Getting up is already easier for the two riders than the days before. Accordingly, they are more confident that they will make it through the 75 kilometers and 3,333 metres in altitude. Balz's severe back pain has also almost disappeared.

On the first climb after the start, however, Philipp and Balz save their energy and drop back a little. The subsequent descent to Stalden allows them to catch up again quickly. After that, it's time to get back into an energy-saving rhythm. The idea of joining Christoph Sauser and Jaroslav Kulhavy, who had previously fallen behind due to a flat tire, also remains just an idea. Because the Ride Swiss Epic team does not want to overdo it. The risk of collapsing afterwards would be too great.Philipp and Balz hardly lose any more positions until the end of the climb. Then comes the highlight of the day: the descent to Visp. The purest singletrail paradise. A few overtaking maneuvers are necessary at the beginning. Then the two have a clear path on almost the entire descent. Riding unhindered over meadow trails, rough sections, a super-fine flow trail and through a section of forest full of hairpin bends exceeds all expectations of the two riders.

At some point, everything comes to an end and unfortunately this descent is no different. As the finish is back in Grächen, there is now another long ascent. Initially, this mostly involves more singletrails and gives Philipp and Balz the chance to maintain their position. The last ramp up to Gasenried goes well at first. Then, shortly before the five-kilometer mark, Philipp seems to collapse. "Now I'm parked," he complains, literally struggling. Good words, a fat gel and a subsequent running section give Philipp back a little strength, which he knows how to use again.

At the finish in Grächen in 46th place, the faces of the two look much more relaxed than the day before. This also increases their motivation for the final stage from Grächen to Zermatt. There are another 2,400 meters of altitude difference spread over 59 kilometers.

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