The “Signal Crew” - when volunteers become racing teams

The “Signal Crew” - when volunteers become racing teams

Philip as a volunteer

It’s nothing new that MONDRAKER ENDURO TEAM unites! Sometimes, however, our event leads to pretty special team combinations. Jonas and Philip got to know each other as volunteers at ENDURO TEAM and are taking part this year as the ‘Signal Crew’ in a team of two that not only crosses national borders but also generations.

Despite the somewhat long journey, Jonas Griesshaber has been a reliable member of our fantastic volunteers team for five years. Every year, the young German from Baden-Württemberg travels to Davos Klosters to support us as a highly motivated volunteer. Philip Douglas, originally from the Zurich region but often in Davos because of his partner, has also been part of our great crew since 2023. Last year, the two of them were marshals at the upper and lower Chalbersäss. At the end of the day, the two passionate mountain bikers decided to take the direct route back to the event site via the Signal Trail. A ride with consequences: The two matched perfectly on the trail and had so much fun that they decided to compete as a team of two at MONDRAKER ENDURO TEAM the following year. Especially after realising that, despite some twenty years difference in age, they count 78 years together and can therefore ride in the 77+ category.

Local knowledge paired with juvenile light-heartedness
“Our speed is very similar – that was immediately clear on this first descent together”, the two tell. They will therefore decide from stage to stage who will lead the race: “Depending on whether Philip's local knowledge or Jonas’ juvenile light-heartedness is more of an advantage”, the two laugh. Perhaps Jonas' racing experience will also come into play here and there – after all, he has already taken part twice as a competitor following his volunteer work. Do the two of them have ambitions? “Our main goal is of course to have a great time on the Davos trails as always and to fully enjoy the super atmosphere of this cult event”, they say. But then they admit: “As soon as the transponder beeps, we of course also want to know how fast we really are...” There are even rumours that the two have already worked out their first strategies for conquering the podium at the volunteers event in January... “True to the motto: the groove brings the result and the experience”, the two smile.

A clear signal
The name “Signal Crew” was a natural choice: “It's my absolute favourite trail in Davos”, explains local Philip. And Jonas adds: “The Signal is simply iconic at MONDRAKER ENDURO TEAM. Moreover, it was our first descent together – a clear signal! 😉”

«Sorry, Kevin!»
Despite the amazing trails in Davos – the best thing about this event for the two of them is the absolutely unique team of volunteers. And they should know: “Anyone who has ever experienced this familiar yet highly committed atmosphere among the volunteers knows why we always enjoy coming back. This spirit is simply incomparable!” Therefore, Jonas will once again be part of the crew for the route preparations from Monday to Wednesday. And Philip has signed up to clean up after the race – because he definitely doesn't want to miss the volunteers event in winter. However, the two of them added with a smile: “A big sorry at this point to our course manager Kevin for our participation in the race... Another time, we'll be happy to get involved again alongside the stages, lend a hand and enjoy doing last-minute jobs during the event – promised!”

Jonas riding in the race a couple of years ago.

Philip on the Signal trail.