Zofingen Duathlon 2026: Émile Blondel-Hermant doubles up, Merle Brunnée claims a historic fifth crown

Zofingen’s 2026 long-distance duathlon Worlds delivered two defining storylines: Merle Brunnée becoming the most decorated woman in race history with a fifth win, and Émile Blondel-Hermant backing up his 2024 title with a record-breaking masterclass on the iconic course.

Racing conditions were ideal in Zofingen (Switzerland) for the Long Distance Duathlon World Championships on a course that’s as brutal as it is iconic, and often plagued by cold and rain. Not this year. Instead, the heat, especially in the afternoon, pushed the 700 starters to their limits, particularly over the closing kilometres.

Germany’s Merle Brunnée captured her fifth world title over 10 km run, 150 km bike and 30 km run, making her the most successful athlete in the event’s history.

In the men’s race, France’s Émile Blondel-Hermant put on a clinic to take the win and set a new course record. For the home Swiss, though, it was a much tougher day on their own roads.

Émile Blondel-Hermant: a masterclass and a course record

Émile Blondel-Hermant delivered a full-on show of strength in the men’s race. The Frenchman made his move early, breaking clear from the pack before stopping the clock at 5h50’30”, a new course record. He takes eight minutes off the previous best and finishes twelve minutes ahead of Belgium’s Jonathan Wayaffe, in second.

It’s a second Zofingen victory for Blondel-Hermant after his 2024 win, and the perfect answer to a frustrating 2025 edition, when a mechanical forced him to abandon early in the bike leg. Baptiste Domanico, also French and the 2025 winner, rounded out the podium in third.

Things were far more complicated for the host nation. Switzerland’s Jens-Michael Gossauer, seen as one of the favourites, was forced to retire very early. Benjamin Ueltschi didn’t even make the start due to health issues.

Men’s Top 5

1 Émile Blondel-Hermant (France) 5h50’30

2 Jonathan Wayaffe (Belgium) 6h02’30

3 Baptiste Domanico (France) 6h13’44

4 Thibaut De Smet (Belgium) 6h17’47

5 Wout Driever (Netherlands) 6h18’48

Full results

A record fifth title for Merle Brunnée

In the women’s race, Merle Brunnée had to fight to defend her crown and add a record-breaking extra title to the tally.

The German lost time early after a crash, but she regrouped brilliantly, steadily clawing back the deficit before rebuilding her advantage on the bike. She then put the race to bed on the final 30 km run, opening a decisive gap to her rivals.

Brunnée controlled that final segment perfectly to cross the line in 6h45’51”, nearly seven minutes ahead of Britain’s Rachel Brown, in second. With this latest crown, Merle Brunnée becomes the only athlete to have won five Long Distance duathlon world titles.

Women’s Top 5

1 Merle Brunnée (Germany) 6h45’51

2 Rachel Brown (Great Britain) 6h52’29

3 Hana Kolarova (Czech Republic) 7h20’08

4 Carlota Corbella (Spain) 7h31’24

5 Ramona Rieder (Switzerland) 7h45’40

Full results

French age-groupers in the spotlight

At these World Championships, French amateur duathletes were particularly sharp:

- In the 20-24 age group, it was a French sweep, with: Paul Tremblé, ahead of Loris Van Dalen and Thomas Cajet.

- Colin Dusserre won the 30-34 category, and Denis Chagot finished third.

- Pierre Barbier finished second in the 30-39s.

- Laurent Martinou finished second in 50-54, ahead of Sébastien Feschet

- Karim Nezzar finished second in 55-59.

- Patrice Biville won the 60-64 category.

- Harry Heekeng finished third in 65-69.

- Thierry Foulounoux and Alex Vennevault took the top two spots in 70-74.

For the women:

- Marine Claudel is the 30-34 world champion.

- Karine Guillot did the same in 45-49.

- Corinne Lefevre won in 55-59.

- Sylvie Parmantier and Nadine Chouidira-Merlin finished first and third in 60-64.