Boudry, Switzerland
BCN Tour 2024
The BCN Tour runs from April 24 to May 29, 2024, criss-crossing various regions of the canton of Neuchâtel.
Created in 1986 at the initiative of BCN, the event attracts over 6,000 runners of all ages and backgrounds every year.
The main race takes place over six stages, with a new course of around 10 km every Wednesday evening. But the BCN Tour is also, and above all, a race that offers an incredible diversity of scenery, from city to country to mountain. And all in a wonderful atmosphere.
For the occasion, two Cicorel teams, “Cicor Un” and “Cicor L”, have been created to promote conviviality between colleagues and to proudly represent our company. We are delighted with the success of this second participation, with a total of 17 participants this year!
So a big thank you to Cicor for allowing us to share these beautiful, emotionally-charged moments. And come on, we're counting on you to come and cheer us on at the next stage.
Thomas Rossier
Technicien CAO
25th Anniversary in Boudry
Founded in 1966 in Lausanne, Cicorel moved to Boudry in 1999, where during the years all PCB manufacturing activities of the Cicor Group got centralized.
1999 – 2024 : 25 years that Cicorel is being located in Boudry. This was a great opportunity to celebrate with our employees on September 6th, offering them a program of “Swissness” activities.
We departed from Boudry in the morning by bus to the region of “La Gruyère” where several activities were carried out. At first we went to the Maison du Gruyère to experience an interactive exhibition, “a journey to the heart of the senses”, during which we could discover all the secrets of the making of famous Gruyère-AOP Swiss cheese.
After this interesting visit, we travelled by funicular and cable car to the summit of Moléson at 2002m altitude, a well-known mountain providing a 360° view on the Swiss landscapes and the Alps. Once arrived at the summit, we were welcomed by a group of traditional alphorn musicians. Some of us also tried to play the instrument and could find out how difficult this is…
At lunch at the Restaurant “Le Sommet” we enjoyed delicious food and we had the opportunity to look back at the development of Cicorel over the past 25 years. It was also a good moment for me to express my gratitude for being part of Cicorel’s journey for 5 years and to say a great thank you to our employees for their contribution to the fantastic evolution of the company.
Back to the valley in the middle of the afternoon we went to the Maison Cailler in Broc, that invites you to explore the world of Cailler at their chocolate factory.
We could discover how chocolatier pioneers developed the Swiss chocolate and learn about the history of the Cailler chocolate factory during an interactive tour. Of course, we did some chocolate tasting also and more importantly we could buy some to take back home.
In the late afternoon we went back close to Boudry, where we ended the day with a dinner in the beautiful restaurant “La Taverne” in the Castle of Colombier.
To remember this special anniversary and event, all employees received a gift including a special Swiss knife.
A great thank you to everyone for participating and for spreading a very good spirit and a lot of joy during the whole day and especially to the colleagues who helped organizing this celebration day, that will stay in our minds and in our hearts.
Benoît Füeg
Managing Director
My Ascent of the Matterhorn: One of my many life projects accomplished
The Matterhorn, standing at 4,478 meters, is one of the most iconic and revered mountains in the Alps. Its first ascent, achieved by Edward Whymper on July 14, 1865, is an adventure etched in the history of mountaineering, not to mention in collective memory due to the numerous fatal accidents that have marked it since. With an average of 8 to 10 deaths per year, the Matterhorn constantly reminds us of the dangers of the mountains and the necessity of rigorous preparation.
My plan to ascend the Matterhorn took shape several years ago, driven by a personal desire to push my limits and confront one of the world's most prestigious peaks. My ascent was postponed once due to early snowfall, but this only strengthened my resolve to conquer this formidable mountain.
The Day Before the Ascent: Zermatt, the Hut, and the Doubts
Zermatt, being the starting point of this adventure, is a picturesque mountain resort perched at 1,600 meters, where Alpine traditions meet modern and refined tourism. Its atmosphere perfectly embodies the feeling of a high-altitude expedition departure.
The day before the ascent, we found ourselves, climbers and guides, in the Hörnlihütte hut where the atmosphere was filled with nervousness and excitement. This refuge, perched at 3,260 meters, is where everyone prepares themselves, lost in their thoughts, doubts, and desires to succeed. Conversations are sparse, punctuated by exchanged glances and mechanical gestures to prepare equipment. The anxiety of the unknown mingles with the excitement of the upcoming challenge. A small glass of red wine reminds us that we are in the Valais and that it's important to stay calm. It is in these moments, that one fully realises the magnitude of the commitment that an ascent like the Matterhorn represents. At 9:30 pm it’s lights out, (non-negotiable), and we all fall into a deep sleep, despite the snores of our dormitory companions.
The Wake-Up Call: Time to Depart
The alarm goes off at 3 am, and there's a palpable tension in the air. Breakfast is quick, taken at 3:30am, with the aim of providing us with enough energy for the titanic effort ahead. At 3:50am, we leave the hut in complete darkness, headlamps attached to our helmets and walk into the unknown. It is silent, with only the sounds of crampons on rock and deep breathing disturbing the stillness of the breaking dawn.
The Ascent: Equipment and Progression
The ascent from the Hörnlihütte is a demanding endeavour, where every detail matters. The equipment is meticulously chosen: crampons, ice axe, helmet, harness, ropes, and clothing suitable for the changing conditions of high mountains. The guide, the true conductor of this vertical symphony, plays a crucial role in securing technical passages and maintaining the pace of progression.
As we progress, the first light of day appears at the Solvay Hut, located at 4,003 meters. The sunrise over the Matterhorn is an indescribable sight, where the first orange hues caress the snowy slopes and jagged rocks. It's a magical moment that only reinforces your motivation to continue, despite the fatigue and altitude becoming increasingly apparent.
The Challenges of Altitude and Descent: A Parallel with the Professional World
Climbing at such altitudes teaches you to manage your breathing, listen to your body, and adjust your pace based on how you feel. The ascent is marked by valuable exchanges with other climbers, moments of solidarity that highlight the importance of teamwork. Everyone moves forward with their own motivation, but we are all united by the common goal of reaching the summit. Each step is a reminder of the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and the ability to manage the unexpected. Just as in a business project, it involves careful planning, anticipating obstacles, and advancing with determination, even when conditions are far from ideal.
The descent, however, should never be underestimated. After the euphoria of reaching the summit, fatigue and decreased alertness make this phase even more dangerous. Errors in judgment or accumulated fatigue can turn the return phase into a perilous experience. At this stage, it is crucial to stay vigilant, focused, and manage fatigue while maintaining the same rigour and attention as during the ascent. This serves as a powerful metaphor for the working world: it's not enough to reach your goals; you must also know how to descend safely, managing successes without losing sight of the risks inherent in situations of change or transition. Descents are sometimes more difficult than ascents, a lesson that resonates both in the mountains and in managing complex projects.
The Fulfilment of a Personal Dream
At the summit, the sense of accomplishment is unparalleled. Seeing the world from the peak of the Matterhorn is to witness the fulfilment of a personal dream, an achievement that goes far beyond statistics or the difficulties encountered. It is a powerful reminder that the most ambitious goals are often the ones that teach us the most about ourselves. In climbing the Matterhorn, I learned that every summit, no matter how challenging, is accessible through hard work, perseverance, and passion.
This adventure was all the more profound as it was shared with my boyfriend, who followed and supported me in climbing this imposing rocky pyramid.
Kathia Debely
Finance Director