Jolanda Neff and Jordan Sarrou start as favorites at the Tamaro Trophy
On March 22/23, 2025, the Škoda Swiss Bike Cup starts on Monte Ceneri and kicks off the 2025 cross-country season on a technical track full of natural rock sections. The field of favorites is led by Olympic champion Jolanda Neff. Among the elite men, last year's winner Jordan Sarrou from France and Englishman Charlie Aldridge are among the contenders for the day's victory.
March 18, 2025
The Tamaro Trophy has long been a cornerstone of the international cross-country circuit. Its technically challenging course and world-class field make it a key form-check ahead of the season’s first World Cup. Last year’s winner, Jordan Sarrou (Team BMC), now a new father, is eager to use the race to fine-tune his preparation. However, the 32-year-old faces stiff competition early in the season: seasoned riders like Thomas Griot (Canyon CLLTV), Marcel Guerrini (BIXS Performance Race Team), and Thomas Litscher (Cabtech Racing) are all aiming for a strong start.
On paper, Charlie Aldridge, currently ranked sixth in the UCI standings, is the rider to beat. The Briton has already shown solid form, finishing second at the Continental Series in Banyoles.
Meanwhile, the next generation is stepping up. Promising talents such as Luke Wiedemann (SUI), Dario Lillo (SUI), and U23 World Champion Luca Martin (FRA) will make their debut in the elite ranks this season, eager to prove themselves against the sport’s best.
Jolanda Neff starts the Tamaro Trophy with a lot of confidence
The women’s race promises to be just as thrilling, with three top Swiss stars in contention: Olympic Champion Jolanda Neff (Cannondale Factory Racing), European Gravel Champion Sina Frei (Specialized Factory Racing), and Swiss Short-Track Champion Nicole Koller (Ghost Factory Racing) all have their sights set on victory. Neff, in particular, is showing strong early-season form, having claimed victory at the spring classic in Banyoles, Spain, on February 22, a clear statement of intent for 2025.
In total, 756 athletes from over 23 nations are registered for the Tamaro Trophy 2025.
Škoda Swiss Bike Cup as a springboard for Canadian supertalent
In 2021, Canadian rider Cole Punchard celebrated his first major international victory by winning the UCI Junior Series at Bikefestival Basel. Four years later, he returns to Switzerland – now as a proven contender at the sport’s highest level. Since his breakthrough in Basel, the Cannondale Factory Racing athlete has built an impressive résumé, including victory at the UCI World Series in Lake Placid (U23) and national titles in both short track and U23 cross-country in 2024.
Now, Punchard faces his next big test: stepping up to the elite ranks at the Tamaro Trophy, where he will go head-to-head with seasoned international competitors. A strong result here could mark another significant milestone in his rising career – and in the Škoda Swiss Bike Cup.
The most important links:
→ Access photos and video 2025
→ Startlist Tamaro Trophy — March 22-23, 2025
Discover the Swiss Bike Cup with Škoda
Škoda and the Swiss Bike Cup – a partnership rooted in pure passion for cycling. As the new title sponsor, Škoda is actively supporting Swiss Mountainbiking. This is no coincidence, as Škoda’s origins lie in bicycle manufacturing. We look forward to exciting races and are cheering for Sina Frei, whom we are supporting this year as a mobility partner!