This coming Wednesday, 9 September 2026, Markus Walser will start his Individual Time Trial around Switzerland at the Devil’s Bridge in Andermatt.
1,200 km and 15 major climbs are waiting for him on the route.
After Markus had to scratch from the NorthCape-Tarifa due to knee problems, followed by a Achilles’ tendon injury, he took the time to recover. Now he was looking for a new endurance challenge for this year – and decided to take on the Swiss-BikeAdventure ITT.
Markus completed the 2026 Swiss-BikeAdventure in 6 days and 12 hours.
We wish Markus a great ride and good legs for the 1,200 km around Switzerland!
The ITT can be started anywhere on the route and at any time until approximately mid-October, or until the first high mountain passes along the route are closed.
The second day of the 2026 Swiss-BikeAdventure saw the race truly come to life. Under mostly favourable weather conditions, with only some early morning clouds hanging over the Jura mountains, riders continued their journey deeper into Switzerland, facing the first major strategic battles and countless metres of climbing.
One of the day’s defining moments came on the iconic Chasseral. Christian Summer reached the summit shortly after 5:00 a.m., becoming the first rider to conquer the highest point of the Jura and taking over the race lead. Less than an hour later, Mauro followed over the summit, keeping the pressure firmly on his rival.
As the day progressed, the leading trio rolled past one of Switzerland’s most famous natural landmarks: the Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall. While thousands of tourists stop to admire the spectacular cascade, the race leaders could only spare a quick glance before continuing their relentless push eastwards.
The lead, however, would change again before the day was over. Riding consistently throughout the afternoon and evening, Mauro regained first place and finished the day after approximately 710 kilometres in the Appenzell region. His steady pace once again demonstrated why consistency is often more valuable than explosive efforts in ultra-distance racing.
Behind the leader, Vilius Stankevičius held second position at the end of the day, 74 kilometres behind Mauro, while Christian Summer followed just a few kilometres further back in third. With more than 25,000 metres of climbing spread across the entire route, the race remains wide open, and every mountain pass still has the potential to reshape the standings.
Not every rider’s day ended as planned. André Paris was forced to abandon the race at Jaun Pass after developing problems with his brakes. Mechanical issues are an unavoidable part of unsupported bikepacking, and unfortunately, this time they brought an early end to his Swiss-BikeAdventure.
With the Alps now drawing ever closer, the riders leave the Jura behind and head towards the high mountains that define the Swiss-BikeAdventure. The biggest climbs – and perhaps the biggest battles -are still to come.
The 7th edition of the Swiss-BikeAdventure got underway on Saturday morning at 6:00 a.m., as the riders lined up in front of the historic Devil’s Bridge near Andermatt. Under a crystal-clear sky and perfect weather conditions, the adventure across Switzerland began.
The opening kilometres offered little time to settle in. After a fast 7.7 km descent, dropping 520 vertical metres, the riders immediately faced the first major challenge: the legendary Susten Pass. The 18 km climb with 1,320 metres of elevation gain welcomed the field with breathtaking glacier scenery and spectacular alpine landscapes.
A thrilling 28 km descent, losing 1,700 vertical metres, brought the riders to Innertkirchen before the next climb began. The Grosse Scheidegg demanded another 18 km and 1,360 metres of climbing, followed by a technical 21 km descent with 1,320 metres of vertical loss towards Interlaken.
There was little opportunity to recover. The route continued with the demanding Gestelenpass, a relentless 19 km ascent gaining 1,200 vertical metres, proving once again why the 1,200 km Swiss-BikeAdventure, with its 25,470 metres of elevation gain, is considered one of Europe’s toughest bikepacking adventures.
The riders then crossed the Jaun Pass, adding another 9 km climb and 680 metres of elevation gain before leaving the high Alps behind and heading into the rolling hills of the Jura, where the character of the route changes but the challenges continue.
From the very beginning, Mauro Dall’Igna set an impressive pace. He took the lead shortly after the start and became the first rider to reach the summit of the Susten Pass. Throughout the day, he defended his advantage and eventually stopped for the night in the Jura after an outstanding first day of 355 km and 8,560 metres of climbing.
With ideal weather and the Alps already behind them, the riders now continue their journey across Switzerland, with many more unforgettable kilometres still ahead.
For the first time, the riders will start at the historic Devil’s Bridge, beneath the famous Suvorov Monument in the Schöllenen Gorge.
