Giovanni Mascherpa was the fourth rider to cross the finish line – and he did it with style and grit.
What he loved most about the Swiss Bike-Adventure were the unexpected climbs and hidden routes – those small, quiet roads that wind through forgotten corners of the Alps. “The hidden games,” as he called them, seemed made just for him.
On the final ascent to the Gotthard Pass, Giovanni dug deep, powering through a relentless headwind with determination and strength. No gust could hold him back.
He arrived in Andermatt on July 31st at 20:35, after 5 days, 14 hours, and 35 minutes on the saddle – conquering Switzerland one hidden climb at a time.
Due to the weather conditions, Bart opted to stay in rooms most nights along the route, managing to find accommodations ranging from 50 to 70 Swiss Francs – including dinner and breakfast.
He began his final stage at 4:00 AM in Thusis, with 180 km remaining to the finish line. In the afternoon, he faced a tough headwind while climbing the Gotthard Pass, making the final stretch even more challenging.
Despite the demanding conditions, Bart thoroughly enjoyed the route.
He crossed the finish line in Andermatt on July 31st at 15:54, completing the Swiss Bike Adventure in 5 days, 9 hours, and 54 minutes.
Hansi Nyfeler is a well-known figure in the ultra-distance cycling world. With countless completed events under his belt – including legendary races like the RAAM (Race Across America, 1st in his category) and the TCR (Transcontinental Race, ) – his experience and endurance are unquestionable.
Originally, Hansi had registered and trained for the 45-SouthWest. However, due to unforeseen circumstances shortly before the start, he had to cancel his participation in the Krakow–Tarifa bike race. Not one to sit idle, he quickly seized the opportunity to join the Swiss-BikeAdventure.
Despite a daunting weather forecast predicting three or more days of continuous heavy rain, undeterred, Hansi lined up at the start and soon found himself in the lead, powering over the Furka Pass in harsh, miserable weather. As he descended into Valais, the sun finally broke through the clouds, welcoming the riders. Unfortunately, Hansi was soon plagued by a series of flat tires and ran out of spare inner tubes. This forced him to detour in Sion to restock.
Despite the setback, he managed to climb back into second position. True to his calm and composed style, Hansi took another break in Biasca – just 65 km and 2,000 meters of elevation from the finish. After a hearty breakfast, he tackled the final major climb of the route: the legendary Gotthard Pass. With its 24 cobblestone serpentines, the Gotthard is not only a challenge, but also a rider’s dream – especially when approached in daylight.
At 62 years old, Hansi Nyfeler crossed the finish line on July 31st at 11:58 AM, securing second place. He completed the 1,290 km route with 25,000 meters of elevation gain in 5 days, 5 hours, and 53 minutes.
Congratulations, Hansi, on yet another incredible achievement!
On July 30th at precisely 16:00, Jay Jon rolled into Andermatt as the first finisher of the 2025 Swiss Bike Adventure, completing the 1,290 km route with an astounding 25,000 meters of climbing in just 4 days and 10 hours.
His final stretch took him over the stunning San Bernardino Pass and the iconic Gotthard Pass. The mountains showed their best side, with clear skies and breathtaking alpine views. Yet nature kept things interesting—a strong headwind accompanied him on the descent into Andermatt, adding one last challenge before the finish line.
Jay rode the entire course on a 25kg recumbent bike, relying on his experience, resilience, and efficient setup. True to the spirit of unsupported bikepacking, he never booked a room, instead sleeping in bus stations and roadside shelters. His gear ran flawlessly—no mechanicals, no flats—with only one minor stop on Day 2 to replenish his chain oil supply.
A seasoned ultra cyclist, Jay Jon has previously completed events like Paris–Brest–Paris and several other long-distance endurance rides. His performance this week only adds to an already impressive list of accomplishments.
Awaiting him at the finish was his wife, and after a brief celebration in Andermatt, the two continued on to Zermatt. There, they plan to hike around the Monte Rosa massif, trading two wheels for mountain trails.
The sun made a welcome return on Day 4 of the Swiss Bike Adventure – and with it, some of Switzerland’s most iconic landscapes.
Riders rolled out under blue skies, passing the mighty Rheinfall, Europe’s largest waterfall, before heading into the gently undulating terrain of the northeast. The rolling hills around Appenzell offered postcard-perfect views, but the climbing quickly ramped up with the ascent to Schwägalp.
The adventure intensified as participants tackled Vorder Höhi and the rugged Kunkelspass, a lesser-known gem tucked between steep valleys and forested slopes.
By now, the leading riders had crossed into the high Alps, pushing over giants like Albulapass and Flüelapass. But nature threw a curveball: a rockslide just after Tiefencastel, authorities blocked the road for cyclists and pedestrians. For safety reasons, for 1.6km all riders had to either using public transport – or hitch a ride in a passing car.
It’s all part of the adventure – unexpected, raw, and real.
The day began with rain, mist, and chilly temperatures. In the Jura range, it hovered around 10°C.
The route led riders through the Val-de-Travers, a region of breathtaking landscapes: dense pine forests, moorlands, open pastures, and a lake whose ever-shifting moods make it a paradise for nature lovers.
Val-de-Travers is also famous as the birthplace of Absinthe—the “Green Fairy.” This potent, herbal spirit is traditionally made from Grande Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), anise, fennel, and a variety of other herbs. Absinthe was first commercially distilled here in the late 18th century, and during the 19th and early 20th centuries, it gained cult status across Europe—especially among artists and writers like Van Gogh and Hemingway.
