The speed specialists among mountain bikers will meet in Schönried on the weekend of July 28/29. As in summer 2016, the Swiss Downhill Championships will take place in the Bernese Oberland. However, it will not be a case of déjà vu, as the permanently rideable course on the Rellerli has changed significantly over the last two years. The start is now much higher up, right next to the top station of the gondola lift, says course manager Romeo Cairoli. The course measures 2.6 kilometers, making it almost one kilometer longer than at the last event.

Two months later, on September 30, the endurance specialists will determine the marathon champions in Einsiedeln - the title fights will take place as part of the 22nd Iron Bike Race. The route, which starts and finishes in front of the monumental monastery, is 101 kilometers long and has an altitude difference of 3,600 meters. It rides around the Sihl-Hochtal valley to the Hoch-Ybrig ski area and then back to the landmark of the town of 14,000 inhabitants via Alpthal. Technically, the course is relatively easy to master, but in terms of its characteristics, it is a constant up and down, says organizing committee president Thomas Uhr. The highest point is at Spirstock, at 1771 meters above sea level.

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