Axpo celebrates Swiss hour record with elite para-athlete Roger Bolliger

Willpower on two wheels: On 3 July 2025 in Grenchen, Swiss para-cyclist Roger Bolliger made history. With a remarkable performance on the track, the 50-year-old athlete, riding with just one leg, set a new Swiss hour record. His achievement is a powerful example of what can be accomplished with mental strength, precision, and determination.

167 laps, 41.845 kilometers

The Tissot Velodrome in Grenchen is known for hosting world-class cycling events. But what happened on the evening of 3 July was more than just a race. It was a moment that reflected unshakable determination. Roger Bolliger, a para-cyclist from the Canton of Aargau, completed 167 laps on the 250-metre wooden track. In doing so, he set a new Swiss hour record in the "Standing C2" category, covering an impressive 41.845 kilometers in one hour, using only one leg.

A moment to remember

More than 100 spectators were present to cheer Bolliger on with heartfelt applause. The atmosphere in the velodrome was charged with emotion, respect, and admiration. High temperatures made conditions especially demanding, yet Bolliger gained strength with every lap. His performance is a striking example of mental endurance and unwavering willpower.

"I'm overjoyed," Bolliger said after reaching the finish line. He stayed fully focused on his rhythm, undistracted by the music, the crowd, or the intensity of the moment.

Six months of preparation for one hour of truth

This record-breaking performance did not happen by chance. It was the result of over six months of focused training, carried out with the highest level of discipline and dedication. Every session was designed to prepare both his body and his mind for this single, decisive moment. In his speech following the race, Bolliger expressed his wish to inspire others. 
"It doesn’t matter what your starting point is," he said. "What matters is believing in yourself and giving your all. That’s when great things become possible."

From life-changing accident to elite sport

Roger Bolliger’s journey began more than two decades ago after a serious work accident in 2002 cost him his right leg. Giving up was never an option. With patience and determination, he rebuilt his life step by step, discovered cycling, and developed into a successful athlete on both the road and the track.

Today, the 50-year-old is part of the PluSport Para-Cycling national team, which is preparing for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. His hour record is more than a sporting achievement, it is a symbol of resilience, long-term discipline, and strength of mind.

Swiss Willpower

Since 2025, Axpo has been the Leading Partner of PluSport. This renewed commitment builds on 18 years of trusted collaboration. The partnership is shaped by the idea of Swiss Willpower, a belief in perseverance, resilience, and the power of possibility.

The official record attempt marked the launch of this deeper cooperation. Together, Axpo and PluSport are working to build a more inclusive Switzerland where everyone can realise their potential – in sports, at work, and in everyday life.

Swiss Willpower creates opportunities for connection and makes social responsibility tangible and visible. This hour record is a powerful symbol of the initiative’s purpose. It shows just how much courage, determination, and inner strength are behind extraordinary achievements, especially when the circumstances are demanding.

“We believe in the potential of every person. Para-sport clearly shows how courage, motivation, and team spirit can make an incredible difference – both on a small and a large scale,” says Mark Wilms, Head of Brand and Reputation at Axpo.