Swiss Epic announces key data for the 2017 route

The route for the "Perskindol Swiss Epic" 2017 and the first key data on the individual stages, such as kilometers and elevation gain for both the "Epic" and "Flow" race formats, are now known. The adventure starts in Grächen and ends five days and 362 or 275 kilometers later in Zermatt. Registration for the remaining starting places runs until the end of July.

Swiss Epic trail scout Stefan was able to use the warm spring days to fine-tune the route. The race routes for the six-day stage race in the heart of the Valais Alps have now been finalized.

Prologue

The starting signal will be given on September 11 for the prologue in Grächen. The "Epic" and "Flow" race formats will be served the same warm-up menu: 20 kilometers of distance, 650 meters of elevation gain and a full 1200 meters of descent on the fantastic trails down to the picturesque mountain village - a promising start to the Epic week.

Stage 1

The first stage leads over 92 kilometers and 3100 meters of altitude difference to Leukerbad and thus the longest day has already been mastered. On this day, the flow riders take on 62 kilometers, 1400 vertical meters and a whole 4000 Elevation loss under their wheels. This section, which is also considered the royal stage, offers superlative descents and is probably the most varied in terms of scenery.

Stage 2

Slightly shorter but no less spectacular is the route of the second stage, which starts and finishes in Leukerbad. It is the day of vineyards and spectacular suspension bridges. On this day, 74 kilometers and 2500 vertical meters are to be mastered, respectively 59 kilometers, 1500 vertical meters and 3100 Elevation loss in the flow race.

Stage 3

The third stage also starts and finishes in Leukerbad. There is flow for both race formats on this day. Both the Epic and Flow riders have 46 kilometers and 1500 meters of altitude to master. Downhill there is a whole 2500 meters of trail fun.

Stage 4

Now it gets tough again, as the Epic participants face a full 85 kilometers and 2800 metres of altitude on the ride from Leukerbad to Zermatt. This section is considered to be very panoramic and also includes parts of the 2019 Marathon World Championship route. The flow riders have to climb another 1100 meters of altitude on the 53 kilometers, but are served 2000 meters downhill in return.

Stage 5

The final stage is described as a "rollercoaster showdown in front of the Matterhorn". Anyone who knows Zermatt knows what fantastic trails there are through the beautiful landscape - the world-famous mountain panorama with the "Horu" is the icing on the cake. The fifth stage is relatively short at 45 kilometers. However, the last 1900 meters of altitude are guaranteed not to be a run-out, as the overall victory has often been decided on the last day. The same applies to the flow participants: on the 35 kilometers there are another 850 meters of altitude to master. On the 1800 Elevation loss, it is once again important to focus fully on a clean line in order to avoid a puncture shortly before the finish.

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