600 mountain bikers from all continents will be taking part in the first “Swiss Epic” in Graubünden next week. The multi-stage race is intended to bring new mountain bikers to the canton. The message of the event is simple: The most beautiful trails in the Alps are in Graubünden.
300 teams of two will start the first Swiss Epic in Grisons on Tuesday, August 20. The multi-stage mountain bike race takes you from Davos via St. Moritz and Lenzerheide back to Davos over five days. For the participating stages and the canton, the race is a multi-year tourism project.
“The event was highly sought after by European destinations,” says Reto Branschi, CEO of Davos Klosters. He brought the race to Grisons and forged a unique partnership with Davos Klosters, Arosa, Laax, Lenzerheide, Scuol, St. Moritz and the Canton of Grisons.
There is a good reason why tourism professionals are so committed to the event: Swiss Epic is the only European race in the new “Epic Series”. In the races in the series, ambitious amateurs can compete with world-class athletes and also qualify for the legendary “Absa Cape Epic” in South Africa.
“Being named Cape Epic in the same train is an enormous value in the mountain bike community,” underlines Marc Schlüssel, marketing manager for the Lenzerheide holiday region. “Cape Epic is the world's most popular multi-stage race and the starting places sell out in just a few minutes.”
Swiss Epic's starting places in Grisons have also been completely sold out since winter, as organizer Felix Eichenberger from Swiss Epic AG confirms: “Swiss Epic in Grisons is a new event. The fact that we were able to sell all our seats so quickly in the first year speaks for Graubünden's status as a mountain bike destination.”
However, Swiss Epic is not only intended to bring mountain bikers to the canton in the last week of August: There are already bookable packages for guests who want to travel the route at their own pace. “All guests in Bündner's top destinations should be able to experience this unique adventure,” explains Adrian Ehrbar, Director of St. Moritz Tourism. “When they arrive at the new town after the day's journey, their luggage is already at the hotel.”
The first Swiss Epic in Graubünden will take place from August 20 to 24. This year, the route leads from Davos via the Epic Trail and the Albula Pass to St. Moritz. After a stage in the Engadine, the 300 teams of two drive to Lenzerheide to complete a challenging round stage on both sides of the valley the next day. On the fifth day, it's off from Lenzerheide through the Rinerhorn area back to Davos.
Stage locations 2019 and their programs
Davos: Kurpark near the Vaillant Arena (19/20 and 24 August)
At the end of the first Swiss Epic in Grisons, the awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, August 24, in the Davos Kurpark with a large supporting program for fans and families. Between 10:00 and 18:00, the pump track, with competition, kids' course, balance bike races for the little ones, bouncy castles, festival restaurant and Herbert gondola with photo box will be open. The award ceremony starts at 2:15 p.m.
St. Moritz-Bad: Plazza Rosatsch (20/21/22 August)
The end and start of the stages are in the middle of St. Moritz-Bad in a small park on Plazza Rosatsch. Between 10:30 and 18:00 on Tuesday and Wednesday, visitors can test ride the latest Scott bikes and learn how to do a “wheely” on the rear wheel. Food and drinks are of course provided.
A special attraction is the first St. Moritz cycling championship for the youngest bikers: On a closed-off circuit, they can train with their own wheels on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Wednesday, starting at 1:30 p.m., there will be an individual time trial in two races for girls and boys.
Lenzerheide: Canols at Heidsee (22/23/24 August)
The Swiss Epic Village with its bike wash and bike park is located in Canols right on the picturesque Heidsee. It is open until around 18:00 on Thursday and Friday. The Canols kiosk provides food and drinks. Its wonderful terrace offers views of the lake and the mountain panorama.
Christian Gartmann is the media relations officer for Swiss Epic in Graubünden.