try – and since then I’ve been an avid rider. Once winter comes, though, I switch back to cross-country skis.

How did you prepare for the Tour de Friends this year? Looking back, do you feel you trained enough — or is there something you would do differently next time?

Christian: I train regularly throughout the year. Unfortunately, I had to take antibiotics just 1.5 weeks before the tour due to an infection. Still, I was in good enough shape to ride.

Tobias: I didn’t specifically prepare for the TDF. I spend a lot of time cycling, running, and swimming, and I hoped that would be enough to keep up with the group. My sporting year hasn’t been ideal, though. Since Challenge Roth last year, I’ve been struggling with a torn medial meniscus. At the end of the year, I broke my right elbow in an accident, and just three weeks before the TDF, I was dealing with an infection. I could definitely do without all of that next time.

Guenter: I didn’t specifically prepare for the TDF. In summer, I always try to build a good base for the cross-country ski season. That’s why I focused more on long rides to work on my endurance.

What was the highlight of Tour de Friends 2025 for you?

Christian: My favorite day was the third stage, when we rode parts of the Sella Ronda. I can’t imagine more beautiful cycling terrain than the mountains and valleys there. The sun was out, but it wasn’t too warm, the climbs were long and demanding, the descents were fast, and the pizza and beer afterwards were perfect.

Tobias: For me, this year’s edition was definitely the hardest. The combination of the route profile and my mixed preparation really pushed me out of my comfort zone. My highlight was also day three, the queen stage. Knowing “I did it” is an incredible feeling. And the view from over 2,000 meters above sea level was absolutely breathtaking — it made up for almost everything.

Guenter: For me, the Dolomites are always a highlight with all their different facets. This year, the demanding profile with all the mountain passes was special as well – and of course, the people riding alongside. Seeing everyone’s happy faces at the finish each evening is simply priceless.

Was there a stage or climb that felt especially rewarding or brutal?

Christian: I don’t know how it happened, but my DI2 electronic shifting stopped working, so I had to ride the entire Passo Giau in my third gear. That was brutal — the climb is 10 km long with a 9–10% gradient.

Tobias: Actually, both at the same time. On the third day — the stage with the most elevation — we climbed over 2,000 meters three times. The ascent to Passo Giau averaged 9% over 10 km, with barely any chance to catch your breath. The nice part was that after every climb came a long, fast descent, which made it all worthwhile.

Günter: Honestly, every day was tough for me – but in the end, it was all worth it and a lot of fun.

Did you face any unexpected challenges — weather, mechanicals, or tough moments?

Tobias: Things never go 100% according to plan, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. The first day was basically rain from start to finish, with the sun only breaking through at the very end. Otherwise, we did really well as a team: apart from one minor fall, there were no breakdowns and not a single flat tire.

Guenter: Each day had its own surprises. But most importantly, we made it through without any major problems and really enjoyed ourselves.

Did riding together change the way you see each other back at the office?

Christian: Riding in a group is always fun. When you’re talking, the daily 3,000 meters of elevation fly by much faster. It’s a great opportunity to really get to know people. Over four days you meet so many different and interesting characters, sharing not only the highs but also the moments of suffering.

Tobias: I’ve ridden with everyone on our team at some point, but never in this exact constellation. It was great to see how well we all got along and supported each other despite our different performance levels. Somehow, it was always fun. It’s also fascinating to see how everyone has their own routines. Spending five days together so closely definitely brings you closer.

Guenter: It was exciting to see how we worked together as a group – despite different performance levels and ages.

What were you wearing and which bike were you riding?

Christian: I ride a Scott Foil — not exactly a climber’s bike, but very fast on flats and descents, and comfortable, too. I wore a GOREWEAR baselayer, bib shorts, and jersey. For the chilly mornings and the rain on days one and four, I had my SHAKEDRY jacket with me — light and packable. Cyclists don’t usually love rain, but it’s great to see that once it starts, more than 80% of riders put on a GORE-TEX jacket for protection. Alongside our jackets, I really love our DISTANCE Bib Shorts+ 2.0, which are super soft, like a second skin. In my opinion, the best-looking outfit was the SPINSHIFT Colorblock jersey and bib in Cargo Blue.

Tobias: When it comes to bikes, everyone has their own preferences. I ride a Specialized Tarmac — in my opinion, one of the most beautiful and fastest bikes out there. Of course, you still have to do the pedaling yourself. As Team GOREWEAR, we all rode in full kit. One of my personal “hero products” is our DISTANCE Bib Shorts+ 2.0. It’s hard to believe that next year there’ll already be a successor that’s even better. I’m really looking forward to it. Another highlight: for the past few seasons, we’ve been refreshing existing styles with new prints. This year, for example, we had the SPINSHIFT Logo and SPINSHIFT Colorblock jerseys. Seven riders in matching outfits — at least it looked pretty pro. Overall, I think it’s very cool to see so many different bikes and riding styles at the TDF — a colorful group united by a shared passion.

Guenter: I’ve been riding a Bianchi for years – in Italy, that’s always something special. Otherwise, we were in the GOREWEAR team kit, which worked perfectly. My favorite piece is definitely the DISTANCE Bib Shorts+ 2.0. – best Bib ever!

How does it feel to reconnect with the Rad Race crew in person at these events? 

Tobias: It’s always something special. I remember my very first TDF from Munich to Jesolo — it was all so exciting. 2025 was my fourth TDF, and it still amazes me how Rad Race continues to evolve and take the event to another level. I’ve known some of the Rad Race team for a long time now — each of them is absolutely unique, authentic, professional, lovable, and 100% passionate.

Guenter: Meeting the Rad Race crew in person is always something special. Their passion for cycling, their openness, and their willingness to help are truly remarkable.