40[th] Ötztal Cycle Marathon: Belief in what is feasible
On Sunday, 29 August, the most legendary cycling event for amateur athletes and road cycling enthusiasts celebrates already its 40th edition.
Trust and confidence are the defining motifs of all those involved in the 2021 anniversary edition. After many months of preparation, almost 4000 athletes from 32 nations tackle the race course covering 238 km and 5500 altitude meters. The OC team and hundreds of volunteers and assistants ensure that the marathon is carried out safely within the framework of a sophisticated safety concept.
The “Ötztaler” myth is alive and the longing of racing cyclists from all over the world to fulfill their personal dream remains unbroken. The corona-related break in the previous year does not change anything. “The positive feedback and the trust of the participants encouraged us to organize the event. In order to succeed in this ambitious project, however, the personal responsibility of each individual is required. What is already standard in normal times is even more true this year. Only those who feel fit and healthy should come to Sölden,” explains Dominic Kuen, OC Head of the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon. He and his expert team have been working for months to set up a pandemic-compliant sports event. It is based on a complete Covid prevention concept developed by the company that also provided its know-how in the ÖSV Alpine ski races. In close cooperation with the authorities in North and South Tirol, the first "cross-border major event" can be carried out.
Focus on all athletes
In the 2021 edition, the organizers and hundreds of volunteers are resuming their established role as those who make a dream come true. Therefore, amateur athletes can fully focus on the tough challenge over a distance of 238 kilometers covering 5500 altitude meters. The well-known “must-have rule” applies to everyone involved - whether participants, volunteers or spectators. Only those who are vaccinated, tested or recovered can enjoy the anniversary Ötztaler close up. Modern technology is also used to avoid crowds of people already in advance. The obligatory cyclists meeting with current information on the route and weather is broadcast via live stream directly to all living & hotel rooms via Ötztaler Radmarathon TV.
Ötztaler jubilees at the start
The fascination of the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon is revealed in the high proportion of “habitual participants”. 20 cyclists in the starting field have been taking part for over 20 years. Martin Strobl (born 1945) from Styria is worth mentioning as he is tackling his 31st cycle marathon. Germany leads the national statistics with 2225 participants, followed by Austria (750), Italy (570), Switzerland (127) and the Netherlands (103). 246 women are among the 4023 participants. Everyone will pedal under the protective wings of the Golden Eagle, the symbolic “anniversary” animal. It serves as a true role model for the participants due to strength, skill and perseverance. A look into the recent past shows how far you can get with these characteristics. The sensational Austrian Olympic champion from Tokyo, Anna Kiesenhofer, finished second in the 2018 Ötztaler Cycle Marathon.
Live broadcast
The Ötztaler Cycle Marathon delivers exciting stories and images from Sölden as well as live from the course on the race day. From 6.30 am to 9.30 pm, fans can follow the action online from various locations of the anniversary Ötztaler. Live broadcast will be available on the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon website – www.oetztaler-radmarathon.com/livestream
Race course
Start in Sölden. Mostly downhill to Oetz (800 m). Then uphill to Kühtai (2020 m). Downhill stretch to Kematen and further on towards Innsbruck (600 m). Uphill to Brenner Pass (1377 m). Take a deep breath and pedal down to Sterzing (960 m). Turn right and cycle smoothly uphill to Jaufenpass (2090 m). Carefully downhill to St. Leonhard in Passeiertal (700 m) and then the grand finale up to Timmelsjoch (2474 m). Dream destination: Sölden (1377 m).
Mountain passages
Warm up Oetz – Kühtai: 18.5 km; 1200 altitude meters; Refreshment station at KM 51; Find your perfect pace Innsbruck – Brenner: 39 km; 777 altitude meters; Refreshment station at KM 127; Approaching cautiously Sterzing – Jaufenpass: 15.5 km; 1130 altitude meters; Refreshment station at KM 161; Mountain of fate St. Leonhard – Timmelsjoch 28.7 km; 1724 altitude meters; refreshment station at KM 201 and KM 209.
Ötztaler Cycle Marathon – Good to know
- 9500 pieces of cake for the participants are produced by Ötztal volunteers.
- There are 66 switchbacks along the 238 kilometer long route.
- At the highest point of the race course – Timmelsjoch Pass - the pulsimeter shows an average pulse of 160.
- Highly energy-consuming: the finishers consume an average of 9000 calories.
- At the premiere in 1982, 115 amateur athletes were at the start.
More Information www.oetztaler-radmarathon.com/home
Media Contact
Gloria Schultes
gloria.schultes@oetztal.com
T +43 (0) 57200 219
