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!
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