The third day of the 31st FSA Bike Festival in Riva del Garda was - quite traditionally - characterised by the UCI Bike Marathon. On 3 May 2025, over 130 international professionals took to the start line on the Ronda Extrema to compete on the 82.77-kilometre course with 3,434 metres of altitude. Two Italian athletes came out on top in the top category of the festival: Andrea Siffredi in the men's race and Claudia Peretti in the women's race.
Emotional victory for Siffredi
Andrea Siffredi was overwhelmed after his triumph: "I'm incredibly happy - it was an emotional victory! When I was able to catch up with the leading group and saw that there were only two athletes in front, I realised: I can do it!" The Italian won a thrilling race against the international competition and secured important world ranking points.
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Peretti with best performance at Lake Garda
Claudia Peretti was also visibly exhausted but overjoyed after her victory in the women's category. "The last hour of the race was tough - it was my fifth participation and I achieved my best result this year," explained the Italian at the finish. She particularly emphasised the unique atmosphere of the FSA Bike Festival: "The fact that the marathon takes place as part of the FSA Bike Festival with so many people is the best feeling ever."
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Further distances for ambitious hobby riders
In addition to the Ronda Extrema supreme distance, the UCI Bike Marathon in Riva also offered shorter routes for ambitious amateur riders. On the Ronda Grande (59.56 km, 2,406 metres in altitude) Uwe Hochenwarter from Austria and Sarah Marquardt from Germany through. The Ronda Piccola (30.67 km, 1,065 metres in altitude) surprised the participants with a partly new, particularly flowing course. Here triumphed Lorenz Pfleger from Germany and Malena Seer from Austria.
Premiere for relaxed eBike marathon
The eBike Marathon celebrated its premiere at the Bike Festival as an innovation. Unlike the classic races, the focus here was not on the competition time, but on the experience. Participants enjoyed breathtaking views and challenging climbs on the 48-kilometre route with 1,700 metres of elevation gain. The format fitted in perfectly with this year's festival motto "Riding Freedom" and offered a welcome alternative for leisure cyclists.
Supporting programme rounds off the festival day
After the sporting highlights of the day, the FSA Bike Festival ended in the evening with the Open Night in the Expo Area. The grand finale was the legendary Bike Festival Party at the Spiaggia degli Olivi, where participants and visitors celebrated the successful marathon day with music, drinks and a view of the lake.
Promoting young talent on the final day
On Sunday, the last day of the FSA Bike Festival Riva del Garda, the focus will be on young cyclists. At the Scott Junior Trophy, children can gain their first racing experience and put their skills to the test. At the end, all participants receive a finisher medal - true to the motto that all children are winners at this event.
The results at a glance
Ronda Extrema (UCI C1 competition): Distance: 82.77 km - vertical metres: 3,434 m
- Winner men: Andrea Siffredi (ITA)
- Winner women: Claudia Peretti (ITA)
Ronda Grande: Distance: 59.56 km - vertical metres: 2,406 m
- Winner men: Uwe Hochenwarter (AUT)
- Winner women: Sarah Marquardt (GER)
Ronda Piccola: Distance: 30.67 km - vertical metres: 1,065 m
- Winner men: Lorenz Pfleger (DE)
- Winner women: Malena Seer (AT)
eBike Marathon: Distance: 48 km - Elevation gain: 1,700 m - Format: Adventure-orientated without timekeeping
Marc Strucken
Editor