In 1910, Switzerland banned absinthe amid a wave of moral panic and health concerns (it was blamed for hallucinations and madness). The ban remained in place until 2005, when absinthe production was once again legalized. Today, Val-de-Travers is a vibrant hub for both traditional and modern absinthe distillers.
The region is also known for its extreme cold. La Brévine, often referred to as the “coldest place in Switzerland,” lies at around 1,040 m elevation. Tucked inside a long, sealed valley, it creates a natural cold-air basin where frigid air settles—especially on calm, clear nights. On January 12, 1987, a record low of −41.8 °C was recorded here—the coldest temperature ever registered in an inhabited area of Switzerland.
By afternoon, the rain stopped, and the views from Chasseral began to clear, though a strong wind swept across the ridge.
At the front of the race, Jay Jon reached Kunkels Pass at kilometer 900, with just 355 km remaining to the finish. The gap between Jay Jon and our “Lanterne Rouge”, Markus, has now grown to 300 km.
Day two greeted riders with sunshine and clear skies – at least until the evening. Spirits were high as they rolled into the heart of the Alps.
Markus and Rüdiger spent the night in Les Diablerets and kicked off the day with a steady climb to Col des Mosses (1,445 m), gaining about 350 meters of elevation over 8 km. A good warm-up before tackling the more demanding Mittenberg climb: 700 vertical meters over 11 km on a narrow, winding road that snakes through dense forest almost all the way to the summit.
The descent from Mittenberg brought them into Jaun, a unique village tucked into the Fribourg Alps. Jaun stands out as the only German-speaking village in the otherwise French-speaking canton of Fribourg, offering a fascinating cultural blend. Near the village entrance, the Jaun Waterfall tumbles directly out of the mountain rock – a stunning natural sight and a perfect place to pause.
From Jaun, the route transitions into gentler, rolling hills as it approaches the foot of the Jura range, offering a welcome break from steep alpine ascents.
The front riders reached the Jura Mountains, a range often underestimated but hiding tough, relentless climbs. Among them was Martin, who sadly had to stop at Col du Chasseral due to a mechanical issue. A failed gear shifter left him stuck between his highest and lowest gears, making further progress on this rugged terrain impossible.
Photos: Around Col des Mosses and Mittenberg. Riders: Markus and Rüdiger
At Col de la Croix, the sun was shining as we tackled the 1,400 meters of vertical gain over 24 kilometers. We crossed paths with a few riders -some at the base of the climb, others near the summit – each pushing through the steady ascent in their own rhythm.
The route winds through Villars-sur-Ollon, a charming alpine village that perfectly blends authentic Swiss character with stunning scenery and outdoor adventure. Nestled in the Vaud Alps, Villars offers panoramic views of the Dents du Midi, Mont Blanc, and the Rhône Valley – a breathtaking backdrop to an already unforgettable ride.
The 6th Swiss Bike Adventure didn’t begin with a gentle warm-up – it was a full-force trial by nature. Riders rolled out of Andermatt at 6:00 a.m. sharp, greeted by steady rain and thick mist clinging to the mountainsides. Visibility was low, but spirits were high.
The early climb tested legs and minds alike. Temperatures dropped toward freezing as riders approached higher altitudes. The Furka Pass, with its 900m vertical gain over 12km, usually a scenic highlight, became a ghostly challenge – shrouded in cloud and silence, save for the crunch of tires on soaked pavement.
Wet roads turned the long descent to Brig into a white-knuckle ride. Gloves soaked, shoes heavy with water, every kilometer was earned. Yet not a single complaint – only grit, focus, and the unspoken bond forged between those who choose the hard path.
After Oberwald in the Wallis, the rain finally stopped and the clouds cleared. But the challenge was far from over. A strong headwind in the Wallis valley slowed the riders all the way to Martigny, around 120km of battling wind resistance.
In Bex, the second major climb began: Col de la Croix, with 1,400m vertical gain over 24km.
Evening brought heavy thunderstorms again, with pouring rain.
“The Bee” scratched in Lalden after 83km.
Jérôme stopped at 2 a.m. in Orges (km 355), Martin at midnight in Yverdon-les-Bains (km 345). Several other riders sought shelter for the night between Les Diablerets (km 212) and Sarnen (km 250).
The Swiss Bike Adventure has never started like this.
The 6th edition of the Swiss Bike Adventure began not with sunshine and celebration – but with a storm.
Three days of relentless rain and unseasonably cold July temperatures were forecasted. Even the high mountain passes, usually clear this time of year, braced for wintry conditions. In all five previous editions, the weather had never been this brutal. This year is different. This year is for the truly fearless.
By Friday evening, less than half of the registered riders arrived in Andermatt. The storm had already begun to shape the race, testing resolve before a single pedal stroke. Yet those who came were undeterred. Over dinner, stories of past adventures mixed with quiet anticipation for what lay ahead. There was laughter, there was camaraderie – but also the quiet acknowledgment: this year would be a battle.
At 6 a.m. sharp, under dark skies and falling rain, the adventure began.
With 1,290 kilometers and 24,743 meters of elevation gain ahead – including 13 legendary climbs – this is not a ride for the faint-hearted. But those who lined up at the start did so with steely eyes and stubborn smiles. They knew what awaited. And they rode into it anyway.
The mountains are calling – and the true adventure has begun.
