Matevž Nunar claimed a dramatic first professional victory at Challenge Peguera-Mallorca, overtaking Alexander Kull inside the final kilometre as just 34 seconds separated the men’s podium finishers.
The Slovenian emerged victorious from a closely fought contest, with Britain’s Jack Hutchens taking third – just one second ahead of Michiel Stockman.
In the women’s race, defending champion Cathia Schär of Switzerland overcame both Caroline Pohle and early stomach problems on the run to make it back-to-back victories.
Women’s race – Schär makes it two
Pohle set the early pace in the Mediterranean, completing the swim in 26:58, with Schär just seven seconds behind. Laura Jansen was also firmly in contention after a 27:10 swim.
The leading pair separated themselves from the rest on the bike, with Pohle and Schär riding close together for much of the 90km.
Pohle eventually opened a gap in the closing stages, recording a 2:18:42 bike split compared with Schär’s 2:19:45. She reached T2 with a cushion of 1:18, while Jansen was more than six minutes behind the leader.
But Schär soon began to turn the race around on the half marathon, moving ahead within the opening few kilometres despite struggling herself.
“I didn’t know how it was going to be, but I had amazing memories from last year,” she said afterwards. “To finish first once again is amazing. I really love the course.
“During the first lap of the run, I didn’t feel very good – I had some stomach problems and was afraid it was going to be a very long run. But then I got into a good rhythm and started feeling better.”
Schär’s 1:20:03 run secured victory in 4:10:13, with Pohle holding second in 4:11:48.
Jansen made up ground with a 1:17:52 half marathon to complete the podium in 4:13:17. Marta Bernardi and Anne Reischmann rounded out the top five.
Men’s race – Nunar times his move perfectly
Severin Schwarz and Leon Pauger led the way through the swim, emerging in 23:33 with a useful advantage over a sizeable chasing group.
Pauger then took control on the bike, building a lead of around two minutes by T2 despite the efforts of those behind, including Will Draper.
The Austrian remained ahead through the opening run lap, but his advantage began to disappear as Kull, Hutchens and Stockman closed in.
Kull moved into the lead shortly before halfway and appeared on course for victory. Nunar, however, was working his way into contention after a swim that had left him believing his chance had gone.
He gradually reeled in the German before making the decisive pass inside the final kilometre, taking the tape in 3:42:38.
“Honestly, I can’t believe what happened,” Nunar said. “After the swim I thought the race was over and I only wanted to enjoy the day.
“But, on the bike I got back with the group and during the run the legs came together. I really don’t know what happened here.”
Kull finished 21 seconds later, while Hutchens won the battle for bronze in 3:43:12, edging Stockman by a single second. Draper completed the top five in 3:43:49.
Challenge Peguera-Mallorca results
Saturday 17 October 2026
Women
| Position | Athlete | Nationality | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cathia Schär | SUI | 4:10:13 |
| 2 | Caroline Pohle | GER | 4:11:48 |
| 3 | Laura Jansen | GER | 4:13:17 |
| 4 | Marta Bernardi | ITA | 4:19:52 |
| 5 | Anne Reischmann | GER | 4:20:56 |
Men
| Position | Athlete | Nationality | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matevž Nunar | SLO | 3:42:38 |
| 2 | Alexander Kull | GER | 3:42:59 |
| 3 | Jack Hutchens | GBR | 3:43:12 |
| 4 | Michiel Stockman | BEL | 3:43:13 |
| 5 | Will Draper | GBR | 3:43:49 |
