From Trophy newcomer to altitude meter collector

Brother Christoph (l) infected Paul von Holzen with the Gümmeler virus last year.

Paul von Holzen has been racing bikes for just under a year. His first major tour took him directly to the Stelvio Pass. Today he is on the podium of the Zugerberg Finanz Trophy altitude challenge.

"I just like to push myself," says Paul von Holzen, explaining his current top position, which he hadn't expected when he started the Trophy. It all started in July 2025: he bought a racing bike from Ricardo, the same model as his brother Christoph rides. The retired car mechanic has been riding his mountain bike for years and particularly enjoys the quiet rides in the countryside and the downhill sections. "I quickly realized that racing bikes and mountain bikes are two completely different things. I swayed at the slightest gust of wind. Nevertheless, I dared to take on the big tour to the Stilfserjoch right away. I died at least four times on the way, but the feeling at the top was indescribable and made me really proud."

He prefers to ride alone or with his brother. "I like to set my own pace and take breaks when it suits me. And you always get to talk to people, which is just great." He also appreciates these spontaneous encounters on the Zugerberg Finanz Trophy routes. Although he had already completed the brevet last year (all mountain routes in one day), he wasn't quite sure exactly how the Trophy worked. "I read up on it in winter and did my first walking laps in Steinhauser Wald at the end of March. At the beginning of April, I tackled the Horben on my racing bike and managed three rides in a row."

He felt that he was fit. This was followed by the stage from Root to Michel, which he completed almost thirty times, with a record day of six rides in a row. There were also numerous walking laps, including on the home stage in Menzingen. "You're on asphalt a lot, but the views are simply fantastic," enthuses the passionate athlete.

For a long time, Paul paid little attention to the Trophy rankings, as he is not necessarily one of the fastest. But ever since his brother drew his attention to his position in the altitude challenge, he has been hooked. Now he wants to keep going.

Note: It's a neck-and-neck race. At the time of the exchange, Paul was ahead, then Peter Berweger overtook him. But now Paul has made up ground again - you can see who is currently in front here.

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