A new challenge awaits in 2026. For the first time, the route crosses the legendary Maloja Pass before tackling the spectacular Passo della Spluga — a relentless 30 km climb from Chiavenna leading high into the Alps. Long ascents, breathtaking scenery and unforgettable mountain roads will set the stage for another incredible edition.
From the very first pedal stroke to the finish line, every kilometre counts.
Follow the riders live as they battle the mountains, the weather and themselves.
The Susten Pass marks the first major climb on the Swiss Bike Adventure route – and what a climb it is!
The road over the Susten is one of the last high Alpine passes to reopen after winter, usually around mid-June, though in heavy snow years it can be delayed well into July. When it finally opens, it offers one of the most spectacular rides in the Alps.
From the start of the route, riders first descend towards Wassen, passing through the dramatic Schöllenenschlucht Gorge with its historic Teufelsbrücke (Devil’s Bridge) – a place steeped in legend and Swiss history.
From Wassen, the Susten climb begins in earnest: a 18 km ascent with around 1,320 meters of elevation gain. The road winds steadily upwards through forests, alpine meadows, and rocky highlands, revealing ever more breathtaking views of the towering peaks above.
Near the summit, the Susten Tunnel (2,224 m) cuts through the ridge, and on the other side, riders are greeted by magnificent views into the Bernese Alps. To the left, the shimmering Stein Glacier dominates the landscape – a reminder of the raw, glacial power that shaped these valleys.
It’s a climb that captures the essence of the Swiss Alps: wild beauty, perfect tarmac, and a sense of achievement with every turn of the pedals.
The new route for the next years 2026 Swiss-BikeAdventure is released.
The 2026 Swiss Bike Adventure brings a fresh twist to the classic route!
In the Jura region, we’re keeping the same course – there aren’t many alternative options, and it’s simply an amazing area that remains relatively unknown to many riders.
The new route includes several fresh climbs, such as Jaun Pass, Maloja Pass, and Splügenpass. With Maloja and Splügen Pass, the route even makes a short visit to Italy. The total distance and elevation gain will remain about the same as in past editions.
Once again, the start and finish are set in Andermatt, right in the heart of Switzerland. Perfectly connected by train from all corners of Europe – whether you arrive from Milan in the south or Zurich in the north – Andermatt is your gateway to an unforgettable ride through the high mountains.
August 1st, 18:46 – As the evening sun dipped behind the alpine peaks of Andermatt, Markus Walser rolled across the finish line, just 11 minutes behind his rival, Rüdiger. It was a fitting end to a personal battle that had played out over 1,290 kilometers of grueling terrain.
Riding a self-built titanium machine, Markus cut a unique figure throughout the race. With unwavering focus, he spent most of the route – even on the climbs – tucked low on his aerobars, chasing speed and carving through Switzerland’s dramatic landscapes.
The duel between Markus and Rüdiger became one of the race’s most compelling subplots. Position changes were frequent, tension constant. It wasn’t just about finishing – it was about finishing strong.
In the end, Markus completed the Swiss-BikeAdventure in 6 days, 12 hours, and 46 minutes, greeted at the finish by none other than Rüdiger himself. Two rivals, now comrades, united by the shared experience of a journey most would never dare attempt.
Like many before him, Markus was amazed by the route – a wild loop through his own homeland, revealing hidden gems even a Swiss native might never stumble upon.
When Rüdiger sets out on a bikepacking adventure, he approaches it just like his daily work – as a bike messenger, he’s used to pushing pedals with purpose. Only this time, the delivery was a personal one: 1290 kilometers across the Swiss Alps.
Rüdiger is no stranger to our adventures. A repeat rider and proven finisher of both the Iberica-Traversa gravel and road editions, he returned once again to take on the challenge of the Swiss-BikeAdventure 2025.
From the start, Rüdiger found himself in a silent race with Markus. Each day played out like a metronome: Markus rode early and long, while Rüdiger opted for longer rest and a faster pace. Every morning, Markus had a about 30 km lead. And every evening, he’d manage to stay just ahead – until the final day.
On Day 7, everything changed. Rüdiger left Thusis and didn’t stop again – not until the finish line in Andermatt. Somewhere after Airolo, on the steep and legendary Gotthard Pass, he caught sight of Markus ahead… and passed him for the final time.
Rüdiger crossed the finish line on August 1st at 18:35, just 11 minutes ahead of Markus, after riding non-stop from morning to dusk. He completed the full 1290 km route in 6 days, 12 hours, and 35 minutes.
What a ride. What a duel. What a finish. Congratulations, Rüdiger!
