France’s Baptiste Domanico and Germany’s Merle Brunnée claimed victory at the 2025 Long Distance Duathlon World Championships in Zofingen, Switzerland. Under clear skies and warm conditions, athletes once again faced the legendary 10km run, 150km bike, and 30km run course. While the prestige of the race remains high, the event continues to struggle with declining participation numbers, with each edition attracting fewer athletes to the start line.
For Domanico, the triumph marked the biggest win of his career. The 34-year-old Frenchman, who finished seventh last year, powered through the bike course before sealing the deal with a strong final run. Crossing the line in 6:06:50, he was overjoyed: “It was my day. I felt exceptionally comfortable today, and that lead gave me the confidence for the final run.”
The men’s race was shaken up early when defending champion Émile Blondel-Hermant punctured just 30 minutes in, ending his hopes of retaining the crown. 2022 winner Matthieu Bourgeois also failed to finish, leaving the door open for new contenders.
Behind Domanico, Denmark’s Silas Engel Lambaek produced a breakthrough performance to secure silver. “I felt in good shape for this tough race in Zofingen, but you could say it’s a surprise,” Lambaek admitted. Fabian Holbach of Germany, who had stayed close to the front during much of the bike leg, repeated his bronze-medal finish from 2023. Local favorite Jens-Michael Gossauer narrowly missed the podium in fourth.
In the women’s race, Merle Brunnée once again proved untouchable. The German star secured her fourth Long Distance World Championship title in Zofingen, extending her dominance on the historic course.
Britain’s Rachel Brown, making her Powerman Zofingen debut, impressed early by leading after the opening run. But Brunnée quickly reeled her in, surging ahead on the Wiliberg climb and building a gap she would never relinquish. After 6:48 on the course, she crossed the line smiling: “Zofingen is always something special; it’s become like coming home for me. I know the course and the challenges, and it’s just beautiful here.”
Brown held firm for silver, satisfied with her debut performance: “I am very satisfied with second place. Considering Merle Brunnée’s strong performance, I had no chance of catching up with her.” Germany’s Madlen Kappeler completed the podium in third.
While the champions shone brightly, the dwindling start list remains a concern for the iconic Powerman Zofingen. Once the undisputed pinnacle of duathlon, the race continues to showcase world-class performances — but in front of fewer and fewer rivals.