After a great 2025 season, highlighted by a fantastic victory at the MB Race, Stefanie Zahno is already looking ahead to 2026. The World Championships in Valais, which didn’t quite meet her expectations, are now just a distant memory, and the Upper Valais rider is ready to take on an extraordinary challenge: the Cape Epic. Eight days of racing, over 700 km and nearly 16,000 meters of elevation gain, which she will tackle alongside German rider Michaela Barz-Harold, with whom she has already competed at the Swiss Epic. A few days before the start, the Raid Evolénard caught up with her to reflect on last season and discuss what she expects from this new year.
Between a fantastic victory at the MB Race and a World Championship in Valais where you couldn’t fully show your potential, how do you look back on your 2025 season?
Sport is known for its highs and lows. Sometimes, the least expected victories are the most beautiful — like at the MB Race, for example. I think a lot more is happening at the mental level than we tend to believe. After this season, I ranked among the top twenty in the world rankings for the first time. So overall, I look back on the season positively.
You seem particularly motivated to kick off the 2026 season, with this somewhat crazy goal you’ve set yourself, competing in the Cape Epic. What drew you to this race?
The Cape Epic has been on my mind for several years, but I gave myself the time I needed before taking on the world’s greatest race. After eleven successful stage races around the world, I feel ready to take on this challenge.
Can you tell us about your teammate and the goals you’ve set for these 8 days of racing?
Her name is Michaela Barz-Harold and she comes from Germany. We already did the Swiss Epic together last year. The Cape Epic is much bigger, and anything can happen over these 8 days of racing. Our goal is to finish the event. This year, there will be a large women’s field with 23 teams — it promises to be very exciting.
The Raid Evolénard, a race that means a great deal to you, will this year host the Swiss Championships. Do you see this as a great opportunity to once again claim a medal at the national championships?
I will give my all to have a great race in Evolène. Winning another medal will be a major goal, but I will focus on my own race and my own performance. I remember the 2016 Swiss Championships in Evolène, where I was watching the top athletes thinking that one day I would love to be in their shoes. In a way, I’m already happy to be where I am today.
What will your main goals be for this season, now that Valais 2025 is behind you?
The Swiss Championships in Evolène will be the next big home event — it comes around fast! It’s definitely a goal. But I think my main objective is to deliver a strong performance at every race, and we’ll see where that takes me.
Thank you and good luck for your 2026 season!