Perfect conditions, an all-star elite field and new male and female records at the 2025 Matterhorn Ultraks Extreme.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Matterhorn, the 2025 race featured a challenging course of steep ascents, technical descents, and high-altitude terrain that tested even the most seasoned athletes. Rubstova and Boffelli conquered the demanding 28km, 3175m+ route with remarkable performances, showcasing exceptional skyrunning ability.
Both winners claimed their third wins at the Extreme, walking away with maximum points towards the 2025 Merrell Skyrunner® World Series Overall Ranking.
In the women’s race, Rubstova delivered a commanding run, pulling away from the women’s field after the first climb and maintaining her lead throughout. Crossing the finish line in Zermatt to the cheers of an international crowd, she earned her third Matterhorn Ultraks Extreme title in 4:14:59. Maria Christen of Switzerland (team Scott Running), came second, nine minutes behind Rubtsova, and Lucille Germain of France (team Nnormal) closed the women’s podium just 30 seconds after. The three women, impressively, kept these positions for the entire race.
Rubtsova comments: “I didn’t feel great for the whole race, half of the time I had cramps in my legs, but I did it!! I was always looking over my shoulder for the other girls as I knew that Lucille would not be far behind but I continued to push and by the time I had reached Rothornhutte, I felt confident and I started to believe I could win again. Ultraks Extreme will always be my favourite race and one I love to return to.”
On the men’s side, Italian athlete and Mont Blanc Record holder, William Boffelli (team Kailas) added another prestigious accolade to his career with his third victory in Zermatt. Fred Tranchand of France (team Merrell) set the pace in the uphill with Boffelli following close behind but after the first climb, the Italian star changed gear and left the rest of the men’s field for dust. Boffelli arrived at the finish line in Zermatt five minutes ahead of Manuel Merillas in second place, with an unbelievable time of 3:25:06. Closing the men’s podium was young French star and the absolute dark-horse of the day, Lucien Mermillion with a time of 3:31:19, who secured his podium position on the final downhill.
Boffelli comments: “I love this race. It’s my race I think because it’s designed for me – very technical, steep and the uphills are perfect. When I felt like I was in a good shape in the first uphill I thought maybe I can win if I don’t make a mistake, so I tried to push and was able to create a small gap between me and Fred at the end of the first uphill and then in the first downhill the gap opened and when I felt like I could continue to increase it, I said ok I’m going to push and I’m going to win.”
Full results can be found HERE.
The series continues in two weeks on the 6th of September with Saint Jeoire Skyrace in France.
