Swiss Epic

The Swiss Epic stages two-rider mountain bike teams through the Swiss Alps over several days in the Canton of Grisons, typically in late summer. This annual event is part of the global Epic Series, holds UCI hors catégorie status, and ranks among the top Legend Races alongside the Cape Epic and New Zealand’s The Pioneer. The race was initially based on South Africa’s Cape Epic, leading many participants to view it as the European equivalent to that more established event. Recent routes have incorporated Grisons locations like Davos, Laax, and St. Moritz. Earlier races connected Valais resorts such as Verbier, Zermatt, Grächen, and Bettmeralp. The event typically covers approximately 320 to 400 km with 12,000 to 15,000 m of elevation gain, with the challenge stemming from consecutive alpine stages rather than a single extended day. Participation increased from just over 100 teams initially to several hundred after relocating to Grisons, supported by cantonal funds. Competitors aiming for the broader Epic Series prize can achieve Epic Legend status by finishing three Epic Series races, including the Absa Cape Epic, earning an Epic Legend medal. The roster of past winners features Swiss riders like Mathias Flückiger, Lukas Flückiger, Nino Schurter, Jolanda Neff, and Alessandra Keller, as well as international teams from Austria, Germany, Spain, Denmark, and Britain.