Frischi Challenge - Celerina Switzerland, 1 July 2007
by Dave Wells
The Frishi Challenge is an event staged by Thomas Frischknecht of Switzerland http://www.frischibikechallenge.ch German language only, unfortunately. It starts in the beautiful village of Celerina close to Sankt Moritz in the Engadin region of Canton Graübunden. This event is not a race but a fun event over a variety of distances where you chose a group to start with and then ride at your own pace to test yourself. The long course is over 62km and traverses several valleys. The trails are primarily off-road with some great singletracks winding through the forests. Lots of climbs along the way as the trail winds its way around the valleys. The final stage happens after passing through the start/finish area where timing starts for the mountain stage.
Dave showing off his new Jersey and socks.
This stage begins with 2 small but steep climbs and descents which lead into the final grind up to an eventual 2400m. The lower section of the ride is on narrow forest trails but the final few hundred metres of climbing are on animal trails which cut across the face of the mountain. There are a couple of short sections where portage is needed but otherwise it is all rideable, albeit a hard grind! The peak altitude is reached at a ski station and then it is a case of heading off for the downhill blast. This starts with a loose gravel service track but then leads into a twisty and loose surface walking trail which rapidly descends. For a short time the trail follows the Olympic Bob course until peeling off around the top of Celerina and then to the finish area.
Nice hills.
A well run event with many top riders taking part. Fuel stations are plentiful along the way with lots of Sponser energy bars and gels as well as bananas and energy drinks to keep the carbs topped up. Although not a race, the event is a real test and there are always other riders to pace. Well worth the registration fee of $120 which also includes an event ride jersey and pasta party afterwards. My time for the event, which I also logged at 67km, was 4 hrs and 44 minutes.
