Olympic Distance, tick. Long course, tick. Ironman, tick. Here’s your next challenge - SWISSMAN Xtreme.
This point-to-point Ironman distance event passes through the southern part of Switzerland before ascending a final climb to the finish in the heart of the country. Athletes are surrounded by breathtaking scenery throughout the whole day.
Competitors board a ferry in the dark of morning to take them to the swim start on the Isle of Brissago, where they disembark and begin the 3.8km swim back to Ascona.
The 180km cycle course begins at 196 metres above sea level and features three major climbs, all greater than 2,000 metres altitude.
The 42.2km run leg culminates with a climb to Kleine Scheidegg, its peak at a whopping 2061 metres - topping out the day with total of 5,400m ascending.
To quote Marcus Raatz, a previous finisher of the event, “A marathon you do with your muscles. An Ironman you do with your head. The SWISSMAN you can only achieve with your heart”.
If you’re seeking a challenge beyond the Ironman distance, this might be one to book flights for.
