Ahead of the Swiss Epic’s 19 August start, we sat down with Team Klimatiza Rider Marc Stutzmann — a rider who’s turned a childhood love of biking into a career defined by patience, climbing prowess, and stage-race grit. Partnering again with Samuele Porro after a hard-fought runner-up finish last year, Stutzmann and his teammate head into this year’s race as favourites on home soil. From his Swiss marathon title to fatherhood and what really keeps him going in the mountains, here’s what he had to say.

1. Who is Marc Stutzmann? (Tell us a bit about yourself beyond racing)

I developed a passion for biking early in my childhood. When I was 7, I got my first real mountain bike and often went on short off-road rides with my father. I started competing in more and more mountain bike races. After completing my apprenticeship as a polymechanic in June 2011, I took a 60% position at the company where I’d trained and began focusing more and more on the sport. For the 2013 season, I reduced my work hours further to 40%.

After several years of cross-country racing, I switched my focus entirely to the marathon in 2018. This year’s 2023 season was a complete success for me; I was able to achieve my goals and show what I’m capable of. The highlight was clearly my 4th-place finish at the Marathon World Championships and my Swiss national championship title. My competitive spirit and motivation are far from exhausted, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming
competitions.

2. You’re from the Bernese Oberland — what does home mean to you now that your season takes you all over the
European and world circuit?

Home is where I feel most comfortable. It’s the place where I recharge my batteries for races.

3. You actually started out racing XCO, cutting your teeth at the legendary evening races in Kiesen against the local top riders. How did that lead you into marathon and stage racing, and when did it click that XCM was your path?

Yes, that’s right. I started my career with XCO races. I was never one to start fast and I realized that the longer races suit me better. I especially like stage races. They’re definitely one of my strengths.

4. What is it about XCM and stage racing specifically that excites you — as opposed to XCO or road?

So much can happen in a stage race. And even if you have a bad day, the race isn’t over yet. In XCM, you get the best of both worlds: the technical aspects of XCO and the distance of road races.

5. Between your 2023 Swiss marathon title, your 4th place at the 2023 World Championships in Glasgow, your overall win at the 2024 Bike Transalp, and your 2025 Andorra Epic victory, which achievement means the most to you personally?

Swiss marathon title.

6. You were runner-up alongside your teammate Samuele Porro at last year’s Swiss Epic. Being Swiss yourself, this race must carry extra weight — what does it mean to you, and how are you feeling heading into this year’s edition?

Racing in my home country is always special. I’m currently in the Engadin, staying at the Bever Lodge to prepare myself for the race. I feel good and ready.

7. That runner-up finish came despite a mechanical problem on day one that cost you significant time, even with three stage wins along the way. What did that setback teach you, and how has it shaped your goals for this year’s race?

We were just unlucky. We’re focusing on ourselves and trying to make the best of it.

8. Who will you be partnering with at this year’s Swiss Epic, and how has the dynamic been with them so far as you prepare?

I’ll be starting with Samuele. We know each other very well. We’re really looking forward.

9. Becoming a father in 2022 changed a lot for you — how has balancing family life in Switzerland with a packed international race calendar shaped you as an athlete and as a person?

It’s not always easy. Especially when I’m away from home for several weeks. I try to enjoy the time I spend at home even more.

10. What role does nutrition and recovery play in multi-day stage races like the Swiss Epic, where over 300km and nearly 10,000m of climbing are on the table?

That’s one of the most important things, if not the most important one. I’m always trying to improve, too.

11. Your climbing has always been one of your biggest strengths, no doubt sharpened by training in the Bernese Alps. Is that something that came naturally, or have you worked hard to develop it?

Yes, climbing has always been one of my strengths.

12. What does a “good day” on the bike look like for you — even when the result isn’t what you hoped?

If I could push myself to the limit and get the most out of everything.

13. Favourite food on or off the bike? Any Swiss classics you miss when you’re racing abroad?

Raclette. But I don’t eat that during the season ☺.

14. Strangest thing you’ve ever craved mid-race?

I’m still waiting for that moment.

15. Do you have a pre-race ritual or lucky charm?

I have a necklace with a stone that my wife gave me.

16. If your path had gone differently and mountain biking hadn’t worked out, what do you think you’d be doing?

That’s really hard to say. I think I would take up a different sport.

17. What’s your favourite Squirt Cycling product, and why does it matter to you during the long, punishing stages

you race?

Hot wax. It’s very important that the chain stays in good condition throughout the whole race.

18. What would surprise fans or young riders about you if they knew you off the bike?

That I took dance lessons with my wife.

19. You made the jump from a Swiss regional standout to a fixture on the international XCM circuit. What’s your advice for young riders who dream of racing at that level but don’t know where to start?

Ambitious and believing that you can do it. I’ve learned that sometimes you have to take one step back before you

can take two steps forward.

Fun Facts

• Coffee order: Flat white

• Go-to recovery snack: Recovery shake by 226er

• Dream ride location: Engadin

• Early bird or night owl? Night owl

• One thing from Switzerland you wish you could bring to every race: My family