In 2016, the Perskindol Swiss Epic is run in ‘reverse’. So while we are familiar with Verbier, thanks to the first two editions, and over 25 Grand Raids – it is normally associated with race starts – not finishes. But after Stage 3 arrived in Verbier yesterday, the final two stages use Verbier as the start and finish location.
In today’s stage, the BMC Mountainbike Racing Team I with Lukas Flückiger and Reto Indergand gave everything again. They took the win almost 3 minutes ahead and thus improved their overall lead.
Behind, Team CENTURION VAUDE with Daniel Geismayr and Jochen Käss fought a hard battle with Nino Schurter and Matthias Stirnemann from the SCOTT-ODLO MTB RACING TEAM. CENTURION VAUDE finished second only just 0.8 seconds ahead and thus remains on their well-known second place in the overall ranking. However, there is a new overall third place: Nino Schurter and Matthias Stirnemann pushed Alban Lakata and Kristian Hynek from TOPEAK ERGON RACING TEAM from the podium.
Swiss Epic women
In the women’s race Jolanda Neff and Alessandra Keller from the Stöckli Pro Team dominated again. In the exciting battle for 2nd place today Ariane Kleinhans and Corina Gantenbein from Team Spur Oetztal were ahead, placing the Team Wheeler / Rocky Mountain with Esther Süss and Hielke Elferink on 3rd place.
Mixed masters
No change in the lead for the Mixed category, with Hug and Ruhstaller holding a comfortable lead – but Matt Page and Sophie Hemming fought their way to the podium again, behind TREK MTB.fo, who are having a stunning race – perhaps motivated by a stage win in 2015?
We’re looking forward to the big showdown on tomorrow’s final stage. First finishers are expected to arrive at Verbier around 11 a.m. An autograph session with Nino Schurter will take place in the PERSKINDOL tent at the event village at 3 p.m.
Full results are available online
SWISS EPIC Men: Today’s Podium
1. BMC Mountainbike Racing Team I, Lukas Flückiger & Reto Indergand, 3h 09:32min
2. CENTURION VAUDE, Daniel Geismayr & Jochen Käss, 3h 12:16,0min
3. SCOTT-ODLO MTB RACING TEAM, Nino Schurter & Matthias Stirnemann, 3h 12:16,8min
SWISS EPIC Women: Today’s Podium
1. Stöckli Pro Team, Jolanda Neff & Alessandra Keller, 4h 08min
2. Team Spur Ötztal, Ariane Kleinhans & Corina Gantenbein, 4h 09min
3. Wheeler / Rocky Mountain, Esther Süss & Hielke Elferink, 4h 15min
SWISS EPIC Men: Overall Ranking
1. BMC Mountainbike Racing Team I, Lukas Flückiger & Reto Indergand, 14h 27min
2. CENTURION VAUDE, Daniel Geismayr & Jochen Käss, 14h 32min
3. SCOTT-ODLO MTB RACING TEAM, Nino Schurter & Matthias Stirnemann, 14h 43min
SWISS EPIC Women: Overall Ranking
1. Stöckli Pro Team, Jolanda Neff & Alessandra Keller, 17h 45min
2. Team Spur Ötztal, Ariane Kleinhans & Corina Gantenbein, 18h 33min
3. Wheeler / Rocky Mountain, Esther Süss & Hielke Elferink, 18h 37min