Between Myth and Legend. Ötztaler Cycle Marathon 2019.
There are numerous cycling marathons. And there is the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon. Almost 4000 hobby cyclists put all their months of preparation into practice on 01 September 2019 – on occasion of the 39th marathon edition leading through Ötztal, Sellraintal, Inntal, Wipptal, Jaufental and Passeiertal. Every year there are more than 15,000 registrations for the toughest cycling challenge covering 238 km, 5500 altitude meters and four Alpine passes. Kühtai, Brenner, Jaufenpass and Timmelsjoch. An enormous challenge for everyone. Participants, organizers, helpers and volunteers.
For an entire month, from 01 to 28 February, female and male racing cyclists from all over the world have the opportunity to register for one of the coveted and limited starting places. In mid-March, the official draw will take place for individual cyclists and teams. In order to meet all requirements and to maintain equal opportunity, a sophisticated mathematical model is used. The lucky starters are then personally contacted by e-mail and asked to pay the registration fee in time. If the deadline is expired also the starting permission expires and the free place will be drawn again in the second round – which makes those on the waiting list quite nervous and then very happy. In the end they are all there. Ready in the starting grid. Those who really dare the adventure of taking part in the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon.
Training units 365 days a year. Discussions 365 days a year.
There are cycling marathons. And there is the ultimate Ötztaler Cycle Marathon. No other race is so controversial. Once and never again. Until next time. Fighting for another finisher jersey. Rookies meet returners. For this race you prepare 365 days a year and you also talk about it 365 days a year. Forecasts, opinions, experiences and stories. Ranging from personally experienced highs and lows to recounted stories. All this makes the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon a true myth. A race like no other.
Under the sign of the Marmot.
In 2019 the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon is under the sign of the Marmot. Last year was under the sign of the Ibex while this year "Marmota" takes over the sponsorship. Not only on the posters and in the advertising campaign, but also along the route. On the race weekend in early September, our friends living in the wild will probably watch the hobby cyclists who hear them whistling frenetically on their way up to Timmelsjoch Pass. "Marmots live above the tree line as they have learned to survive there. That's exactly what distinguishes them. Similar to all those who will participate in the cycle marathon. They also have to conserve their energy sensibly in the barren high altitude area beyond 2000 meters. And I assume that the cyclists have already finished their hibernation and now already recharge their batteries and stamina for the exhausting ride over the four famous Alpine passes on the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon route". André Stadler, Director of Innsbruck's Alpine Zoo, knows what he is talking about.
Even better in 2019.
"If we succeed in maintaining the high quality of the event this year again, we have achieved our goal. Of course there will be a few adaptations, especially when it comes to general rules, regulations and conditions of participation. In any case we will organize the Bike 4 Help Prologue on Friday. On the race day we would like to deliver as many live pictures from the race track as possible straight to the finish area and the fans at home by captivating them with unique images - we really hope that we can trust in our technical equipment." Dominic Kuen, Head of OC, and his expert team are already in the right "Ötzi mood" by fully focusing on the event.
More detailed information: www.oetztaler-radmarathon.com
Marathon Track:
Start in Sölden. Rather downhill towards Oetz (800 m). Then uphill to Kühtai (2020 m). Downhill stretch to Kematen and further on towards Innsbruck (600 m). Take a deep breath before you cycle up to Brenner Pass (1377 m). Downhill to Sterzing (960 m). Keep to the right, cycling uphill constantly to Jaufen Pass (2090 m). Take care on the downhill section to St. Leonhard in Passeier (700 m), followed by the big final climb to Timmelsjoch Pass (2509). The undisputed dream destination: Sölden (1377 m).
Mountain Passages:
Mountain passages:
Warmup / Oetz – Kühtai: 18.5 km; 1200 altitude meters; refreshment station at KM 51; Conserving energy / Innsbruck – Brenner: 39 km; 777 altitude meters; refreshment station at KM 127; Cautious approach / Sterzing – Jaufen Pass: 15.5 km; 1130 altitude meters; refreshment station at KM 161; Mountain of fate / St. Leonhard – Timmelsjoch: 28.7 km; 1759 altitude meters; refreshment stations at KM 201 and 209.
More high resolution images can be found here:
https://media.oetztal.com/pinaccess/showpin.do?pinCode=A16q6Zxq409w
Media Contact
Sarah Ennemoser
T +43 (0) 57200 217 F +43 (0) 57200 201
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