The America's Cup leaves Switzerland on the 'Road to Valencia'

THE AMERICA'S CUP AT LAKE GENEVA





The America's Cup trophy left its home for the past four years in Geneva, Switzerland, yesterday, on the first step of the 'Road to Valencia' tour and the final count-down to the decisive stages of the competition. The tour taking in five cities, Paris (28th February - 1st March), Rome (5th March), Berlin (7th - 8th March) and Madrid (12th - 13th March), marks the end of three years of intense preparation by the 12 teams who are competing to capture the oldest and most prestigious trophy in the world, the America's Cup.

Just one month from now, the teams will begin racing in Valencia in the ultimate and decisive season of the 32nd America's Cup. The teams between them have spent nearly 700-million euros over the past three years in pursuit of that dream. 18 state-of-the-art boats have been designed and built to win the Cup. Final practice and preparation is well underway in Valencia, where over the coming weeks and months, only one team will emerge to claim glory.

The 'Road to Valencia' is a celebration of this pursuit of excellence. Beginning in Geneva, home to the Defender of the trophy, the Société Nautique de Genève and its sailing team Alinghi, and ending in Valencia.

Each stop will include a press conference featuring Allinghi, the Defender and challengers representing each country.
For the public, a unique and exciting slide show, projected in the evening on a landmark building in the city will capture the spirit and excitement of America's Cup racing.