KS was represented in this 2024 edition of the Swiss Epic by the teams BIXS from Switzerland and KTM Alchemist from Italy. Both teams equipped with the KS carbon dropper seat post LEV Ci.
Stage 1 Summary:
The opening day of the 2024 SPAR Swiss Epic, a 75-kilometer stage, which began and ended in La Punt, saw unexpected twists when pre-race favorites faltered, leaving KTM Alchemist Brenta Brakes and Engadin La Punt to vie for stage honors. The Maloja Region, featuring the Corviglia climb to Piz Nair at 2,500 meters above sea level, provided a challenging backdrop. A crash in the final 15 kilometers eliminated Roberto Bou Martin and Luis Martínez from contention, setting up a showdown between Engadin La Punt and KTM Alchemist Brenta Brakes. In the last 2 kilometers, Vitzthum briefly gained an advantage, but KTM Alchemist Brenta Brakes’ superior performance secured them the win by just 4 seconds.
Stage 2 Summary:
The Queen Stage, featuring 2,400 meters of climbing, peaked at 2,606 meters above sea level. Starting in La Punt and finishing in Davos, the course included the challenging Scaletta Pass, where Wilier Vittoria made their decisive move. After a conservative start, they pushed hard on the Scaletta Pass, catching the leaders and winning the final sprint. Despite this, KTM Alchemist Brenta Brakes maintained their overall lead. The Samparisi brothers now led Ursin Spescha and Simon Walter by 1 minute and 26 seconds, with Gian Schmid and Lukas Flückiger in third.
Stage 3 Summary:
KTM Alchemist Brenta Brakes further extended their lead with a second stage win on Stage 3. Lorenzo and Nicolas Samparisi claimed victory in the 64-kilometer stage, which started and finished in Davos. Despite being a more cross-country style stage, the dominant teams remained unchanged. The day featured 2,100 meters of ascent, with thrilling descents that provided dramatic moments. The Samparisi brothers capitalized on their rivals’ struggles during the final climb to secure the win and extend their lead by 20 seconds.
Stage 4 Summary:
Stage 4 was a turning point, as Lukas Flückiger and his BIXS Performance 2 teammate Gian Schmid took both the stage win and the overall lead. Their dominant performance on the Davos to Chur route saw them leapfrog from third to first place overall. Despite the route being advertised as downhill, the stage included three tough climbs. BIXS Performance 2, supported by BIXS Performance 1, launched an early attack and gained a crucial lead. KTM Alchemist Brenta Brakes struggled to keep pace, losing significant time. BIXS Performance 2’s victory by 1 minute and 46 seconds gave them a 60-second advantage going into the final stage.
Stage 5 Summary:
The final stage of the 2024 SPAR Swiss Epic featured a 62-kilometer course with three major climbs around Davos, including the challenging Clavadeler Alp. The stage began with BIXS Performance 2 on the offensive, but KTM Alchemist Brenta Brakes fought back, briefly leading on the final climb. However, despite winning the stage, the Samparisi brothers could not reclaim the yellow jersey, finishing second overall. BIXS Performance 2, aided by their teammates, successfully defended their lead. Their victory was a testament to both their skill and teamwork. Flückiger celebrated his third SPAR Swiss Epic title, while KTM Alchemist Brenta Brakes finished second overall.
Both teams, BIXS Performance 2 and KTM Alchemist Brenta Brakes were equipped with the KS carbon dropper seat post LEV Ci. Pure performance, proven at the pinnacle of mountain biking.
Riders: Lukas Flückiger and Gian Schmid (team BIXS), Lorenzo Samparisi and Nicolas Samparisi (team KTM Alchemist)
Photos: Seraina Schmid, Michael Chiaretta, Sam Clark, Nik Muzik
KS product: LEV Ci dropper seat post / KG remote