Swiss Epic 2019 - stage 2

The tour, which begins and ends in St. Moritz, was the route for Stage 2 of the 2019 Swiss Epic. It is filled with flowing trails and breathtaking views. If you would like to get your heart pumping, to conquer the climbs, and leap for joy at the spectacular riding this is the tour for you.  The route leads up the Bernina Valley, to Morteratsch, from where Piz Palü and the majestic Piz Bernina, Graubünden’s highest peak, can be admired. Standing 4 049-metres above sea level, it is the only summit over 4 000-metres in the canton. Fortunately, the route does not reach those strenuous elevations however. A fun singletrack takes you from Morteratsch back towards Pontresina, where the longest and most challenging ascent of the tour awaits. Beginning at the 38-kilometre mark it rises from Samedan to the Lej Alv reservoir, at 2 543-meters above sea level. The ascent will be worth the effort: at the summit spectacular views abound and an undulating high altitude singletrack provides exceptional riding from Alp Muntatsch to Marguns. This trail is also part of the Padella Panorama Tour. Be warned, the trail is demanding at times, but it offers fantastic panoramic views of the Engadin valley. Having conquered the climb you should feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment, not only have you reached the highest point of the tour but also that of the entire 2019 edition of the Swiss Epic. With the Padella Panorama Tour section completed the route heads downhill, guaranteeing fun. Swooping down St. Moritz’s legendary ski slope; a fun, flowing, trail allows you to experience a bit of what it must be like to race a skiing World Championship or World Cup. Further rewards, in the form of trail surfing elements, are provided in the final kilometres of the Foppettas Trail. Dubbed Northshore elements, after the world’s premier surfing destination of the northern shoreline of Oahu, the trail contorts berms into waves and curves for a final thrill. Ending in St. Moritz-Bad the tour is best concluded with a beer in one of the many restaurants and bars in the town centre.

 

This is a tour that should be on every mountain biker’s to-do list. It provides incredible riding & beautiful views and a great insight into what ambitious amateurs and world-class elite riders experience during the five-day Swiss Epic mountain bike stage race, in Graubünden.