For almost ten years, BOPP has been sponsoring Ronja Blöchlinger on her journey as a young and ambitious mountain biker to the world leading rankings. For the first time in 2025, she is riding in the top international league and has achieved podium finishes in her first season. We congratulate Ronja most sincerely on this and on her own personal highlight, finishing in third place in the World Cup Short Track home race.
Despite her tough training schedule, she has taken time out to tell us about her season.
At the start of the season, I stood at about 300 in the world rankings, as I was only able to compete in a few races in the previous year. Refreshed with new energy, I began the season in Brazil and collected important ranking points. My goal was to get into the top 40 quickly in order to qualify for Short Track (XCC). Already, in the second World Cup race in Brazil I achieved sixth place in the XCC, as I made the cut as a substitute rider and was therefore fortunately able to participate in XCC. The Cross Country Olympic (XCO) race also went very well (13th place).
Back in Europe the starting positions in Nové Mésto did not extend to Short Track races. However, in XCO I managed to move from the very back to finish in the top 20. Leogang and Val de Sole were also the Olympic distance. In Andorra, at 2000 metres above sea level and on a technically demanding course, I made the breakthrough. As a couple of athletes were unable to start, I got in as a substitute again and got the final starting position. From last place, I managed to work my way through the whole pack to finish on the podium (third place). My resulting improved starting position in the Cross Country Olympic meant I was able to manage my strength better and achieve a personal best in 8th place.
I used the well-earned summer break for a week’s climbing holiday in Andorra and then for another strenuous block of training, which I completed at home in Biel.
The World Cup in Les Gets followed the summer break, where once again as a substitute rider I achieved 12th position in XCC. This meant I was able to start on the second row in XCO and again achieved a place in the top 20.
Finally, it was time for the home World Championship: in Zermatt, on a similar route to Andorra, I achieved second best Swiss position with a fourth in Short Track. This was a real highlight. It allowed me to dream about what would be possible if I could occupy a starting position in the front row. The XCO in Crans Montana, with many climbs and technical runs really took it out of me. I suffered from leg cramps and frustratingly ended up in 23rd position.
A particular highlight was the Home World Cup in Lenzerheide. In XCC I worked my way up continuously forward from the back of the field until the final sprint decided the podium places (3rd place) – a better result for me this time. In XCO, cheered on by family, friends, sponsors and fans, I was able to finally enjoy a race without cramps – thanks to a nutritional adjustment. The Lenzerheide course is one of my favourites. It includes many natural trails with roots and stones and is great fun to ride. The unbelievable atmosphere and riding in front of my home crowd gave me additional motivation. I found my flow and sprinted over the finish line in 11th place as the third fastest Swiss woman – a result I am delighted with.
The season is now nearly at an end and only the World Cup in Lake Placid (USA) and the final World Cup in Mont-Saint-Anne (Canada) remain on the programme. I look forward to the overseas travel and would like the opportunity to give everything once more before the season finishes.
Best regards from Biel!
Ronja
Pictures: Robin Nevrala
