Six leading mountain destinations - Davos, St. Moritz, Arosa, Lenzerheide, Scuol and Flims-Laax - have joined forces to create a unique multi-stage mountain bike race in the Grisons Alps from 2019 to 2023. Each year, three of the six locations will be involved in the mountain bike adventure. The fact that six top Grisons destinations are joining forces for an international sporting event is a first. "The partnership is more than just a sporting event for the six Graubünden resorts: mountain biking is an important guest segment for Graubünden," explains Reto Branschi, CEO of the Davos Klosters destination organization, who worked for more than a year to bring the race to Graubünden. "Our joint commitment to the Perskindol Swiss Epic should strengthen the positioning of our region as a leading mountain bike destination and provide our guests with new offers and experiences."

Old character, new route

The route will be changed every year and should be more suitable for a wider range of riders than previously in Valais - but without losing its epic singletrail character. According to the organizers, Graubünden offers a much better topographical starting point than Valais, where the stage locations are generally located high up in the side valleys. The well-known Grisons bike destinations are much better connected with trails, which makes it much easier to lay out the route, explain the organizers. Stefan Wolfisberg, who has worked as route director for all Swiss Epic events to date and will continue to do so in Graubünden, is the guarantor of an attractive route.

International orientation

The Perskindol Swiss Epic Graubünden will be part of the newly created "Epic Series", which brings together the most important multi-stage races in the world: for example, the legendary "Absa Cape Epic" (South Africa) and "The Pioneer" (New Zealand) are part of the series. "The Perskindol Swiss Epic is set to become a true counterpart to the legendary Absa Cape Epic. Unique trails in the midst of breathtaking alpine landscapes and hospitality at the highest level will provide participants, media representatives and fans from all over the world with unique experiences," says Felix Eichenberger, CEO of Swiss Epic AG. "We are delighted to have found a great partner in Graubünden to open the next chapter in the history of the Perskindol Swiss Epic. At the same time, we would like to thank Valais for its support and cooperation over the past five years."

It's not just the venue that's new, but also the date: From 2019, the Swiss Epic will take place in August each year, with Davos, St. Moritz and Lenzerheide as stage locations in the first version from August 20 to 24. Registration opens on October 1, 2018.

Source: Press release Swiss Epic