Team Gaudos, composed of Stephen Grima and Patrick Scicluna will be competing together as Team Gaudos in the 2026 Swiss Epic, running from 19–23 August through the dramatic alpine terrain of Graubünden, Switzerland. One of the most sought after events on the global mountain bike calendar, the Swiss Epic forms part of the internationally recognised Epic Series and presents five days of relentless climbing, technical descents, and high-altitude racing across 340 kilometres and 12,000 metres of ascent.

Stephen Grima, recipient of the coveted Epic Legend status, earned by completing three or more different Epic Series race, will be bringing proven race experience, multiple podium finishes in local competitions and crucially first-hand knowledge of the Swiss Epic itself, having raced it in 2024. He returns to Switzerland with a clear understanding of what the course demands and the determination to go further.

This year, he is joined by Patrick Scicluna, who is far from a newcomer to competitive international mountain biking, having raced extensively beyond Malta’s shores enabling him to hone technical skills and tactical mindset that multi-stage Epic racing demands.  His career in mountain biking has been equally distinguished, having has lined up at the Tour of Cyprus three times, claiming a category podium finish in 2014, and has twice conquered the iconic Etna Marathon Tour — winning his category on both occasions in 2016 and 2018. He has five editions of the Tour ta’ Malta to his name and has already tasted multi-day stage racing through the Mediterranean Epic.

“I’ve raced internationally and I know how to suffer,” says Scicluna. “But an Epic race is a different beast entirely. Having a team mate like Stephen beside me, someone who has extensive Epic experience, means I’m not going in blind. We know each other’s riding, we trust each other, and we’re ready for whatever the Alps throw at us.”

About the Swiss Epic 2026

The 2026 Swiss Epic runs from La Punt in the Engadin valley to the iconic alpine resort of Davos, traversing the heart of Graubünden across five consecutive days of racing. In total, teams cover 340 kilometres with 12,000 metres of climbing and 11,500 metres of descent — a sustained physical and technical challenge at altitude that pushes two-rider teams to their absolute limit.

Stage 1 — La Punt (19 August): 81 km | 2,650 m climbing

The race opens in the Engadin with a commanding 81-kilometre stage blending flow trails, the celebrated Albula Trail, exposed ridge riding, and stretches along the Inn River valley. With 2,650 metres of climbing, it sets the tone immediately.

Stage 2 — Bernina Pass to La Punt (20 August): 52 km | 1,050 m climbing

Run as a time trial format, Stage 2 drops from the Bernina Pass, passing through glacier valleys and sweeping forest trails. At 52 kilometres with 1,050 metres of climbing from the Diavolezza glacier area, it is the race’s shortest stage but demands technical precision and outright speed.

Stage 3 — La Punt to Davos (21 August): 82 km | 2,550 m climbing

The centrepiece of the Swiss Epic and its defining day — “The Queen Stage.” The longest and most decisive stage takes riders from La Punt over the Scaletta Pass, the race’s highest point at 2,606 metres, through the wild Val Susauna and down iconic high-alpine descents into Davos. With 82 kilometres and 2,550 metres of climbing, overall race positions can be won and lost here.

Stage 4 — Davos (22 August): 55 km | 2,150 m climbing

Based around Davos, Stage 4 is a test of accumulated fatigue against technical demand. Flowing sections alternate with sustained climbs and trails that require sharp focus well into the fourth consecutive day of racing, which will consist of 2,150 metres of climbing packed into 55 kilometres.

Stage 5 — Davos (23 August): 65 km | 2,350 m climbing

The final stage brings the race to its emotional conclusion on the trails above Davos. Historic routes, deep forest sections, and gorge riding lead riders through 65 kilometres and 2,350 metres of climbing to the Clavadeleralp before the finish.

Adding a further dimension to an already brutal race, weather forecasts for race week paint a bleak picture. Persistent rain and overcast skies are expected across all five stages, with temperatures hovering around 10°C on the alpine passes. Wet trails, reduced visibility, and bone-chilling cold will compound the already punishing demands of the course, making grip, pacing, and mental resilience every bit as critical as physical fitness.

Both riders expressed their gratitude towards Extra Karte, Visit Malta, SG Woodworks Ltd, Raico, National Gypsum Limited Malta, Würth Malta, Pitre Hardware, Lourdes Opticians, JV Pharma, A. Caruana Enterprises Ltd and Xlendi Supermarket, without whom such participation would not be possible.

As the team prepares to race, Grima was characteristically direct: “Patrick’s CV speaks for itself from road races in Sicily as a junior, category wins on Etna, international stage races. He knows how to compete at this level. The Swiss Alps are waiting, and we’re ready.”