Ironman Switzerland Thun delivered a thrilling race full of lead changes and drama, but in the end there could be only one winner. That honor went to Germany’s Leonard Arnold, who successfully defended his title after already claiming victory in Thun last year.
From the very start, the Germans took control of the race. Ruben Zepuntke, known for his powerful swim, led out of the water with the day’s fastest split of 47:40. Two minutes later Frederic Funk emerged in second, with Arnold right on his heels in a chase group of six athletes.
On the bike, it was no surprise to see former professional cyclist Zepuntke staying at the front. By the halfway mark, he had built a lead of more than four minutes over the large chase pack that included Funk, Arnold, Marius Bjerkeset, and William Mennesson. But the race dynamic shifted when Norway’s Bjerkeset went on the attack. Around 40 kilometers later, he had not only bridged up to Zepuntke but also taken over the lead. By the time he reached T2, Bjerkeset had opened a commanding advantage of 5:40 over Zepuntke, who still rolled in second.
As Zepuntke faded on the marathon, Bjerkeset looked strong and held onto his lead for a long time. However, Arnold began to close the gap steadily. After just 10 kilometers, the German was already cutting into the deficit, and by the halfway point only two minutes separated the pair. At 27 kilometers into the run, Arnold surged into the lead – a position he would never relinquish.
Arnold sealed the victory in 7:49:20, with Bjerkeset holding on for second in 7:56:17. Funk completed the podium in 7:57:38.