Thin Air, Fierce Hearts: Inside the Women’s Battle for Swiss Epic Glory

In the thin, unforgiving air of the Swiss Alps, where every pedal stroke feels like a dare and every descent flirts with disaster, the world’s best mountain bikers are about to wage war.

From August 13 to 17, 2025, the jagged peaks and deep valleys of Graubünden will host one of the most punishing and awe-inspiring tests in all of mountain biking: five stages, 307 kilometres, and nearly 10,000 metres of climbing. This is where riders come to measure themselves against the very limits of endurance — and often, against the limits of gravity.

The SPAR Swiss Epic is a renowned 5-day mountain bike stage race in Switzerland’s Graubünden region, part of the Epic Series alongside events like the Absa Cape Epic. Held each August, it takes teams of two through the Alps’ high passes, flowy singletrack, and technical descents. Stages span 40–80 km with 2,000–3,000 meters of climbing, linking iconic mountain towns such as La Punt-Engadin and Davos. It’s a challenging blend of endurance, skill, and teamwork set against breathtaking Alpine scenery.

The Swiss Epic isn’t just another stop on the global Epic Series calendar. It’s the fourth act in a world tour of grit and glory, where elite UCI pros and fiercely committed age-groupers trade punches on climbs that stretch to the clouds, before hurtling down rocky descents at breakneck speed. Every pedal stroke is a gamble; every corner could spell triumph or disaster.

Champions will defend, challengers will rise, and the mountains will decide who leaves Davos with glory.

When the 2025 SPAR Swiss Epic gets underway in Davos on the 13th of August, three of the top UCI Women’s teams from the 2025 Absa Cape Epic will renew their rivalry. Adding fuel to that fire is the Saffari Essence Titan Racing team. Bianca Haw – who battled against Monica Calderon, Tessa Kortekaas, Rosa van Doorn, Janina Würst, Vera Looser, and Alexis Skarda in South Africa – will be joined by 2024 SPAR Swiss Epic runner-up Danielle du Toit

Women’s Race: A Crown Under Siege

The UCI Women’s race is more unpredictable than ever. Defending champions Monica Calderon and Tessa Kortekaas (Cannondale ISB Sport) start as favourites after a year highlighted by victory at 4Islands Croatia. They’ll face stiff opposition from Rosa van Doorn and Janina Würst (Buff Megamo). Würst, racing on familiar trails, is excited for a “great battle” and hopes for redemption after injury setbacks earlier in the season.

Vera Looser and Alexis Skarda (Efficient Infiniti SCB SRAM) bring a mix of Swiss experience and Colorado climbing power. Looser, a multiple Swiss Epic champion, calls the race area “incredible,” while Skarda looks forward to “embracing the suffering” of long alpine climbs. South African duo Bianca Haw and Danielle du Toit also enter as podium threats—Du Toit returns after a second-place finish in her Swiss Epic debut last year.

Beyond the top contenders, the fight for the top ten will be intense. Teams like Next Ride – Santa Cruz, Bulls Swiss, Torpado Kenda FSA, and several strong European pairings will push the leaders and keep the racing aggressive.

To follow the SPAR Swiss Epic action live, mountain biking fans are encouraged to tune into the SPAR Swiss Epic’s live broadcast on the Epic Series

YouTube Channel here . Daily highlights from the race can also be viewed on the YouTube Channel, and the excitement from the trails of Graubünden will be shared on the SPAR Swiss Epic Facebook page and @swiss_epic on Instagram. To find out more, visit www.epic-series.com/swissepic