Never before in the 25-year history of the Iron Bike Race have so many top riders stayed together for as long as this time. As the 101 km long-distance race was considered the Swiss bike marathon championship, as it was in 2006 and 2018, the line-up was higher-caliber than it had been for a long time. The pace was forced on every climb. But the hoped-for selection did not materialize. Not even on the Spirstock, at 1771 meters the top of the challenging loop over the heights of Lake Sihl.

On the descent to Sternenegg, however, the race leader Urs Huber suffered a puncture on the front wheel. The five-time Swiss champion and co-favorite lost five minutes up to Ibergeregg and was thus robbed of the title fight. The decision was only made on the short climb to Freiherrenberg, where Lukas Flückiger was able to release the most reserves.The rider from Oberaargau was visibly moved when he was crowned the winner: "In the penultimate race of my cycling career, I have won another Swiss championship title. This touches me, because I love riding my bike, but I have to stop for professional reasons. I took over a bike store in January, which is doing very well." Flückiger, who was competing in the Iron Bike Race for the first time, explained that he felt great throughout the race and suspected that the title could be his. The 37-year-old from Ochlenberg has already been crowned national champion twice in cyclo-cross. In six days' time, he now wants to compete in the Marathon World Championships on the island of Elba. "If I win the title there too, maybe I'll add another season," said Flückiger with a wink.

Second-placed Marc Stutzmann said: "The last descent made the difference. Lukas (Flückiger) took a bit more risk and was therefore in front. For me, there is a slight disappointment, because I also wanted to win."

Martin Fanger had set out to defend his title. He said: "On the final climbs, I realized that Lukas and Marc had more punch than me. I gave it my all, but it wasn't quite enough for victory. So I have to be satisfied with bronze."

A lonely race was ridden by Ariane Lüthi, who celebrated her fifth title win. "Swiss championships always attract riders who you don't know and who are therefore difficult to assess. This time it was Janina Wüst, who surprised me above all with her downhill skills. She let it go and was incredibly fast." Ultimately, however, the title fight was decided on the uphill. She is now delighted to be able to ride in the Swiss champion's jersey again and is looking forward to the World Championships on Elba with excitement.

Second-placed Janina Wüst said that she had speculated on a medal. "But I didn't expect it to go so well." The former cross-country racer now wants to gain more experience at the World Championships and will then decide whether she will be more involved in long-distance racing in the future.

Third-placed Jacqueline Schneebeli was unlucky, as a tire defect set her back. Nevertheless, the two-time U23 cross-country and cyclo-cross Swiss champion was pleased with her bronze medal. She said: "The descent from Spirstock in particular was great fun. The Iron Bike course is varied and that's why I really like it."

O OC President Thomas Uhr also drew a positive balance on his last assignment: "We haven't had so many riders riding the long distance for a long time, almost 350. Despite the corona restrictions, we had around 1700 registrations, which clearly exceeded my expectations. It would have been a shame if this had actually been the last Iron Bike Race.

Results

Men (101 km): 1. Lukas Flückiger (Ochlenberg) 4:23:12. 2. Marc Stutzmann (Belp) 0:03. 3. Martin Fanger (Geneva) 0:16. 4. Hansueli Stauffer (Sigriswil) 0:28. 5. Konny Looser (Hinwil) 1:03. 6. Casey South (Frauenfeld) 2:36. 7. Nils Brun (Spiez) 3:13. 8. Urs Huber (Mettmenstetten) 10:31. 9. Fadri Barandun (Samedan) 12:15. 10. Andreas Moser (Madiswil) 16:18.
Women (101 km): 1. Ariane Lüthi (Gunten) 5:18:55. 2. Janina Wüst (Lupfig) 9:47. 3. Jacqueline Schneebeli (Hauptikon) 27:07. 4. Evelyne Trepte (Horgen) 47:31. 5. Friderike Schnatz (De) 1:12:04.

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