Every second counts - timekeeping at the National Park Bike Marathon
Lisa Trees
From the start number handover to the ranking list
With your eyes fixed ahead and your hands firmly on the handlebars, tension is in the air. Every year in August, around 1,500 enthusiastic bikers gather at the starting line of the largest bike event in Graubünden and the second largest in Switzerland. They are all eagerly awaiting the start of the National Park Bike Marathon race. But behind the scenes, the starting shot is fired much earlier – for Lisa, the moment she arrives in Scuol and hands over the start numbers to Chantal Mayor (organising committee president). Lisa then discusses the final details with the organising committee before the race.
While the participants are out and about on the various routes, Lisa is at the finish area and ensures that the timekeeping runs smoothly. She follows the race from the Datasport bus and ensures that the ranking lists are ready for the award ceremony. The arrival of the participants is a highlight for Lisa and she enjoys the special atmosphere when the bikers happily cross the finish line after many kilometres. Lisa takes us with her and tells us why she has found her calling at Datasport and what makes the National Park Bike Marathon such a special event for her.
Emotions at the finish line.
What makes the event so special
«Seeing the emotions of the participants, their joy, their exhaustion and the pride of crossing the finish line – that's always a special moment,’ says Lisa. Another highlight for Lisa is the close and smooth collaboration with the organising committee - this is where you realise how important the event is for the region and for the people who put their heart and soul into it.»
I work with the best team at Datasport! I appreciate the mutual trust, which is the basis for good cooperation.
Lisa Trees
More than just a race
For Lisa, the National Park Bike Marathon is more than just a race. It is a sporting event that has something to offer everyone – from ambitious licenced riders to recreational bikers. The bike marathon offers different distances and challenges, and Lisa is convinced: «No matter how fit you are, there is a route for everyone. The event is therefore also ideal for beginners, the routes are perfectly prepared - everything here is designed to ensure that everyone reaches the finish line safely and with a good feeling.» Lisa herself would dare to take part on the Zernez course. «Then someone else will have to do the timekeeping – but someone will be found,» says Lisa with a laugh.
An event for everyone
Lisa organises many MTB races in Switzerland and abroad and is known in her team as the «bike queen». She repeatedly experiences that the proportion of women is very low, especially in the big bike races. She would like to encourage women to take part in a race, because: Women can also manage the long distances.
Women can cover just as long distances as men. The bike marathon offers the perfect opportunity to push yourself to your limits and grow beyond them.
Lisa Trees
Lisa doesn't spend much time in the Engadin, so she doesn't (yet) know the holiday region very well from private visits. A big advantage of her work at Datasport is that she can travel to many different places in Switzerland and abroad. This means she is always getting to know new regions and people. However, Lisa would definitely like to take the 4-day «National Park Bike Tour» package around the Swiss National Park – the «Vallader Route» – on her next holiday and discover the holiday region from a different perspective.
Are you ready?
Your adventure awaits at the National Park Bike Marathon
Are you ready to take on the challenge? The National Park Bike Marathon is waiting for you - with different distances, spectacular scenery and an atmosphere that will inspire you to surpass yourself. Find out what makes the bike marathon special for you.
Text and pictures of Lisa Trees: Michelle Zbinden
Pictures of the race and finish area: Dominik Täuber
