Epic Legend Hall of Fame: Honoring the Spirit of the Epic Series After the 2026 SPAR Swiss Epic. The 2026 SPAR Swiss Epic was not only a test of endurance and skill but also the stage for a historic celebration: the unveiling of the Epic Legend Hall of Fame. This moment immortalizes riders who have demonstrated extraordinary resilience, passion, and dedication across the Epic Series.
Epic Legend Hall of Fame: Honoring the Spirit of the Epic Series After the 2026 SPAR Swiss Epic
The 2026 SPAR Swiss Epic was not only a test of endurance and skill but also the stage for a historic celebration: the unveiling of the Epic Legend Hall of Fame. This moment immortalizes riders who have demonstrated extraordinary resilience, passion, and dedication across the Epic Series.
Thirty riders were crowned Epic Legends, representing a global tapestry of talent and perseverance. From the youngest, Robin Challamel of France at 23, to the oldest, Todd Cassan of the United States at 62, the Hall of Fame spans generations, proving that the love of MTB adventure transcends age.
Riders hailed from Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, England, France, Italy, Netherlands, Peru, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States, showcasing the worldwide appeal and reach of the Epic Series.
Among the standout stories is Marco Van Den Helm from the Netherlands, 48, who holds the record for the most Absa Cape Epic participations, competing six times between 2010 and 2024. Close behind is his Brightcubes teammate, Stephan Coppelmans, also 48, with five appearances. Their relentless spirit exemplifies the heart of an Epic Legend.
In 2025, several riders achieved the extraordinary feat of conquering all Epic Series races needed to become Epic Legends during 2025, securing their legendary status:
• Théo Dupras (France)
• Loïc Blanc (Switzerland)
• Ramon Comulada Perxachs (Spain)
• Hermann Pernsteiner (Austria)
• Filip Rydval (Czech Republic)
• Ruth Ticona Cuadros (Peru)
• Emma Van Der Stockt (Belgium)
Others are still on their journey to even become ALL Epic Series races finishers, with some needing only the 4 Islands Epic or Andorra Epic to complete the full Epic Series, showing that every legend’s story is ongoing.
Among all tales of courage, one shines brightest: Julio from Spain, 53.
“I had a stroke at 39,” Julio shares. Leading a sedentary life, weighing 103 kg, and rarely exercising, he faced a life-altering challenge. Determined to transform his life, Julio founded the Freno al ICTUS Foundation, supporting those affected by brain injuries across Spain.
Inspired by MTB races around the world, he discovered a new purpose: to ride the toughest Epic Series events. “I challenged myself to compete in the world’s most demanding MTB races. I aim to become an Epic Legend, perhaps the first after surviving a stroke,” he says.
Julio’s journey illustrates the essence of the Epic Series: resilience, courage, and the power of sport to inspire and transform lives.
The Epic Legend Hall of Fame celebrates more than victories it honours the spirit of adventure, perseverance, and human potential. From the peaks of the Swiss Alps to the trails of Africa, these riders remind us that every ride is a story, every finish line a triumph, and every challenge an invitation to greatness.
Congratulations to the Epic Legends Hall of Famers after the SPAR Swiss Epic. Your journey inspires the next generation of MTB riders to follow their own epic paths.