Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
The fastest riders at the 2025 Alps Divide have started rolling into the finish at Lake Geneva, with the top three completing the 1,000-kilometer route in under five days. Read on to find a recap from the podium and the first woman to finish, plus photos from the race courtesy of photographer Tom Gibbs…
Words and photos by Tom Gibbs
The Alps Divide Ultra isn’t just a bike race. It’s a journey through some of the wildest and most demanding landscapes in Europe. The route runs from the shores of the Mediterranean in Menton all the way to Lac Le Man in Thonon-les-Bains, carving a line across the Western Alps. Over the course of 1,050 kilometres, riders climb an astonishing 32,000 metres of elevation all under their own power, with no outside support.
The terrain is as varied as it is beautiful, featuring remote gravel tracks, rugged alpine passes, technical descents, and long stretches of wilderness where the mountains dictate the pace. There’s some serious hike-a-bike that’s not to be underestimated. The weather can swing from scorching sun to freezing storms in a matter of hours, but the sheer beauty of the landscape leaves riders awestruck. The Alps Divide Ultra offers not just a physical challenge, but also the chance to experience the mountains in their purest form: vast, untamed, and unforgettable.
Lead rider Zbigniew (Ziggy) Mossoczy arrived at the finish in Thonon-les-Bains last night, in 4 days, 11 hours, and 49 minutes. Ziggy put in a blistering ride, staying approximately 10 kilometres in front of Josh Ibbett for the majority of the event. Putting in a massive early shift, forgoing sleep on the first night, placed him out front, which he managed to maintain in a wonderfully strong ride. A quote from the man himself, “The Alps are too steep for me!”
Rolling in 1 hour and 56 minutes behind Ziggy was Josh Ibbett, with an exceptional performance in 4 days, 13 hours, and 51 minutes. An unfortunate, stubborn puncture slowed Josh down on the final day, making his time even more impressive. Not to mention that he’s just returned, one week ago, from racing over 1,000 kilometres of the Silk Road Mountain Race, before sadly a mechanical issue forced a scratch. Well done, Josh. A solid ride throughout!
Rounding up the podium is Benjamin Schmetz with a finishing time of 4 days, 21 hours, and 56 minutes. Benjamin was always in an excellent mood, even when spotted by the media crew in some of the most remote places on the course. He put in a stellar performance on a rugged and unrelenting route through the heart of the Alps with a smile on his face and visibly enjoying every second. A quote from him on the hike-a-bike section on Col de Rochelle: “I’m just happy to be alive!”
Our first finisher for the women is Julie Von Gruenigen. Julie rode for 197 kilometres to reach the finish, an incredible undertaking considering the terrain. She was the first woman to complete the 2025 Alps Divide and finished in an exceptional ninth place overall. What makes Julie’s performance even more impressive is the fact that she took fifth place in Badlands a week before the start of Alps Divide. Truly remarkable. Well done, Julie!
For more updates and photos, keep an eye on the Alps Divide Instagram page.
Further Reading
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