A long stage lies ahead for Philipp and Balz, and it should be even longer than they had expected. After the start in Verbier, Philipp lets it be known that his legs are not yet turning as well as he would like. As a result, the first long ascent is tackled more slowly. On the following descent, the passionate downhillers begin their "feeding frenzy". One team after another is overtaken and the fun on the fantastic alpine trails is not neglected either.

The two then deliberately take the next ascent slower. Like an avalanche of people, all the previously overtaken riders roll past again. There are only short descents down to the valley floor, but a super beautiful Suonen trail. Here the ride team gets back into gear until - "hey, stop! I'm losing air on the rear wheel," shouts Philipp. The first puncture and then on a trail where no puncture can be explained.

After the short repair break, Philipp and Balz reach the valley floor and set off on the long route along the Rhone to the second aid station. From then on it gets tough. Philipp has definitely had a shitty day. This is when the climbs get steep. So steep that the two decide to tackle them on foot. What's more, Philipp also has severe shoulder pain, so Balz pushes both bikes up the mountain.

A little recovered, the two reach the next Suonen trail and the fun begins again. However, it becomes increasingly difficult for the two Swiss Epic participants. Balz is now also complaining of pain. For him, however, it is his back that is totally tense. Crazy but true, somehow neither of them feel like riding trails anymore. An asphalt road would be much more pleasant at this point.
When the two of them reach the road to Leukerbad, they can already smell their destination. Some time later, the work is finally done: Philipp and Balz cross the finish line, happy but tired.

The Ride Swiss Epic team takes the second stage from Leukerbad to Leukerbad slowly. "A leisurely bike tour", as Balz says. Because this is the only way they can recover a little and recharge their batteries for the coming days.

The Swiss Epic participants can be located, by the way, as they carry a GPS transmitter with them. Information about this can be found at www.swissepic.com.