Video & Race Recap: Swiss Enduro Series in Laax

Words: Swiss Enduro Series

After the summer break of the Swiss Enduro Series, the eagerly awaited Swiss Enduro Series race took place last weekend in Laax, where the national enduro racers of Switzerland competed with each other. The race was marked by exciting moments, unexpected twists and impressive performances.


Already in training on Stage 4, the Never End Trail, top favorite Gustav Wildhaber suffered a setback when he suffered a broken collarbone in a fall. This unfortunately prevented him from competing in the race at all. Despite this unfortunate incident, however, Wildhaber is showing fighting spirit and is hoping for a speedy recovery so that he can return to the racing scene soon. This will probably not be the case until 2024.


Since Sidonie Jolidon was also injured in training, one of the favorites on the women's side did not start. With Melanie Pugin, the 2021 Enduro World Champion was at the start and with Noga Korem an absolute world class rider.


Noga Korem lived up to her role as favorite. Before the last stage of the race, she had built up a comfortable lead of almost one minute. The spectators were eager to see if she could hold her lead until the end. But fate had other plans. Shortly after the start of the final stage, Korem suffered a flat tire on her rear wheel that cost her valuable time.


It was at this moment that the determination of Delia Da Mocogno became apparent, as she seized the opportunity to turn the race in her favor. With an impressive performance over the final stages, Da Mocogno secured her second Swiss Enduro Series victory, a remarkable achievement that highlights her talent.


Tim Bratschi won three out of four stages. After the second stage, two seconds separated him and Basil Weber, the reigning Swiss champion and last year's winner of the race in Laax. On the third stage Basil Weber crashed and could not close the gap. Tim Bratschi didn't let himself be taken away from the victory and takes his first win in 2023.


"The race in Laax was really a roller coaster of emotions," said race director Max Willis. "We saw how the athletes gave everything they had to get the victory. The dramatic finish on the last stage shows how unpredictable enduro racing can be."
 

The Swiss Enduro Series in Laax will undoubtedly go down as a memorable chapter in the history of the Swiss Enduro Series. With the start of Stage 2 at over 2800 meters above sea level, the athletes proved that they have exceptional skills even in the most technical terrain.


We congratulate Delia Da Mocogno and Tim Bratschi on their well-deserved victory and are already looking forward to the next exciting races in the series at Bike Kingdom next Saturday, August 19, 2023.

Pictures are saying more than words. Go and watch the race recap!

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Racing and Events Race Reports Swiss Enduro Series