Races
Ultra Tour Monte Rosa
Switzerland, September. Alpine trails. 170 km. Cutoff 60 hours. The cols come whether you are ready or not.
- Start3,327 ft
- High3,455 ft
- Low3,101 ft
- Finish3,455 ft
Geometryderived
The cruxHigh cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents (near mile 69)
Course DNA
The Course
Ultra Tour Monte Rosa runs 170 km through Switzerland. +11,062 ft gain and -10,934 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. High cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents. High point near 3,455 ft. Low near 3,101 ft. September temps run 32°F to 75°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 53.
The Work
Train for 11,062 feet of climbing across 170 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 60 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 69.
Kit
September in Switzerland: plan for 32°F to 75°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 60 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 26. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 53.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 26. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 53. High cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents near mile 69 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 35 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
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