In the crowed global mountain biking calendar, events need to be truly world-class to stand out from the peloton. The Swiss Epic is one such event. A flagship of the global Epic Series and a quintessentially Swiss affair.

In the world of full-service stage races, the overall participant experience sets events apart. The Swiss Epic boasts not only a superb route and market-leading support for riders while both on and off the bike, the event features luxury accommodation, superb catering and predictably smooth Swiss logistical efficiency. All this is set within the breath-taking backdrop of Graubünden, the alpine country’s premier mountain biking destination.

World-Class Riding
Graubünden, more than any other Swiss canton, is geared towards mountain biking. In a country where trails are often shared by hikers and riders, Graubünden has invested in a plethora of mountain bike specific tracks. The best example of this is the famous Hörnli Trail, a 6.8-kilometre-long flow trail, which will form part of the 2020 Swiss Epic route.

For 2020, the Swiss Epic will feature more purpose-built mountain biking singletrack than ever. Adding exhilarating riding to the mix of lung-busting fire-road climbs and scenic dual track traverses, of awe-inspiring valleys. Over five days the route will showcase the best of Laax, Arosa and Davos.

On the Bike Support
Clear route marking, medical support and most importantly three fully stocked water points, per day, take the anxiety out of riding in a new location. Sponser Sport Food, is the race’s official on-the-bike nutrition partners and have your energy needs covered. Out on the route the water points feature not only a selection of Sponser Sport Food products but also a range of real foods, including fruits and of course the delicious Graubünden Bündner Nusstorte cake.

To ensure each rider’s Swiss Epic memories are captured for posterity, the event makes use of both official race photographers, a videography team and Sportograf. Thanks to their photographers stationed along the route the riders are guaranteed stunning photos, to help them relive their Swiss adventure for years to come.

Stay in Style, Eat like a King
There is no need for camping during the Swiss Epic. Thanks to local hotels, in Laax, Arosa and Davos, each team is accommodated in style. Geared towards skiing in winter and cycling in summer the hotels are equipped for adventure sports enthusiasts. Each team shares a double room, from the night of registration (17 August) to the night before the final stage (21 August). Breakfasts and dinners are included throughout the stay, in the race hotels, while lunches are served, after each stage, in the race villages.

Smoother is Faster
On and off the bike the Swiss organisation ensures each day runs like clockwork, shifting from breakfast through racing, lunch, hotel check-in and dinner like a well-lubricated drive train. From the moment riders arrive in Laax, on Monday the 17th of August, to the time they leave Davos, on Saturday the 22nd, their every need is taken care of.

Rider bags are transported between hotels; while extra luggage, which riders will not require during the race, can be transferred from the start in Laax, straight to the finish in Davos. By utilising the exceptional Swiss public transport network riders can catch a train and bus to the start venue, from Zurich International Airport, and a train back to the airport after the race.

For the riders who choose to rent a car or who drive from further afield there is a Park and Ride package. Booking this extra service allows riders to park in Davos and catch a race shuttle to the start in Laax. Then when the Swiss Epic concludes they can simply get in their cars and drive straight home, or on to their next adventure.

Explore Graubünden
Alternatively, participants are encouraged to extend their stay in Switzerland and explore Graubünden further. With the Swiss Epic not visiting Lenzerheide in 2020, the bike park which has hosted UCI Mountain Bike World Cup events since 2015, it is an obvious attraction for riders. Off the trails and on the roads the region boasts famous passes like the Albula, Bernina and the Flüela. These three climbs all top out above 2 000 metres above sea level and feature average gradients of 10% or more.

If cycling is no longer an attractive proposition after five days of alpine mountain biking, Graubünden offers a host of other attractions. The canton’s list of 15 must-do activities includes summer favourites like hiking, visiting one of the region’s national parks and enjoying the local culinary specialities. To find out more visit www.graubuenden.ch or click here.

The Swiss Epic also offers a selection of optional extras to ensure riders have the best possible time in the build-up to, during and after the race. To find out more, visit the race website and click on the Optional Extras tab. There riders can find all the information on booking extra nights’ accommodation, bike services, sports massages and the Park and Ride service.

Enter the 2020 Swiss Epic here or find out more about its exceptional rider experience.