170 mountain bike teams: MONDRAKER ENDURO TEAM in Davos sold out – FUN TEAM category growing

170 mountain bike teams: MONDRAKER ENDURO TEAM in Davos sold out – FUN TEAM category growing

The established mountain bike fun race MONDRAKER ENDURO TEAM in Davos Klosters will take place for the eighth time already from 5th to 7th September 2024 – once again, almost all categories were sold out within a few hours. For the 450 participants of this very popular enduro race for teams, the focus lies on the first-class trails of the region as well as on the international camaraderie. Also well-known names and special teams don't miss out on the event. The team enduro race for kids on 8 September 2024 unfortunately had to be cancelled due to too few registrations.

As always, it all went very fast: Within a few hours only, almost all categories of the event were sold out. The classic teams of two, but especially the extremely popular places for FUN TEAMS of 3 to 6 people, where you can also start with an e-bike since last year, as long as at least one team member rides a conventional bike. 450 riders from 18 nations will be competing in some 170 teams at MONDRAKER ENDURO TEAM in Davos Klosters from 5th to 7th September 2024. The FUN TEAM category has once again grown strongly and now makes half of the rider field, the rest are teams of two in the categories MEN, WOMEN, MIXED and 77+. The fact that the fun category has been growing strongly for years is hardly surprising and pleases the organisers: “We are and will remain a fun event, even if the racing gene naturally kicks in for some riders as soon as the start number is on”, smiles organiser Britta Wild from the Bike Academy Davos. “The FUN TEAM category reflects exactly our basic idea: biking together with good friends on the best trails around Davos Klosters!”

Himalayan Enduro Team and Trial Pro Tom Oehler
MONDRAKER ENDURO TEAM always enables special international encounters. This year, for example, riders from Nepal and Bhutan are taking part for the first time, united in the Himalayan Enduro Team in the fun category. This was made possible by the commitment of Globetrotter and Abenteuerreisen for bike trips in the Himalayas: the tour operators got to know the riders as local guides on site and invited them to Switzerland for an international exchange, to show them mountain bike tourism here and provide input for further development in the Himalayas. They supported the riders in obtaining visas and organizing the trip. Two of the three are even leaving the Himalayas for the very first time. “Stories like this that arise in the bike community are always very nice. The fact that our event is part of it also makes us a little proud”, says organiser Britta Wild. Find the whole story here. Another reason to be proud is that the well-known trial biker Tom Oehler will not be missing out on the event this year. Will the playful pro be riding an entire stage without a wheelie or trick switchback? “Hardly”, he reveals with a grin. “I just can't do without a manual or offset!” So, we can look forward to some special racing entertainment this time.

High-calibre names at MIXED: Anne Terpstra against Carina Cappellari
Although MONDRAKER ENDURO TEAM is all about having fun, there are once again some well-known and proven names on the start list. In the 77+ category in particular, many ‘old acquaintances’ will be taking part, there are promising teams in the WOMEN category that will challenge last year's winners and the MEN teams also promise a lot. This time, however, it's worth taking a special look at the MIXED category: Dutch cross-country pro rider, this year's Cape Epic winner and Olympian Anne Terpstra will be riding with her brother Rien: “Rien hardly ever races anymore, just for fun now and then – and preferably downhill”, she tells. “He wanted a few race ideas from me and, among others, I suggested ENDURO TEAM and said that I would ride with him if he decided for this event. All my other suggestions were out of question then... Now we're really loo-king forward to be riding together again after a long time – and even in an enduro race.” Find a full interview here. Another outstanding name in the category is Carina Cappel-lari: The former downhill pro rider and current Swiss national coach of the gravity discip-lines is riding together with Olympic bike mechanic Gavin Black. So, we’ll see whether the high-ranking duel will end in favour of cross-country or downhill experience.

120 kilometres, 14 stages and new trail gems again
The participants of MONDREAKER ENDURO TEAM will ride 14 stages within the three race days, measured sections that mainly lead downhill, between one and some five kilometres long. The total distance of the race is 120 kilometres, 10’000 metres of descent and some 1700 metres of ascent on the most attractive trails. “In addition to some well-known classics, which of course must not be missed, we have integrated a few new trail gems again this year, especially in the Klosters area”, reveals race director Michi Wild from the Bike Academy Davos. “So, for the many loyal riders who visit our event year by year, there will again be exciting surprises as well as long, great trail days in wonderful alpine scenery and the best mountain bike company. After all, having fun is and remains the most important thing at our event!” The grand finale will again lead directly to the finish area at the Bolgen Plaza. So, a good atmosphere is guaranteed!

Small OC – valuable partnerships
This year, Mondraker is the title sponsor for the sixth time already. The small organizing committee from the Bike Academy Davos is additionally supported by Davos Klosters Moun-tain Railways, the tourism organization and the unique Trail Crew Davos, who cares about the trails of the destination. “Furthermore, we are supported by Graubünden Sport and maintain partnerships with various recognized bike hotels in town”, Britta Wild explains. And nobody will have to go thirsty this time either: Beverage producer El Tony Mate is a partner again and, in addition, Alpro is also on board as a new sponsor with plant-based protein drinks.

Spectators Welcome
Spectators are welcome at the mountain bike race, the event area is located at the Bolgen in Davos Platz, next to the valley station of the Jakobshorn cable car. The race can also be watched on the course from a little distance. Which trail sections will be used at what times will be posted shortly before the race at the mountain railways.

ENDURO TEAM for Kids cancelled
The unique team enduro race for children, which would have taken place on Sunday, 8 September 2024, unfortunately had to be cancelled as there were simply too few registrations this time. “We made the decision to cancel ENDURO TEAM for Kids this year with a heavy heart”, says organiser Britta Wild about the side event, which celebrated its premiere in 2022. “Promoting young talents is a matter close to our hearts! But the organisational effort with many volunteers for only a few participating children is simply not justified. However, with the Bike Academy Davos we continue to work hard for young bikers.”