The 2022 SPAR Swiss Epic will showcase the best of Graubünden’s spectacular mountain biking trails in a route designed to challenge and reward. With race villages in Arosa, Laax and Davos, the event takes in 363 kilometres of riding and 11 650 metres of accumulated climbing.

Graubünden is unique in the world of mountain biking, thanks to its plethora of trails. The 2022 SPAR Swiss Epic host towns – Arosa, Laax and Davos – alone count 500, 330 and 700 marked kilometres of trails. To devise a route of just 363 kilometres thus requires careful distillation to create a route which will provide a pure spirit. A spirit which inspires dedicated training, provides a challenge worthy of the Epic Series badge and ensures five days of incredible enjoyment.

The nineth edition of the race will take in 12 650 metres of accumulated climbing and 11 800 metres of descending as it traverses Switzerland’s larges canton. Arosa, hosts registration and the opening stage of the SPAR Swiss Epic for the first time. After a day of exploring Arosa and racing the entire Hörnli Trail the event moves west, to Laax. En route to the second race village the course summits the highest pass of the 2022 race, Urdenfürggli.

Having conquered 2 546 metres above sea level on Stage 2, Stage 3 remains mercifully below 1 600 metres. It is the first of two “play days” though it still accumulates over 2 000 of elevation gain as circumnavigates Laax, taking in the Höhentrack and Runca Trail. The next day is the biggest of the race however, so teams are advised to conserve their energy for Stage 4.

The Queen Stage of the 2022 SPAR Swiss Epic, in Graubünden, makes the 100 kilometre trek across the Alps from Laax to Davos. Despite the opening 30 kilometres of the day trending downhill the stage manages to boast nearly 3 000 metres of climbing. It is not all long distances and sapping climbs however; Stage 4 also features spectacular riding and memorable trails.

Once in Davos the SPAR Swiss Epic is in familiar terrain. The final stage is also a short one, providing respite for exhausted legs. A mini-Bahnentour provides a fitting end to the 2022 event, brining the race to a close in fine fashion.

“With entries already sold out the teams who have secured their SPAR Swiss Epic starts are in for a memorable five days of riding” Race Director, Corina Feuerstein, promised. “I think the route team, led by Trail Scout Stefan Wolfisberg, have done a fantastic job creating a well-balanced route. It’s challenging enough to ensure exciting racing between the elite teams, but with ample rewards for the non-elite riders.”

“Riding the entire 6.8 kilometre long Hörnli Trail on Stage 1 sets the tone for the race” Feuerstein continued. “Every stage has its highlights, from the Urdenfürggli to the Höhentrack, Alter Schin and the Panorama Trail. We cannot wait to welcome the teams to Graubünden on the 15th of August.”

The trails of Graubünden are calling, here’s what they hold in store…