Rotorua/ New Zealand, Derby/ Tasmania, Machico/ Madeira, Canazei/ Italy, Les Orres/ France, Whistler/ Canada, Northstar/ USA and Zermatt/ Switzerland - that's the 2019 Enduro World Series race calendar. In addition to Zermatt, which is the first Swiss venue to host a World Series race, the calendar has another striking feature: the race in Finale Ligure is missing. After six years in which the Ligurian bike destination hosted the final of the Enduro World Series, the Enduro World Champions will be crowned at the final race in Zermatt in 2019. There, on September 21 and 22, the world's best enduro riders will be served up eight to ten downhill stages on the best Zermatt trails. The majority of these will be reached by cable car.

Adrian Greiner, co-initiator of the Trail Love Festival, is delighted about this "accolade", but also emphasizes the touristic value of this race: "There are only eight destinations worldwide that have the chance to present themselves on the platform of the Enduro World Series every year. It's high time that Switzerland, a mountain bike country, appeared on the radar of the world-traveled and adventure-loving enduro rider. After all, with its countless epic trails, their accessibility via a dense and efficient public transport / mountain railroad network and the unique landscape and cultural experience, Switzerland has the perfect prerequisites to be a beacon in international mountain bike tourism. In world-famous Zermatt, the world champions in the booming enduro segment will be crowned in 2019. These images will go around the world and with them the message that "Swissness and mountain biking go together like the Matterhorn and Toblerone".

The reactions of the two Swiss enduro pros Anita and Carolin Gehrig were not long in coming to this news: "The dream of competing in a top-class enduro race in Switzerland is finally coming true. We are delighted that Zermatt has been awarded the contract for an Enduro World Series race in 2019. It's a fantastic venue, the trails are world-class and the "Horu" offers a unique backdrop - our international enduro friends will be thrilled! We will do our best to be in top form at this career highlight and hopefully be able to ride for the top places," says a delighted Anita Gehrig and her twin sister Carolin adds: "We have been waiting five years to finally be able to ride an EWS in Switzerland. The fact that this dream will finally come true in 2019, and even in Zermatt, is absolutely amazing - the backdrop for the season finale could hardly be more epic! I'm really looking forward to it and can hardly wait to be able to ride there with the support of our friends and family. Standing on the podium in Zermatt together with Anita would be the absolute crowning glory. The EWS Continental race in mid-September 2018 certainly offers the ideal opportunity to prepare for this and have fun on the trails around Zermatt!"

Zermatt will also be welcoming the Enduro World Series in 2020. Spectator passes and discounted transport tickets make the races particularly attractive. In addition to the EWS spectacle, other races and competitions for athletes and amateurs will complement the supporting program. An enduro race will continue to be held in Finale Ligure, but as the "Battle of the Nations", which is not part of the World Series.

"Trail love" for the first time this late summer

From September 14 to 18, 2018, Zermatt will be all about mountain biking. Bikers, spectators, trail builders and families will get their money's worth at the three-day festival followed by the Trail Summit in the Alps. With events, professional races, an exhibition area, test bikes and special mountain bike offers, the festival provides entertainment for all mountain bike enthusiasts.

The trail connects - whether children on the flow trail, professionals on the race track or mountain bike adventurers on the trails in high alpine terrain. The trail in all its forms puts a smile on riders' faces, is challenging and offers unforgettable outdoor experiences for mountain bikers. The aim of the Trail Love Festival is to show the sport from the most beautiful and exciting side of the Alps.

Swiss Epic during the festival

The Perskindol Swiss Epic will also be taking part. The stage race will roll into the village on Friday, September 16, 2018. The day after, the riders will complete their final stage in Zermatt. From Friday, September 14 to Sunday, September 16, 2018, there will be various activities and entertainment for visitors in the village. Test bikes, an exhibition area, guided rides, shows, race starts and finishes can be found on the festival site. Catering will be provided and Zermatt will also be at its best in this respect.

Trail Summit

On the following Monday and Tuesday (September 17 & 18, 2018), specialists from the fields of trail building, destination development and the public sector will meet to discuss the latest findings in the field of trail building and its implementation. Participants will be able to experience various keynotes and presentations and take part in guided excursions in the field around Zermatt.

The trail has an important responsibility as a multiplier for mountain biking. This is to be taken into account as part of the Trail Summit. The aim of the summit is to strengthen expertise internationally and promote exchange in order to guarantee sustainable development.

www.enduroworldseries.com
www.traillove.bike
www.trailsummit.bike