The names on the start list for the first race of the Škoda Swiss Bike Cup 2025 were illustrious. Jordan Sarrou, Thomas Griot, Charlie Aldridge and Marcel Guerrini were considered favorites in the run-up to the classic. But one man outdid them all: Timon Rüegg. The cyclo-cross specialist coped best with the extremely muddy course on Monte Tamaro and pulled away from the current U23 world champion Luca Martin (Cannondale Factory Racing Team) and Vital Albin (Thömus Maxon), with whom he had formed a leading trio, halfway through the race.

In these conditions, it was not only riding skills that were required, but often also running skills. In the end, the 2024 overall winner crossed the finish line with a lead of almost a minute. "Although I saw the weather forecast in the middle of the week and knew that the conditions suited me, I was nervous before the race. My cyclo-cross and running skills certainly helped me," said the 29-year-old, who did not take part in any cyclo-cross races for the first time this winter in order to concentrate on the mountain bike discipline.

Frenchman Luca Martin finished second behind Rüegg and Charlie Aldridge (Cannondale Factory Racing Team), who showed a strong recovery, came in third. Vital Albin from Graubünden fought for a long time for a top 3 place himself, but lost the duel against Aldridge on the last lap. "After a difficult season last year, it's nice to start like this, it gives me confidence," said the 26-year-old. At the start of the race, it even looked as if Dario Lillo (Giant Factory Off-Road Team) could be the man of the day. The 22-year-old from Eschenbach led the race confidently before a defect set him back - he finished in tenth place.

Neff puts in a commanding performance

It was an impressive performance from Jolanda Neff on Monte Tamaro. She dictated the race from the front right from the start. While compatriot Nicole Koller (Ghost Factory Racing) and French rider Loana Lecomte (Team BMC) followed her on the first lap, she was on her own from lap two onwards. In the end, she won with a lead of almost three minutes. It is the Olympic champion's first success in a Swiss Bike Cup since 2019. "I love these muddy conditions and enjoyed riding here," said Neff, who has been riding for Cannondale Racing Team since this season. It is Neff's third win of this young season. "I've settled in really well with the new team, we're working well together and I'm looking forward to the season."

Nicole Koller was also satisfied. "When I was no longer able to keep up with Jolanda, it was all about finishing in second place, which I managed to do well." At one point, it even looked like a Swiss one-two-three when Ramona Forchini (BIXS Performance Racing Team) fought a thrilling duel with Lecomte, which the Frenchwoman won on the last lap.

French double victory in the U23

The U23 men's race, which is part of the highest UCI category, was also characterized by crashes and defects due to the difficult conditions. The two French riders Yann Chaptal and Nael Roukiac (both Scott Creuse Oxygene Gueret) coped best with the muddy surface, with the Italian Elian Paccagnella coming third. The best Swiss rider was Nicolas Halter (Thömus Akros - Youngstars), who is contesting his first U23 season, in fourth place. 

Swiss rider Lewin Iten (RVW Pasolina Racing) won the junior category, overtaking the leader Valentin Hofer from Austria on the last lap. Hofer ended up third, Federico Rosario Brafa (ITA) second. 

There was an Italian victory in the women's U23 category. Valentina Corvi (Canyon CLLTV) relegated Lea Huber (Nexetis) and Marta Cano Espinosa (Trek Future Racing) to second and third place. In the junior category, Anja Grossmann (Specialized Junior Cross Country Team Switzerland) rode across the finish line over two minutes ahead of Maruša Tereza Šerkezi (Cube Next Generation) and Chiara Mettier (Thömus Akros - Youngstars).‍

Full results

Premiere at the GP Osterhas

A premiere will take place on April 19: For the first time in history, a road race will be held within the Škoda Swiss Bike Cup with the traditional GP Osterhas - even if the results in Affoltern am Albis do not count towards the overall standings. The aim is to provide polycyclic training for the athletes.

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