One of the true gentlemen of mountain biking, Kristian Hynek will be racing the 2020 Swiss Epic with his Future Cycling Northwave partner Martin Stošek. The Czech outfit are aiming for the podium in Graubünden.

Having been back racing since June there can be no doubt that the Czech pair of Kristian Hynek and Martin Stošek will be among the best prepared riders at the 2020 Swiss Epic. The Future Cycling Northwave team blends the former Absa Cape Epic winner’s experience and cool head, with the 26-year-old Stošek’s formidable multi-disciplinary mountain biking power. Together they are dark horses for the general classification podium in Graubünden.

“Sure, it affected us a lot; but we were lucky and our country was one of the first ones that allowed racing” said Hynek of the Covid-19 pandemic’s effects on his season. “We have been racing for few months already and are very motivated for the Swiss Epic. Having been forced to take a break from racing, I’m definitely enjoying the prospect of getting back to stage racing more than ever before.”

“We are hungry for a good result and I believe we both are in a good shape” the team’s senior partner added. “The overall podium is our goal in terms of results; but we’re really looking forward to racing in such a competitive field again. I’m sure every elite rider shares my feelings and is really happy that our sport can start rolling again, at the highest level!”

“I think we will be able to fight for top positions” Stošek confirmed. “Obviously it has been almost half a year since we raced together at Cyprus, at the start of the season. But I believe we can find a rhythm again and achieve a good result. We are lucky that we have been racing in the Czech Republic already, so we have taken part in a number of races this summer. That means we know what form we’re in heading into the Swiss Epic.”

“I am really looking forward to racing in Graubünden” Stošek enthused. “I’m sure it will be an amazing experience on and off the bike, as well as big fun for us. Of course, during the stages we’ll have to keep our focus and stay safe, but I will try to enjoy the scenery as much as possible too.”

Despite his long career, Hynek is unfamiliar with the riding in Graubünden. “I don’t know the location” he confirmed. “But I expect awesome trails and fantastic riding, as is usually the case in Switzerland. Of course, I’m also expecting tough and long climbs. Those are my favourite part of racing in the Alps.”

To follow the progress of the Future Cycling Northwave team in their race through Graubünden visit www.swiss-epic.com. Each stage of the race will be covered, live, on the event website with regular updates, live rider tracking, as well as photos and videos from the trails of Laax, Arosa and Davos.