Wild Racers - Switzerland

Switzerland comprises episodes 20 to 24 of the Wild Racers series that takes viewers on a journey into the ultimate feat of endurance within the Adventure Racing World Series. Episode one finds its way into the exquisite alpine village of Interlaken. This is the first time that our athletes face up to the sheer size of the natural landscape. From the mythical Eiger through to the pristine alpine lakes it is truly a staggering environment in which to test ones endurance and capacity to survive the elements, all whilst attempting the most challenging race series on the planet. The Teams – Our teams are introduced to the lower alps where they prepare both their bodies and their minds for the challenges ahead. It all becomes very clear that from the outset this is a daunting prospect with flat terrain a rarity. Some hike, some bike and others simply get to the training at hand realising that if their preparations have been adequate they will arrive at the start with a slight chance at best of succeeding. Registration and Preparations – Following on from the first days of acclimatisation the teams are presented with the maps and course that lies ahead. For most this is a monumental challenge with fewer disciplines than expected though extraordinary distances to cover with massive elevation gains. They look on in stunned silence. Pre-Race and The Start – A subdued field take the long train ride to the start. It gives much time to visualise the race ahead and also a first had look at the sheer size of the Alps. Very much like the plane ride slowly gaining elevation before a skydive, we head through the clouds, high upon a small peak, the stage is set. This is a formidable location to start Wild Racers Switzerland.

The first 24hours of any Adventure Challenge on the World Stage is always the toughest, lead teams push hard to open gaps that they feel will be hard to close down over the coming days. As they say when its go time … suffer. Leg 1 Trek 90km – What lies ahead is the longest first leg in Wild Racers History amongst the Swiss Alps. If you take into account the vertical gains, our teams face almost three back to back marathons on the first day. Add to this the extreme alpine weather conditions and the difficulties faced by navigating in such environments this is truly an epic first day. For our leaders they push hard to make early gains, whilst for many the sheer size of this challenge is mind-blowing. Leg 2 Kayak 25km – After the epic first leg one would think that there is some respite in kayaking. With bodies so harshly brutalised so early on, the wounds amplify with the limited movement of the kayaking. For many it is a night-time navigation challenge, whilst for others they face the searing heat of the following day on the lake, having slowed on the trek and spent many more hours than expected on their feet. At the end of Day one many are questioning their own position in such a fearsome journey.

Our lead teams have formed a forward charge so open gaps on the chasers. Though what lies ahead will break this lead group apart and create more of an expedition than a race. Never before have conditions been so hard so fast. Leg 3 Trek 3km – Finally off the water our teams now take a short but energy-sapping 3km sprint to the next mountain bike leg. Just enough time for the fatigued water soaked feet to be brutalised by the hard running surface. It is quickly becoming a battle of mind over body. Leg 4 Mountain Bike 83km – For many the thought of a mountain bike leg of 83km would be a relatively easy challenge. Think again, as with the Swiss Alps awaiting our field faces extreme elevation gains, daunting grades and very changeable weather. Add to this zero sleep and little food and you have a perfect mix for the ultimate form of fatigue. The resilience of our Wild Racers means they will fight even harder to make up lost time and gain valuable positions. Leg 5 Kayak 25km – Now facing another long and arduous kayak our teams struggle to stay awake under the smooth motion that kayaking brings. As the weather turns and the alpine sleet beckons, have some of our teams gone beyond their limits, or is this where the true race begins. Very few have the mental tenacity or strength to absorb their astonishing surrounds so push relentlessly forward toward the finish.

With most of the field starting to question their own abilities, they begin to doubt how they will ever see the end of this enduring journey. With our leaders now fighting their own demons as well as each other, the small time gaps are matching the ebb and flow of the landscape. The race is still wide open despite the extreme physical and mental fatigue. The immeasurable ability of our athletes to believe in themselves is fascinating. Leg 5 Kayak 25km (Cont’d) – Having faced a torrential change in conditions some of our teams are still on the kayaks. With each forward stroke into a confronting headwind teams give way to more lost ground than they make. What was 25km now feels like 50 as they struggle to make the shore and the all-important time cut off. How far can the human body be pushed … and for how long? Leg 6 Mountain Bike/Raft 110km – With the continual harsh conditions and growing fatigue our lead teams are committed to fight it out till the finish, whilst those that trail are facing the harsh reality that this has become a race for survival. At bike’s end there is a fast flowing raft that now tortures the already weary bodies and continues to soak the torn feet. Forward they move … one kilometre at a time. Leg 7 Trek 70km – Wild racers has saved the best till last, with a final double marathon trek to complete the destruction of the spirit. Like walking wounded our racers slowly but surely complete this epic tale. Are we seeing smiles of joy or relief, that finally this amazing journey through one of the most majestic landscapes on earth is complete? There are no losers or second places, as for all that accomplish this adventure take with it their own victory over their own challenges. This is Wild Racers and many will return again.