Head-to-Head at the Schänzli: Keller, Flückiger, Schätti and Püntener in Action
The penultimate round of this year’s Škoda Swiss Bike Cup will take place on August 16 and 17 at the Schänzli in Basel, as part of the Bikefestival Basel. Breakthrough riders of the year, Luca Schätti and Fabio Püntener, will face strong competition from Mathias Flückiger. In the women’s race, Alessandra Keller enters as the clear favorite.
August 7, 2025
Breakthrough Riders Schätti and Püntener Face Off Against Flückiger
The Schänzli course is known for tactical racing and tight finishes. The 2025 edition promises another action-packed weekend in Basel across all categories.
Luca Schätti (BIXS Performance Race Team), newly crowned European Short Track Champion and current overall leader of the Škoda Swiss Bike Cup, will meet his fiercest rival and former teammate Fabio Püntener (Bike Team Solothurn) in Basel. The two breakthrough riders of the season continue to push each other to new heights. After a short summer break, they aim to carry their momentum into the second half of the season. They'll need every bit of it in Basel, as Mathias Flückiger (Thömus Maxon), a true world-class rider, will be on the start line.
Defending champion Vital Albin and his teammate Lars Forster (both Thömus Maxon) are also highly motivated after a disappointing European Championship. They aim to regain confidence in Basel ahead of the upcoming World Cups and the home World Championships. Meanwhile, Bjorn Riley (Scott-SRAM) from Colorado, reigning U.S. Short Track Champion, is hoping for a strong comeback after injury setbacks.
Keller the Favorite in the Women’s Race
In the women’s elite field, Alessandra Keller (Thömus Maxon) lines up as the top favorite. The rider from Nidwalden took a well-earned break after her Short Track World Cup win and XCO runner-up finish in Andorra — and now returns refreshed and ready to race.
She’ll be challenged by current cup leader Ramona Forchini (BIXS Performance Race Team), who has impressed this season with several strong performances, including a podium (3rd place) at the World Cup in Leogang. Linda Indergand (Liv Factory Racing) is also a strong podium contender. The rider from Uri bounced back from a slow start to the season with a bronze medal at the European Championships in Short Track. The fast-paced, often sprint-decided races in Basel could play to her strengths.
UCI Junior Series: Global Talent in the Spotlight
The junior races are part of the UCI Junior Series, attracting a world-class lineup. Among the U19 women, Swiss Champion Anja Grossmann (Specialized Junior Racing) is the clear favorite. The European Champion from Rickenbach is dominating her age category this season.
In the U19 men’s race, Swiss hopes lie with Lewin Iten (RVW Pasolino Racing), currently ranked second in the UCI Junior World Rankings, and U19 Swiss Champion Fynn Lanter.
Registration is open until August 10 without a late entry fee.