France's Baptiste Domanico and Germany's Merle Brunnée conquered the challenging course at Powerman Zofingen 2025, securing the coveted Long Distance Duathlon World Championship titles. Amid sunny skies and warm temperatures, the athletes battled through a grueling 10km run, 150km bike, and 30km run to claim victory, in the case of Brunée, for the fourth time in her career.
How the men's race unfolded
'It was my day,' declared a triumphant Baptiste Domanico after crossing the finish line in 6 hours, 6 minutes, and 50 seconds to become the new Long Distance world champion. The 34-year-old Frenchman, who finished seventh last year, showcased incredible strength on the bike. 'I felt exceptionally comfortable today, and that lead gave me the confidence for the final run.'
The race, however, saw heartbreak for defending champion Émile Blondel-Hermant. The favourite's hopes were dashed just half an hour in due to a flat tire, while Matthieu Bourgeois, the 2022 Powerman winner, also retired early.
While Blondel-Hermant's misfortune stole headlines, Domanico's determined performance seized victory. He powered ahead on the bike course, overtaking Fabian Holbach, who remained close behind until the final kilometers of the 150km cycle. Entering the final run with over a two-minute advantage on Switzerland's Jens-Michael Gossauer, Domanico held his lead. A surprise performance from Dane Silas Engel Lambaek pushed Gossauer into fourth, while Holbach secured the bronze, repeating his result from two years ago. Second-placed Lambaek was delighted, saying 'I felt in good shape for this tough race in Zofingen, but you could say it's a surprise.”'
How the women's race unfolded
Merle Brunnée of Germany once again lived up to expectations, claiming her fourth Long Distance world championship title.
In her Powerman Zofingen debut, Britain's Rachel Brown initially set a blistering pace, transitioning to the bike first as this year's middle-distance world championship runner-up. However, Brunnée quickly asserted her dominance, overtaking Brown and building a 40-second lead by the 22-kilometer mark on the Wiliberg climb. From there, the German controlled the race, entering the final run with a comfortable lead and securing her fourth victory in Zofingen in the last five years.
Despite a grueling 6 hours and 48 minutes on the course, the beaming Brunnée remarked calmly: '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.'
Rachel Brown held strong to defend her second place and earn silver in her first Powerman appearance, stating: “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, crossing the finish line in a well-deserved third place.
