Race Preview | Perskindol Swiss Epic 2015
From 14 to 19 September 2015, the Perskindol Swiss Epic will take place for the second time. All the details about this year’s edition of the stage race come in this press release from the organizer:
The Perskindol Swiss Epic mountain bike stage race will be taking place this year for the second time, from 14 to 19 September 2015. Two-person teams will come from Switzerland and beyond to race their bikes across the Valais in the Swiss Epic format (400 kilometres long and an elevation gain of 15,000 metres) or the Swiss Epic Flow format (300 kilometres long and an elevation gain of 8,000 metres). And just like last year, numerous world-class athletes from the international mountain bike scene will be on the starting line. The most high- profile two-person team will feature Alban Lakata and Krisitan Hynek.
The Topeak Ergon Team is among the top favourites, featuring reigning marathon world champion Alban Lakata and former European marathon champion Kristian Hynek. South-African champion Philip Buys and Matthys Beukes of the SCOTT Team will also be competing with other top riders for a place on the podium. Plus, experienced BMC riders Ralph Näf and Lukas Flückiger will each be teaming up with budding young riders Martin Franger and Reto Indergand. Perskindol Swiss Epic reigning champion Mathias Flückiger will be defending his title in the Stöckli-Bixs Team with Lukas Buchli. In the women’s category, Annika Langvad and Ariane Kleinhans of the Specialized Team will be competing to defend their title. The Perskindol Swiss Epic will be the last race of Ralph Näf, he has announced his retirement from pro-sport. This race will be just a perfect crowning of his career.
The young Perskindol Swiss Epic mountain bike stage race was officially recognised as having international importance just two months after the first edition of the race: the UCI gave the event the highest-ranking classification (HC, hors catégorie). “We really value the UCI’s decision,” says co-founder Joko Vogel. “This upgrade shows recognition for our efforts in the past year and emphasises the quality and international character of the race. The top-class range of participants taking part in the forthcoming second edition of the race just goes to confirm its high status, both today and into the future.”
World-class racers will be competing alongside a majority of mostly un-licensed and ambitious mountain bikers aged 18 to 63. The race has achieved international status, with the teams representing 23 nations across five continents. As well as satisfying the cycling elite’s competitive drive, the Perskindol Swiss Epic race also aims to provide a unique mountain biking experience on the flowing single trails set against a breathtaking Alpine backdrop. Even though the stopover locations of Verbier, Leukerbad, Grächen and Zermatt are the same as last year, around 70 percent of the race course is new. The numerous single trails in the Valais mean that the riders who are coming back for more get to have a whole new flow experience. Aside from world-class panoramic views and landscapes, the event also boasts great team spirit, camaraderie with the mountain biking community, and plenty of Swiss culture and tradition.
Anyone who wasn’t lucky with the lottery draw of the starting places or those wanting to ride this event in a short format only, have now a great chance: The new EPIC 2-day all-inclusive package gives two-person teams the opportunity to ride the last two stages of the Perskindol Swiss Epic race out of competition and enjoy an incredible long weekend mountain biking on the single trails of the Valais. People can sign up for this special package until 20 August.
More information at swissepic.com.
Words & Pictures: Perskindol Swiss Epic PR
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