The third race of the Swiss Enduro Series in Laax offered a wide range of different rated stages: from the impressive pre-race trail in high alpine terrain to the Nagens Trail, which combines built flow and natural forest trails, to the stage combination of Never-End and Hubertus Trail, which includes a bike park, alpine sections and fresh loam. Last but not least, a fresh piece of alpine meadow trail and a load of hairpin bends in the forest were on the menu. Of all things, the opening stage had to be canceled. A passing thunderstorm cell and a standstill of the mountain railroad disrupted the race too much.

Three best times

It was off to stage two, the Nagens trail. While all eyes were on local hero Basil Weber, someone else took the spotlight. Nick Beer, who was in the top 10 of the Downhill World Cup ten years ago, has discovered enduro riding for himself and his enjoyment of the sport has been reflected in good results ever since. After seventh place in the first race and fourth place at the Swiss Championships, the Bernese rider now set the fastest time on the Laax Nagens trail.

Weber, on the other hand, suffered a time-consuming tire failure and finished in last place. He kept this position until the end of the race; the remaining third and seventh places on the stage were not enough to significantly reduce the huge gap.

Beer also won the second descent. Hot on his heels: newcomer Urien Minuty. Before the final stage, the western Swiss was less than two seconds behind Beer and therefore still had a very good chance of winning. Nik Küttel was also only a further four seconds behind Minuty.

There was not much to gain on the short final stage, but a lot to lose. Beer was able to control his nervousness well and once again rode to the best time. Minuty, on the other hand, lost too much time and even finished behind the podium. Stefan Peter, who finished third behind team-mate Küttel with a consistent race, was happy about this.

Sisters' duel

The women's race was once again a twin duel. Locals Anita and Carolin are known for regularly taking turns in races. On the first descent, it was Carolin Gehrig who set the fastest time on the long and varied trail, closely followed by her sister.

Another duel emerged between Silja Geck (GER) and Franca Rudolph from Ticino. Geck was a podium contender, but then Rudolf turned the tables on her on the second downhill and was now in third place. In the race for first place, Carolin Gehrig once again kept her nose in front. She extended her lead to nine seconds, which meant no comfort for the final stage.

In fact, the leader lost ground on the short final stage and finished third fastest. Anita Gehrig was able to make up some time on her sister, but in the final standings the twin duel went to Carolin Gehrig. Franca Rudolph took the stage win, securing third place.

Final in the Aletsch Arena

The Swiss Enduro Series 2025 season is short with four races. The series comes to an end on August 31 with the finale in the Aletsch Arena, one day before the Enduro World Championships at the same venue.

Results SES Laax