Starting this thread in case anyone else is doing the 2025 Swiss Epic.
We just registered for 2025 (with accommodation). There are 6 of us going and we are looking for any information, guidance or advice people are wiling to impart about the event. Logistics, equipment, tires, trail network, weather, insider tips, it is all welcome. I am comfortable with my training program and have done some stage races before (BCBR x 2, ST6 x 1), but always curious what other people recommend and/or are doing.
My current info:
• Age: 53
• Category: Grandmaster (can’t believe I’m a grandmaster. When did that happen?)
• XC Bike: 2024 Epic
• XC Tires: 2.4 Aspens. Not sure if this is the right choice over there.
• Chain ring: 34. Thinking a 32 or 30 a better choice given my w/kg.
• Riding area: Vancouver Island, Squamish, Whistler – i.e. BCBR style trails.
• Skillset: much better going down then I am going up.
• FTP: 280 – 290 today? Expect this will go up a bit more by next year. Maybe 300? Note: Haven’t tested for a while. Been building up longer SS efforts this month in prep for another event (e.g. 3 x 40m@255 watts/w 10s bursts every 5 min type stuff).
• Weight: 86 kg and 17% based on last Dexa. I might be able to get down to 84 kg/15%, but not much more.
• W/kg – 3.3 today? Maybe I get to 3.5 or 3.6?
• Goal: finish with my buddy and enjoy it. We are not racing, but the climbs will be challenging enough.
I’ve watched several of the 2024 stages and the terrain looks fantastic, so I am already excited. 346 days to go!
Thanks, and hope to see some people on the start line!