When is the Swiss Epic 2026?

The Swiss Epic runs in mid-August — traditionally the third week. Confirm the exact 2026 dates, host towns and stage lineup on epic-series.com/races/swissepic — the organizer publishes the definitive schedule 6–8 months out.

How difficult is the Swiss Epic compared to Cape Epic?

Both are Epic Series pairs-format stage races. Swiss Epic is shorter (5 stages vs Cape Epic's 8) but has higher altitude (multiple crossings above 2,500 m vs Cape Epic's ~1,500 m peaks) and colder conditions. Many riders who have done both rank Swiss Epic as harder per hour due to altitude and Alpine weather variability — while Cape Epic wins on total volume.

What is the pairs format exactly?

Two riders register as a team and race every stage together. Teammates must be within 2 minutes of each other at all times on course and MUST cross every finish line together. A rider who separates from the partner (by choice or mechanical) can result in the team being placed in a lower category or disqualified. This is the defining constraint of Swiss Epic — fitness, temperament and fueling discipline must match your partner's.

How does Swiss Epic registration work?

Registration for the following year's edition typically opens around January and sells out within weeks to months. There is no lottery — first-come, first-served. Both riders must register as a confirmed pair. Team categories include Elite Men, Elite Women, Mixed, Age Group (Men/Women/Mixed) and Masters/Grand Masters. Confirm current-year categories and registration timing on epic-series.com/races/swissepic.

How much does the Swiss Epic cost to enter?

Recent editions have run approximately 5,000–7,500 CHF per team (both riders combined), which includes GPX release, all 5 stages, aid stations, race village services (mechanical, medical, catering, timing), pasta parties, evening entertainment and finish-line services. Total trip cost including flights, bike travel and any extra hotel nights typically runs 8,000–12,000 CHF per team for European riders and 12,000–18,000 CHF for teams travelling from North America or Asia.

How do I find a Swiss Epic partner?

The Epic Series runs an official partner-matching program for solo riders looking to team up. Riders can also post in the official Swiss Epic Facebook / Strava groups, local MTB clubs and coaching networks. Choose a partner within ±15–20 minutes of your fitness on a 3-hour training ride, matching temperament (both cautious or both aggressive), and compatible fueling preferences.

How much should I drink per stage?

500–1,000 ml/hr as a baseline per stage, biased higher in dry Alpine air. Track daily body-mass changes to catch cumulative dehydration — a 1 % daily deficit compounds to 4–5 % by Day 5. Personalize with a sweat test in similar Alpine conditions.

How many carbs per hour should I target?

60–90 g/hr of mixed-source carbohydrate per stage for most amateur riders; trained guts can push to 90–110 g/hr on shorter stages. Drop to 60–80 g/hr above 2,500 m — altitude slows gastric emptying.

How many aid stations are there per stage?

Typically 2–4 official aid points per stage, spaced by course rather than clock. Plan bottle capacity for 60–90 minute gaps. Aid stations stock water, sports drink, bananas, cola and basic snacks — bring your own gels and preferred products; do not rely on brand availability to match your gut.

What should I eat before each stage?

1–4 g/kg carbohydrate 2–4 hours before start, from rehearsed low-fibre, low-fat foods. Rotate 2–3 breakfast options across 5 mornings to prevent flavour fatigue. The race village kitchen opens early — confirm timing on Day 1.

How long does each stage take?

Most amateur teams spend 4–7 hours per stage. Elite teams finish stages in 3–4 hours. The queen stage (typically Stage 3) can take 6–8 hours for mid-pack teams; Day 4 is usually shorter as an active-recovery stage.

How much climbing is there per stage?

Roughly 2,000–4,000 m per stage depending on the day's routing. Queen stages hit 3,000–4,000 m; recovery-active stages 2,000–2,500 m. Cumulatively about 12,000–14,000 m across the 5 stages.

What bike setup works best for Swiss Epic?

A modern XC or short-travel (100–120 mm) full-suspension mountain bike. Rigid hardtails are competitive but few teams choose them over 5 days — the suspension protects power output on repeat technical descents. Tubeless 2.2–2.4 in tyres with reinforced casing (Maxxis EXO+ / Continental ShieldWall / Vittoria XM-Pro TNT) are the mainstream choice.

What tyre pressure should I run?

As a starting point for a 70–80 kg rider on 30 mm internal rims with 2.35 in tubeless: 18–22 psi front, 20–24 psi rear. Adjust for cold morning starts vs warm valley finishes — cold rims add 2–4 psi over the stage. Recheck pressure every morning; some teams add sealant between stages if punctures are frequent.

What gearing do I need?

1×12 with a 30–32t front chainring paired with a 10–52t (SRAM) or 10–51t (Shimano) cassette. This gives most amateurs a bail-out for high-altitude 15 %+ pitches after 3–4 days of accumulated fatigue. Elite riders often run 32–34t front. Do not run less than a 50/51/52t rear cog if you are targeting a top-half finish.

How do I train for the Swiss Epic?

A realistic Swiss Epic training plan runs 20–28 weeks and builds five things in parallel: aerobic volume (peak 15–20 hours/week), threshold power, back-to-back long-ride durability (2–3 consecutive days of riding at least twice per month in the final 12 weeks), altitude preparation (either travel to altitude, heat acclimatization, or altitude tent), and pairs-format rehearsal (train with your partner on real MTB terrain, not solo).

Do I need altitude preparation?

