Based on previous results, it was to be expected that the trio of Konny Looser, Michael Stünzi and the Italian Mattia Longa would decide the Iron Bike Race between themselves. At the start, however, it was mainly Longa and Looser who kept up the pace. Stünzi was initially not to be found in the front positions. However, this changed after around 25 km, when Longa and Looser were able to pull away on the climb to Alp Gruob. Stünzi had already worked his way up to third place and was only a few seconds behind the leading duo. He was able to close the gap on the descent to Sihlsee. Together they tackled the ascent to Sattelegg.

On the descent, it was again Stünzi who brought about the selection with his speed lead, to which Longa fell victim. While Stünzi and Looser made common cause at the front, Longa had to lead alone. On the approach to the Spirstock, however, the harmony between the leading duo came to an end. Stünzi pulled away and passed the highest point of the lap with a 45-second lead. On the descent to the Ibergeregg, he added another few minutes. By the finish, he was more than five minutes ahead of second-placed Looser and more than eleven minutes ahead of third-placed Longa.

Stünzi explained: "My tactics worked perfectly. I suspected that it wouldn't be the toughest race because there were only three of us in contention for victory. When I actually reached the Spirstock in first place, I knew: now is my time." Unlike his two competitors, Stünzi had opted for a slightly heavier fullie, a mountain bike with suspension on both wheels, while Looser and Longa were on hardtails (with front suspension only). This, and Stünzi's daring riding style, made the difference on the long descents.
"It's unbelievable how Michi sped down the descents. At the bottom, I always had to close the gap to him first," said Looser. In view of the mixed season, he was satisfied with second place.

Even before the final, Norbert Amgarten from Sarnen was already the overall winner - for the fourth time! The 39-year-old fun rider was also very happy that it was enough for the day's victory and the overall classification once again. Hansjürg Gerber was once again able to establish himself in second place ahead of Tobias Lüthi

Andrea Ming celebrated her first triumph in the women's long-distance race. However, in the absence of the other elite riders, who were all competing in the world championships taking place on the same day in Valais. Behind Esther Süss, who was already the overall winner in the penultimate race, there were no more changes in the overall standings. With her victory, Ming retains second place ahead of Alessia Nay.

In the middle distance, the overall winners of the Bike Marathon Classics have also already been decided: Adrian Jäggi and Alexandra Zürcher. Fabian Heinzer secured second place ahead of Pascal Kiser. In the women's category, Letizia Strimer came second ahead of Tinetta Strimer.

Results

Men (101 km): 1. Michael Stünzi (Grüsch) 4:23:58. 2. Konny Looser (Hinwil) 5:21. 3. Mattia Longa (It) 11:31. 4. Damian Perrin (Bern) 27:36. 5. Tobias Neuhaus (Schafisheim) 27:50. 6. Erwin Mesu (Ho) 35:36. 7. Norbert Amgarten (Sarnen) 41:36. 8. Hansjürg Gerber (Thun) 44:32. 9. Silvan Kälin (Unteriberg) 46:02. 10. Florian Wenger (Montagny-la-Ville) 49:12.

Women (101 km): 1. Andrea Ming (Edlibach) 5:51:58. 2. Carmen Zaugg (Oensingen) 23:52. 3. Barbara Besel (Lachen, SZ) 36:36.

Men (77 km): 1. Manfred Steinbacher (Bad Ragaz) 3:25:15. 2. Christian Sonderegger (Losone) 4:45. 3. Andreas Plüss (Aarau) 5:01. 4. Martin Solvia (Galgenen) 5:40. 5. Stefan Spielmann (Lostorf) 6:47. 7. Josef Schwitter (Näfels) 6:51. 8. Kai Steinhauer (Ottenbach) 7:36. 9. Sascha Deplazes (Sedrun) 8:18. 10. Pascal Kiser (Giswil) 9:31.

Women (77 km): 1. Alexandra Zürcher (Oey) 4:03:03. 2. Letizia Strimer (Ardez) 6:55. 3. Tinetta Strimer (Scuol) 15:50. 4. Priska Meister (Unteriberg) 16:51. 5. Rahel Müller (Uster) 26:55.

Bike Marathon Classics