Püntener claims First Victory at the Škoda Swiss Bike Cup
Fabio Püntener demonstrated his excellent form in Schaan (Liechtenstein), taking the win in a thrilling three-way battle ahead of Luca Schätti and Marcel Guerrini.
May 10, 2025
Under perfect spring weather, spectators in Schaan witnessed a gripping Elite Men’s race that was only decided in the final lap. In a stacked field of top riders, Fabio Püntener (Bike Team Solothurn) proved to be the strongest, securing his first-ever Škoda Swiss Bike Cup victory. The Solothurn native launched a decisive attack in the last of seven laps, distancing himself from Luca Schätti and Marcel Guerrini (both BIXS Performance Race Team). “I felt good right from the start and had strong legs,” said Püntener. “I’m feeling very confident at the moment and knew I could step it up in the end. It’s a great feeling to celebrate my first Swiss Bike Cup win.” Behind the top three, a photo-finish sprint for fourth went to Thomas Litscher (Cabetech Racing Team) ahead of Vital Albin (Thömus Maxon).
Forchini Takes Advantage
In the Elite Women’s race, Ramona Forchini (BIXS Performance Race Team) and Sina Frei (Specialized Factory Racing) battled fiercely. When Frei slipped on a grassy section, Forchini seized the opportunity and pulled away—a gap Frei could no longer close. “I had to suffer today,” said Forchini. “But I’m full of confidence right now and really happy that it worked out.” Ginia Caluori (NEXETIS) completed the podium in third.
U23: Local Hero Püntener Finishes Second
In the U23 men’s race, Liechtenstein’s own Romano Püntener (Thömus Akros – Youngstars) aimed for a home win but had to settle for second place behind Romain Debord (As Bike Racing). The French rider proved strongest on the steep climbs, breaking away from Püntener and Micha Alder (BIXS Performance Team) halfway through the race. “Racing in front of a home crowd is always something special. Unfortunately, I couldn’t keep up with Debord on the climbs,” said Püntener. In the U23 women’s race, Fiona Schibler (Bike Team Solothurn) dominated the field, taking a commanding victory ahead of Lea Huber (NEXETIS) and Jana Glaus (Rose Bike Schweiz Factory Team).
In the day’s opening junior race, Cedric Probst (RVW Pasolino Racing) crossed the line first, followed by Arsène Henniene (Collectif U19 Bourgogne Franche-Comté) and Nick Knechtle (KA Boom – Raceteam). Among the junior women, Lea Bösch (Ägeri Cycling Race Team) pulled away by 30 seconds, claiming victory over Merit Furrer (Fischer Junioren MTB Team) and Anna Graf (Thömus – Young RV Winterthur).
All Eyes on Graubünden
The Škoda Swiss Bike Cup now heads to Savognin in the canton of Graubünden. As part of the race weekend in Val Surses, the Swiss Championships in Cross-Country and Short Track will also take place. On a challenging course, Switzerland’s top riders will battle for the coveted national champion’s jersey.
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