The two mountain bikers from Valais, Ken Imhasly and Alain Gwerder, spent a long time preparing for the single trail world record attempt. However, the athletic preparation was not the only one. The two Thomas, Frischknecht and Giger, set an unofficial downhill world record in 2013 with 13,572 vertical meters. The twin sisters Anita and Carolin Gehrig also attempted the record as part of the SRF Summer Challenge and broke it with 15,117 vertical meters - also unofficially. Imhasly and Gwerder then registered their world record attempt with the record office, but this took time. Regulations were also drawn up.

On Saturday, July 11, the time has come. Imhasly and Gwerder start their record attempt at sunrise. The weather provided the ideal conditions and the two made faster progress than planned. Around midday, the enduring bikers are an hour ahead and thanks to the excellent cooperation between the mountain railroads and the downhillers, the race continues at a rapid pace. Shortly after 3 p.m. the time has come: Ken Imhasly and Alain Gwerder can officially call themselves world record holders. However, the two still have until 9 p.m., the end of the specified 16 hours, to break the 20,000-metre altitude barrier on the 16 downhill sections.

The pair also cleared this hurdle and with 20,616 vertical meters downhill, without having ridden a singletrail twice, they can call themselves singletrail world record holders. The two world record holders cite detailed professional preparation and route planning as the starting point for the success of this project. The Aletsch Arena with the mountain railroads to the Hohfluh, Bettmerhorn and Eggishorn viewpoints proved to be the ideal venue for the world record attempt. The weather, organizers and helpers also created the ideal conditions for the athletes to complete this unique challenge.

Impressions of the record run

Photos ©Brigger Eugen

www.singletrailworldrecord.com