Glean insider insights into the trails of Graubünden from the Swiss Epic’s local professional riders and the route designer, Stefan Wolfisberg.

Graubünden is a region like few others. Not only does each of the canton’s Swiss Epic host towns boast hundreds of kilometres of marked trails, but the landscape itself is uniquely suited for mountain biking. Like the region’s iconic ibex, mountain bikers need to love the challenge of the climb and the thrill of the descent to thrive in this alpine terrain. For those visiting for the first time, the advice of four local mountain goats could prove invaluable.

To aid the teams racing in Graubünden for the first time, the Swiss Epic reached out to three Swiss professional riders and the race’s route designer. Their local knowledge fills in the gaps and helps ensure each team arrives in Laax prepared for what lies ahead. The elite riders who shared their insights were Laax rider, Andrin Beeli, Swiss mountain biking legend, Christoph Sauser, who will be representing Arosa in the 2020 event, and Davos’ Corina Gantenbein. Route designer Stefan Wolfisberg added a valuable overview of the route and its challenges.

The first two nights of the race will be spent in Laax, with Registration and Stage 1 both taking place in the town. “My favourite trail in Laax is the Vorab Trail” stated the Sagogn local, Beeli. “It starts at the Vorab glacier at 2 570 metres above sea level” he enthusiastically explained. “First, the trail leads through some big and loose rocks, which makes you feel like you are riding on a moonscape. Later, it leads into the green valley; through a flowy, rooty and fun part in the forest. The last treat is the section where Stage 1’s route loops into the 7.5-kilometre-long Runca Trail. It is a hand-built flowtrail. The Vorab Trail includes 1 500 vertical metres of descent, has a bit of everything in it and is just pure joy to ride” Beeli concluded.

Stage 2 of the 2020 Swiss Epic takes riders to Arosa. Nestled in a high alpine valley, it is the race’s most remote race village this year. Multiple world champion Sauser, may not hail or reside in the town; but he has raced throughout Graubünden many a time over his illustrious career. “Around Arosa/Lenzerheide I really enjoy the Parpaner Rothorn traverse towards Älplisee, which forms part of Stage 3,” the 5-time Absa Cape Epic winner said. “The climb is long and challenging, but once on top you feel really close to the sky. Dropping down to Arosa is a real test of your skills, if you ride the trail at full pace. It features everything from rocks and drops, to flowing sections with amazing views across small lakes, and snaking singletracks through pine forests and into Arosa for a well-deserved finish line beer.”

From Arosa the race ascends the Durannapass and passes Gantenbein’s home town of Klosters, en route to Davos. “My favourite trail is called the Pischa Round” Gantenbein advised. “I start from my front door and pedal up through the forest, past the beautiful Schwarzsee in Laret, up to Davos. Then I take the trail from Färich to Tschuggen, which is half way up the Flüela Pass. From there it gets steep, but rideable, until I reach the Pischa Station at the summit of the climb. From Pischa there’s a seemingly endless trail to enjoy, which takes me back to Klosters without any riding on a wider road. What’s really exciting is that riders will get to experience some of my favourite hometown trails during Stage 4 of this year’s Swiss Epic.”

Adding his general advice to the town specific experiences of the professional riders Wolfisberg said: “It’s one thing to climb 3 000 metres, but it’s another to ride back down again. Therefore, it’s not enough just to train for the climbs. You have to make sure that after the uphill you still have the physical fitness and mental awareness to master and enjoy the long, fun downhills we have here in Switzerland.”

“Where Switzerland in general, and Graubünden in particular, is different from many other parts of the world is that many of our trails weren’t built specifically for mountain biking” Wolfisberg elaborated. “Often they are the result of farmers taking their cattle up the alps. We refer to these trails as ‘natural trails’ and they have roots, stones or some other obstacles in the track. I highly recommend riders train their downhill skills if they are to make the most of this Alpine experience. Bike set-up and tyre pressure, as I’ll explain later, will help tremendously too.”

Altitude is the next challenge riders will face during the Swiss Epic. Every stage in the 2020 race will go above the 2 000-metre mark at least once; with Stage 3 featuring the highest point of the route: Gredigs Fürggli at 2 614 metres above sea level. “Time is everything” advised Wolfisberg. “The best way is to give your body enough time to get adapt to the thinner air by spending time at altitude. This is especially important, if you live at sea level.”

“The best approach would be to arrive in Graubünden a week before the race starts” Wolfisberg continued. “Stay a few nights in the lower area around Laax, before travelling up to Davos or Arosa. This will allow your body to gradually acclimatise. During the days you should then do rides to higher altitudes and remember to hydrate, both during and after the rides.”

On a technical front, the route designer has bike set-up advice for Swiss Epic campaigners, both old and new. “Most riders have too much pressure in their tyres” Wolfisberg remarked. “The best option is to ride tubeless so you can ride a low pressure. This is particularly important in wet conditions when lower tyre pressure improves grip and rider safety. It will ensure you will have better traction on the wet roots which criss-cross the forest trails. Wide tyres, 2.25 at least, and a dropper seatpost are also a must for riders who aren’t racing for stage or category honours. Weight is not everything! You’ll have more fun, I promise.”

With this sage advice from the locals in the bank, you will be better prepared for the 2020 Swiss Epic. For further advice and insights into what to expect in Graubünden follow the event on Facebook and Instagram . There is no substitute for physical training though, so with all this advice in mind get out and ride your bike.