Aigle, Switzerland (UCI, golf, castle)

 

I'm making my way to Aigle but stop in Monthey's town center to admire the covered wooden bridge (built 1809).

Monthey, population 16,000, stopped allowing vehicles on the bridge many years ago and is now reserved for pedestrians and cyclists with their bikes.

Here's another view of bridge.

Having visiting hundreds and hundreds of castles over the years I'm disappointed in Monthey castle.  Why? It's on an elevated position in Monthey's center but, nobody can see it as it's surrounded by other buildings. This is the entrance.

Can't get a faraway picture as the castle is squished in. Usually castles are up on a hill or occupying a prime spot where it's visible. When it was built in the 13th century Monthey castle had no problem "sticking out" as it lorded over the area. Now it's surrounded by buildings and isn't visible from below. 

Here's a backside view of Monthey castle. It's been owned by the town since the 1900's and is used for cultural events. 

This is the view from above Monthey castle.

I've been to Aigle (population 7,000) many, many times but, have never been to UCI's World Cycling Center. Union Cycling International (UCI) is the world governing body for sports cycling. It's not too hard to find as I follow the bicycles. 

This one stands at a roundabout.

This one points me in the right direction.

Two more bikes at a roundabout. The large building in the background is UCI's indoor velodrome.  

This last bike takes me to the UCI's headquarters. 

View of structure housing velodrome.

BMX bike training course.

The whole complex was built in 2002 with UCI's offices connected to the velodrome.

Here's the track where cyclists go round and round. The blue middle part is used by the Swiss  Gymnastic Federation for training --trampolines are wheeled out. For something like $70 newbies to track cycling can receive an introduction course to use the track (they furnish a bike). 

It seats about 600. See the table with white cloth? The place can be rented out for a variety of reasons. Actually a business is having a luncheon today: cocktails here followed by food in a full scale restaurant--open to the public.

About 20 years ago I visited the outdoor velodrome in Lausanne (it has now been closed for years). Nobody was around so I took my bike (loaded down with four panniers) and did a few laps around the track. It was pretty cool and scary going up and down the elevated track. 

The training center is used by all kinds of bikers. 

Good place to practice your craft. 

The World Cycling Center complex backs up to the Rhone river. A nice paved road (restricted to cyclists and pedestrians) runs along the river bank. 

Leaving the velodrome and heading back to central Aigle I unexpectedly come across Montreux Golf club. This year the club is celebrating 125 years. Founded by English tourists the 18 hole course is pretty much flat as a pancake.  

Though private, it's open to the public. The funny part of this: the town of Montreux lies several towns away--about 10 miles.  

Usually the course would have great views of the Alps but, it's an overcast day. Trivia: Switzerland is home to about 100 golf courses--with two thirds being 18 holes. The USA? Over 16,000.