Graubünden, Switzerland’s largest and most easterly canton, is set to host the next three editions of the SPAR Swiss Epic. The region has already staged the four editions, as well as the 2023 race. The renewed agreement will allow the event organisers to refresh the format and visit smaller towns in the years to come.
Davos/La Punt, 18. August 2023: The successful multi-stage mountain bike race, the SPAR Swiss Epic will take place in Graubünden for the next three years. The partner locations for 2024 to 2026 are the towns of Davos Klosters and La Punt. The SPAR Swiss Epic is part of the international Epic Series of unique stage races in Europe, Africa and Australia.
The 2024, 2025 and 2026 editions of the SPAR Swiss Epic will maintain the existing five-day format, and the Epic Series’ Legend status. They will also boast challenging but rewarding routes, which will be updated for each event, totalling more than 300 kilometres in length with roughly 12 000 metres of vertical elevation gain. Teams can expect scintillating singletracks, both natural and purpose built mountain biking flow trails, as well as gravel forestry roads and high mountain passes.
Teams will continue to contest the SPAR Swiss Epic, as with all Epic Series stage races, in teams of two. The teams will only be classified on the overall standings if both riders finish each stage, as well as the race. As a full-service stage race medical care on route, post-stage lunches, luggage transfers and a daily bike wash are included in the standard entry package. Entries including accommodation also feature overnight stays, dinners and breakfasts in some of Davos and Lu Punt’s finest hotels. Additional extras like professional mechanic packages to ensure your bike is running smoothly throughout the race, a daily sports massage and shuttles to and from the airport can also be included in team entry packages.
An exciting atmosphere is guaranteed by the 300, two-person, team strong field and enhanced by the prescience of friends and family members, mountain biking fans, organisational volunteers, service providers and crew members. In total the SPAR Swiss Epic brings in excess of 1 000 people to each host town, and generates over 10 000 bed-nights for the canton of Graubünden. "As a destination with numerous major events, we are used to accommodating and looking after so many people for a race," said Reto Branschi, CEO of Destination Davos Klosters.
Branschi, who was instrumental in the bringing of the SPAR the Swiss Epic to Graubünden initially, is very pleased that Davos Klosters will remain a partner of the event for another three years: "Mountain biking is part of Davos' summer. We are a singletrack paradise for riders of all strengths and ages. The SPAR Swiss Epic is our highlight of the season."
La Punt and the region Oberengadin have also made a name for themselves as a world-class mountain biking destination. "Our range of trails, cable railways, pass roads, hotels and holiday flats is unique and attracts thousands of cycling enthusiasts to our valley year after year," Urs Niederegger, municipal clerk of La Punt, stated.
La Punt is particularly proud of its Albula Trail. "It runs for almost nine kilometres from the Albula Pass to La Punt. It is as varied as the mountain biking which our region offers," Niederegger concluded.
"The SPAR Swiss Epic Graubünden is a combined success story because Graubünden is a true Eldorado for mountain bikers," Felix Eichenberger, CEO of Ironman Switzerland AG the organisers of the race, said. "Over the past five years, together with our stage locations, we have been able to develop a unique mix of competitive sport, nature experience and hospitality that goes down enormously well with all the participants. They will be thrilled that we can host the SPAR Swiss Epic in Graubünden for another three years."
The eleventh edition of the SPAR Swiss Epic Graubünden will offer starting places for 300 teams and the 2024 event is scheduled to take place from 20 to 24 August.