Racing the Swiss Epic Part 3: The end of the road.
As we wound our way under the imposing bulk of the mighty Matterhorn, it’s sharp ridge line parted the rolling clouds like a knife. Vapour billowed from the western flank as if the mountain itself was on fire. The trail was super fast, cutting precipitously high above the raging river below. If the trail would have been rocky it would have been too dangerous, but it was smooth and the riding was exhilarating. Leaning into another flowing turn I hooted at the speed, dropping my inside foot as the Maxxis Highroller crept out on the loose surface. My foot carved a smooth arc around the turn, first through the dusty gravel, then straight through the massive cow pat that some cheeky bovine had laid on the apex, welcome to Zermatt!
It was with great relief, but also some sadness as we rolled into the finishing arena in Verbier, the town was out in force, beating the sponsor barriers like a drum and cheering on each an every weary pair of riders. There was relief in that I was physically done, my knees were creaking and standing up was like heaven. But also sadness, in that the journey and adventure was over. For the last week each day had brought new views, new terrain, and some of the fastest, most outrageously fun trails I have ever ridden.
Even after attending many world level enduros, I was amazed at the logistical challenge the Swiss Epic team had taken on, filling 700 beds each night in over 76 hotels throughout the week. After the last rider had left the starting block, the 30 staff and an army of local volunteers in each town would tirelessly pack down all the gantries of the arena, and transport the entire operation, plus 600 rider bags to the next location and then build it all over again. As the first riders descended off the hill, the arena would be perfect, and the Swiss Epic team would be there with smiles on their faces, high-fiving and sorting out problems. The organisation was impeccable, from the hotels to the live GPS trackers that every pair carried.
In the Swiss mountains scale and perspective are deceiving, rocks on the horizon which seem small turn out to be the size of buildings and distances are impossible to estimate, it is a rugged place, broken and torn as if mighty giants smashed out the land with hammers. The final day of the adventure had taken us above the tree line into iconic scenery, climbing out of Grächen in the early morning air cold legs and worn muscles strained against the hill. Before it became too much, we started to descend on an incredible rocky trail, and after a stop for some refreshments and a cheeky ride on a mountain train we were on the alpine plateau high above Zermatt. At this point the super fast brigade had long gone and were now probably enjoying a post ride beer, but we still had one trail left to ride. And what a trail it was, descending gently along an exposed cliff edge all the way to Zermatt, a fitting end to the week. To find out what we thought of our Alpine Fives check out the full review
More than a race it had been a great adventure, we had joined riders from 27 nations on an incredible journey, we had made a new friend each climb and had shared stories with riders from Mexico, Australia, the US and many more. While the racing was serious and fierce at the front of the pack, the blunt end of the field was full of riders who were there for the challenge and simply to experience the region.
Entries for the 2015 Swiss Epic are released in November and if you have ever thought of exploring the area between Verbier and Zermatt, free from the problems of logistics and travel, get yourself signed up for the Swiss Epic Flow, I cannot think of a better way of doing it. If you really have a screw loose, the full Epic will be right up your street. For more information, keep an eye on the Swiss Epic homepage.
Words and photos: Trev Worsey
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