Race Report: Hot, Dusty & Technical Racing at Round 2 of the Swiss Enduro Series

More than 340 participants were challenged in the second round of the Swiss Enduro Series in Aletsch Arena. With beautiful weather and temperatures of over 30 degrees, the challenging stages showcased their dustiest side. The first E-bike race of the Swiss Enduro Series was even a Swiss premiere. The Cube Action Team celebrated a double victory and also took second place in the team classification. Veronika Brüchle won the women's race and Gusti Wildhaber took home the men's victory.

The day started with the rollout in Fiesch in midsummer temperatures. Lots of sweat was shed on the first transfer. The bike had to be pushed up the mountain for about 40 minutes before a very technical stage awaited the racers. Basil Weber lived up to expectations as favourite and took the win on the first stage of the day. Caro Gehrig won this alpine stage for the women. With open meadow terrain and sharp uphill sections, the second stage of the day had a very different character. Gusti Wildhaber dominated this short stage with a seven-second lead over Tim Bratschi and Basil Weber. In the women's race, Germany's Veronika Brüchle put in a strong performance, taking the stage win and the overall lead. The athletes enjoyed great food and pasta during the break.

On Stage 3, some cards were reshuffled. After the descent under the Bettmer Hitta, the chain of the Swiss champion, Basil Weber, broke on the ascent. Basil Weber was thus eliminated from the race for the day's victory. Gusti Wildhaber also won the third stage and thus extended his lead in the overall time. He started the last stage with a seven-second lead over second-placed Tim Bratschi. The fourth and longest stage of the day appealed to the versatility of the participants. It offered technically difficult segments, fast sections, climbs and an open part. Instead of simply managing his lead, Gusti Wildhaber attacked again and won the most varied stage. In the end, he took the victory with a solid 18-second lead over Tim Bratschi, who was 28 seconds ahead of Jonas Bernet.

Veronika Brüchle did not let the victory slip away on Stage 3 and 4 and thus secured the win. Runner-up Sidonie Jolidon finished each stage consistently in the top three. After winning the first stage, the favourite Caro Gehrig did not manage best that fourth place finishes on all other stages and finally ended up third overall.

Loris Pellencini from Ticino won the E-bike category ahead of Claudio Tanadini and Thomas Krieg. The two additional uphill stages made the difference and were very well received. Gusti Wildhaber took the lead in the series ranking, while Tim Bratschi moved up to second place. Mirco Widmer starts the next round in Leukerbad in third place. In the women's category, Caro Gehrig is now in the lead thanks to two podium finishes in the first two rounds of the Swiss Enduro Series, followed by Sidonie Jolidon and Anita Gehrig.

The Swiss Enduro Series continues next weekend in Leukerbad with practice on Saturday 30. July and the race on Sunday 31. July. There will also be the first After Race Party as part of the Swiss Enduro Series round off for the third race of the season.

Early morning race day vibes.

The boys having a chat before rollout and probably wondering "is this guy ever gonna put on some shorts?"

All smiles as our Race Director does some last taping checks before the riders hit the stages.

Basil Weber, 2022 Swiss Enduro Champ, smashing down the rock gardens of the first stage.

If bikes could talk they would be saying "holy moly this is rough!"

"but also hella fun!"

Made it down Stage 1 baby.

High five!

Wheelie wheelie fun so far, now for the second stage of the day.

Caro Gehrig showing us full focus on Stage 2.

Whilst the E-bikers were mounting some steep and technical uphill stages.

Sometimes maybe good, sometimes maybe shit.

Back to the Hub for some repairs before heading up to Stage 3.

brakes...

tyres...

...and sometimes our bodies. On a serious note we can't thank the volunteers and medics enough for taking care of us.

You guys are awesome!

Ready to go again.

We tried to catch up with Gusti Wildhaber on Stage 3 to...

...and he's gone.

Last transfer before the final stage of the day, vibes were high!

steep...

fast...

...sometimes too fast. That is pretty hard to do, I'll tell you that much for free.

Stage 4 had it all to wrap up the weekend.

Big thumbs up from our friends at Lings...

...and from our community.

Now time to enjoy the festivities courtesy of Möhl.

The boys know how to pop the champagne!

Friends, bikes, sun...because you're worth it.

The young guns were stoked!

And finally, whilst we wait for this dude to get down from the mountain instead of watching the prize giving from up there, we'll leave you with a taste of what Aletsch Arena's stunning landscape has to offer.

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Racing and Events Enduro Racing Race Reports