For riders based below 500 m elevation: yes. Multiple stages cross above 2,500 m. Best options: 3–4 weeks at altitude in the final 6 weeks, OR heat acclimatization (10–14 sauna sessions), OR arrive at the race village 5–7 days early and use light rides at altitude. The 3–7 day window at altitude is the worst — past the honeymoon and not yet adapted.

Where is the Swiss Epic held?

Recent editions have been based in the canton of Grisons in southeastern Switzerland, moving between host towns (Davos, Klosters, Lenzerheide, Arosa). Prior editions have visited Valais and other Swiss regions. The specific host towns rotate — confirm the current-year lineup on epic-series.com/races/swissepic.

Which airport should I fly to?

Zurich (ZRH) is the main international airport, ~2–3 h by train or car to Grisons host towns. Milan-Malpensa (MXP) works for southern Grisons via Como/Lake regions. Innsbruck (INN) can work for eastern Grisons in some years. Public transport in Switzerland is excellent — many teams fly to Zurich and use Swiss Federal Railways with a bike case.

Where do teams stay during the race?

The race village handles catering and evening logistics, but riders arrange their own accommodation in each host town. Options range from race-partner hotels (booked through the Epic Series) to individual bookings. Book 6–12 months ahead — host towns fill entirely during race week. Many teams choose one central base and drive to daily starts if the host towns are within 30 minutes of each other.

How should I structure carb loading?

Full 48–72 h load into Stage 1: 8–10 g/kg body mass per day of carbohydrate from familiar low-fibre sources (rice, pasta, potato, bread, sports drinks). Reduce fibre and fat, keep protein moderate, hydrate steadily with sodium. Between stages: 2–3 g/kg CHO at dinner, 30–50 g CHO bedtime snack if the day was long. Race-morning breakfast: 1–4 g/kg CHO 2–4 hours before each stage from rehearsed foods.

How do I recover between stages?

The first 60 minutes after every finish is the most important recovery window: 1.0–1.2 g/kg CHO + 0.3 g/kg protein + 150 % fluid replacement with sodium. Cold shower or ice bath if available drops muscle temperature and inflammation. Compression tights for the evening. Sleep priority — 8+ hours if the schedule allows. Real Swiss dinner (Rösti, Älplermagronen, pasta) beats another gel.

Is the Swiss Epic worth the money?

For teams targeting an Alpine MTB bucket-list event: yes. Race-village production, aid-station quality, course marking and safety infrastructure are excellent — significantly better than most amateur stage races. For teams on tighter budgets, alternatives include Andalucía Bike Race (Spain), Costa Blanca Bike Race (Spain), Iron Bike Italy or BC Bike Race (Canada). None combine Swiss Epic's altitude + Alpine setting + Epic Series production.

Swiss Epic Race-Day Checklist — Fueling, Kit & Execution

Swiss Epic race-day checklist

A minimal execution checklist. Every line should be rehearsed in training, not tried for the first time on race day.

Bottles pre-mixed with target carbohydrate and sodium concentration
Backup calories (gels or chews) equal to 30–50% of planned intake
Caffeine doses pre-portioned and timed
Drop bag / aid plan with bottle swaps written down
Pre-race breakfast rehearsed in training
Layering plan for start-line temperature
Sunscreen, chamois cream and any GI insurance (e.g., anti-nausea)
Post-race recovery calories staged at the finish

Packing list

Bike (per stage)

Race bike (serviced 2 weeks out)
Fresh sealant checked before Stage 1
2 bottle cages + hydration pack
GPS head unit with 20-min fuel alarm
Chain lube for morning re-lube each day

Nutrition (all 5 days)

Gels / chews / drink mix for ~30 hours of racing + 30 % buffer
4–5 caffeine doses per rider
Recovery drink + real meal plan for each stage finish
5× breakfast rotation (2–3 options rotated)
Salt caps for salty sweaters
1–2 backup solid items per day (bar, waffle, rice ball)

Hydration

51–68 fl oz hydration pack per rider
2 frame bottles per rider
Rehearsed electrolyte mix (500–1,000 mg Na⁺/L)
Spare bite valve
Reusable cup for aid stations

Clothing (per rider)

5× race kit (bibs + jersey)
Arm warmers + knee warmers
Wind vest + light rain shell
Full-finger cold-weather gloves + summer gloves
Cap or buff under helmet
5× warm dry layers for each finish

Cold-weather kit (high-altitude stages)

Light packable puffer or fleece
Emergency space blanket in pack
Full-finger insulated gloves
Buff for neck/face on descents
Waterproof rain jacket for wet forecasts

Tools & spares (per rider, per day)

2× CO₂ + inflator
Mini pump
Plug kit
1 spare tube
Multi-tool with chain breaker
Chain quick link
Spare derailleur hanger
Small first-aid kit

Recovery kit

Compression tights for evenings
Foam roller or lacrosse ball
Sleep mask + earplugs
Portable massage tool (optional)
Blood pressure / SpO₂ monitor (optional)

Documents & logistics

Photo ID + passport (required for race pack pickup)
Team confirmation email printout
Travel insurance + health insurance card
Stage-day bag packed the night before, every night
Host-town hotel reservations confirmed
Post-race travel details (train + flight)

Download the free printable race-day fueling checklist for Swiss Epic

A practical race-week checklist: carbs, hydration, sodium, caffeine and race-day supplies — print it or keep it on your phone.

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Swiss Epic — Race-Day Checklist

Swiss Epic race-day checklist