Big names headlined the start list of the opening race of the 2025 Škoda Swiss Bike Cup. Jordan Sarrou, Thomas Griot, Charlie Aldridge and Marcel Guerrini were seen as the clear favorites heading into this classic. But one rider surprised them all: Timon Rüegg. The cyclocross specialist handled the extremely muddy course on Monte Tamaro better than anyone else. Midway through the race, he dropped both the current U23 World Champion Luca Martin (Cannondale Factory Racing Team) and Vital Albin (Thömus Maxon), with whom he had formed a leading trio.

The treacherous conditions demanded not only technical skills on the bike, but also running ability. Ultimately, the 2024 overall winner crossed the line with a commanding lead of nearly one minute.

"Even though I’d seen the weather forecast earlier in the week and knew the conditions would suit me, I was still nervous before the start. My cyclocross skills – both on the bike and on foot – definitely helped today," said the 29-year-old, who skipped the cyclocross season this winter to focus entirely on mountain biking.

Behind Rüegg, Frenchman Luca Martin secured second place, followed by Charlie Aldridge (Cannondale Factory Racing Team), who delivered an impressive comeback to claim third. Vital Albin, too, fought hard for a podium spot but lost out to Aldridge in the final lap. "After a tough season last year, starting like this feels great – it really boosts my confidence," commented the 26-year-old.

Early in the race, it had even looked like Dario Lillo (Giant Factory Off-Road Team) might steal the spotlight. The 22-year-old from Eschenbach confidently led the field before a mechanical issue dropped him back. He eventually finished in 10th place.

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Jolanda Neff delivers dominant performance

Jolanda Neff put in a commanding display on Monte Tamaro. Right from the start, she set the pace at the front of the race. While compatriot Nicole Koller (Ghost Factory Racing) and French rider Loana Lecomte (Team BMC) tried to stay with her during the opening lap, Neff quickly pulled away and rode solo from lap two onwards. She eventually crossed the line with an impressive lead of nearly three minutes. It marked the Olympic champion’s first victory in the Swiss Bike Cup since 2019.

"I love these muddy conditions and really enjoyed riding here," said Neff, who joined the Cannondale Racing Team this season. It was already her third win of this young season. "I’ve settled in very well with the new team, we work harmoniously together, and I’m excited for what’s to come."

Nicole Koller was pleased with her performance too. "Once I realized I couldn’t match Jolanda’s pace, my focus was on securing second place safely – and I managed that well." For a moment, a Swiss podium sweep even seemed possible, as Ramona Forchini (BIXS Performance Racing Team) engaged in a thrilling battle with Lecomte. However, the French rider edged out Forchini in the final lap to claim third place.

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French double victory in the U23 category

The men’s U23 race, part of the highest UCI category, was also shaped by the challenging conditions, with numerous crashes and mechanical issues throughout. The two French riders Yann Chaptal and Nael Roukiac (both Scott Creuse Oxygène Guéret) handled the muddy course best, securing a French one-two finish. Italy’s Elian Paccagnella completed the podium in third place.

Switzerland’s Nicolas Halter (Thömus Akros — Youngstars), competing in his first U23 season, delivered a strong performance to finish fourth, making him the best-placed Swiss rider. In the junior men’s race, Swiss rider Lewin Iten (RVW Pasolina Racing) thrilled the home crowd by overtaking Austrian leader Valentin Hofer on the final lap. Hofer ultimately had to settle for third, with Italy’s Federico Rosario Brafa claiming second.

The women’s U23 race saw a clear Italian victory: Valentina Corvi (Canyon CLLTV) took the top step of the podium, ahead of Lea Huber (Nexetis) in second and Marta Cano Espinosa (Trek Future Racing) in third.

In the junior women’s category, Switzerland’s Anja Grossmann (Specialized Junior Cross Country Team Switzerland) delivered a dominant performance, crossing the finish line with a lead of more than two minutes over Maruša Tereza Šerkezi (Cube Next Generation) and Chiara Mettier (Thömus Akros — Youngstars).

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Premiere at the GP Osterhas

A historic first is set for April 19: For the very first time, a road race will be integrated into the Škoda Swiss Bike Cup program, with the inclusion of the traditional GP Osterhas in Affoltern am Albis. Although the results won’t count towards the overall standings, the event aims to promote multi-disciplinary training among the athletes.

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Important links:

• Rankings
• Pictures to download - Copyright by EGO Promotion

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