Oetztaler Cycle Marathon 2017 - Soelden/Oetztal (AUT) - News
Bicycle racing: sprockets, sweat and tears – the challenge of the year!
Oetztaler Radmarathon 2017
August 27, 2017, Soelden/Oetztal valley (Austria)
4 steep Alpine passes, 238 kilometres in distance, and 5,500 metres in altitude: on August 27, 2017, nearly 5,000 competitors from all over the world will tackle the Oetztaler Radmarathon at Soelden, Tirol, Austria. To overcome this strenuous road bicycle marathon within one day is a one-of-a-kind challenge for the contestants.
The classic Oetztaler Radmarathon route departs from Soelden (1,377 m above sea-level). After riding out of the valley to Oetz (820 m), and an 18-percent ascent to Kuehtai (2,020 m), the downhill to Innsbruck (600 m) will follow. At kilometre 127, the cyclists will cross the Italian border at Brenner Pass (1,377 m). After reaching Sterzing (960 m), they will head back to Tirol, attacking a difficult task: with 2,090 m above sea-level, Jaufen Pass is the second-highest pass of the Oetztal course. The last and steepest ascent will take the riders from St. Leonhard in Passeiertal (750 m) to Timmelsjoch (2,509 m). After 189 kilometres, this 29-km climb will be the most exhausting test for the cyclists, as they have to conquer a 14-percent ascent. Finally, they will then roll down back to Soelden.