SPAR Swiss Epic
Race report by Nina “Machina”
This past week, we faced one of the most challenging and exhilarating races in the mountain biking world—the SPAR Swiss Epic. Over five grueling stages, my teammate and I took on long climbs, technical descents, and the stunning yet unforgiving terrain of the Swiss Alps.
Throughout it all, my Gulo Composites Downcountry wheels were a crucial part of our success, providing the reliability, responsiveness, and performance needed to navigate the varied and demanding course.
The Swiss Epic is famous for its grueling climbs and technical descents, and this year’s course was no exception. From the steep, rocky ascents to the fast, rugged downhills, every stage pushed us to our limits. The Gulo Composites Downcountry wheels performed flawlessly, offering the perfect balance of lightweight efficiency for climbing and rock-solid durability for descending. Their stiffness and responsiveness allowed for precise handling, which was essential on the tight switchbacks and rocky sections that defined this race.
We managed to secure a 10th place finish in the UCI Women’s General Classification—a result we’re incredibly proud of, given the competition’s caliber.
I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in this race. Nell’s resilience, especially in those last 10 kilometers, was inspiring. We communicated seamlessly, supported each other when the going got tough, and pushed each other to perform at our best. Racing alongside such talented competitors also drove us to dig deeper and give it our all every day.
Thank you for the unwavering support and for creating componentry that truly stands up to the demands of epic racing!
Top Photo courtesy of @swiss_epic
