I'd been looking forward to this event all year, and in some ways for a few years as its on the same weekend as AlpenBrevet, or before that Haute Route so this is the first time I'd put it first in the calendar of events.
This was so different to the Eiger bike challenge. Its 40km further, but the same ascent, so that extra stretch makes the whole course more enjoyable as the climbs are all rideable (well, with one major exception) and all the descents fast and not on tarmac which can feel such a waste on a mountain bike. Also not having to walk down any sections was a major plus.
Some excellent flowing single trail, the whole course up to Livigno was excellent. Using up nearly all the tarmac on the course, the start took us up towards S-Charl, gradually and in steps with breathers, a world away from the tedious Grosse & Klein Scheidegg climbs.
The best section has to be between Fuldera and Livigno , yes all 36km are stunning and rideable.
Seems strange to have to keep mentioning "rideable", and yes, after Livigno when we turn right up towards the high point of the day at Piz Chaschauna , the never ending trail of walking bikers pushing their bikes up and up beyond view we were back to whats the point of all this. In truth, the climb was possible if only for the pros, and in sections I could ride a little, but as soon as you're going walking pace, its better to walk.
I'd heard it could be a walk down the otherside as well, but I found this to be completely fine. I just hung right off the back of the bike, as it was very steep, but its mostly loose dust, not a rocky descent, so take it with care and you should be fine. I had to slow to let several guys past, but one rider about the same level as me over cooked a hairpin and landed up in the dust, hurt more by the burning disk brake on his leg than anything else.
It is a long way back from S-Chanf to Scuol, and there are still 1000m to climb in this section, most of which is the climb up to Guarda. But nice to pass through these classic Engadin villages like Lavin, Guarda, above Ardez and Ftan as they all have great water fountains, perfect for dunking the head and body in these hot temperatures - this really helps a lot, I cannot recommend it enough.
Lovely downhill on the final section of what would be ski slopes in the winter to Scuol, and over the high wooden bridge to the finish area by the ice rink, the first mountain bike marathon this year I could finish with a smile on my face!
Finish time 8hr 25m 23s
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