The 45th edition of the Ötztal Cycle Marathon has set two records: the start list includes over 4,000 participants from 40 countries, and the proportion of female participants has reached 10.44 per cent for the first time. The route officially covers 227 kilometres and 5,500 metres of elevation gain through the Ötztal valley. The four Alpine passes – Kühtai, Brenner, Jaufen Pass and Timmelsjoch – present riders with one of the greatest challenges in amateur cycling. 56 per cent of the starters come from Germany, followed by Austria and Italy.
Nine former winners on the starting line
The start list features nine former winners of the race. Defending champion Daniel Federspiel from Tyrol is aiming to repeat his success. Germany’s Janine Meyer holds the women’s course record. Jack Burke, former amateur world champion Johnny Hoogerland, Catherine Rossmann, Monika Dietl, Stefano Cecchini and Roberto Cunico are also returning. Ekkehard Dörschlag from Salzburg has already won the race four times.
OK boss Dominic Kuen highlights the diversity of the participants. 27 riders are taking part for the 20th time or more. Martin Strobl from Graz, aged 81, is competing in his 36th Ötztal Cycle Marathon. Federspiel is raring to go: “It would be great to win again, of course. I’m really raring to go!”
Toni Palzer is taking part in the Ötztal Cycle Marathon
Former WorldTour professional and top ski mountaineer Toni Palzer is making his debut at the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon. Last year, he covered the Ötztaler as a co-commentator. He had already announced his intention to compete back then. Former world-class skiers Werner Heel and Manfred Mölgg are also set to take part and have previously achieved top times in the race. Florian Scheiber, a former ski racer and current coach of the Norwegian World Cup team, is competing for the third time.
A number of favourites are emerging in the battle for victory. Multiple MTB marathon world champion Alban Lakata is aiming for his first win. Jonas Holzknecht of the Tirol KTM Cycling Team finished second last year. Hermann Pernsteiner will be making his debut at the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon in 2025. The former WorldTour professional and mountain bike specialist finished tenth overall in the 2020 Giro d’Italia. In 2017, he came 15th in the Pro Ötztaler 5500. “The route, with its many metres of elevation gain, should suit me. I’m reasonably familiar with the route, and this year at the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon I’m determined to be in contention for the win,” explains the former runner-up in the Tour of Austria.
Proportion of women taking part in the Ötztal Cycle Marathon has risen
The proportion of women among entrants for the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon is set to reach a new high of 10.44 per cent in 2026. This represents an increase of 87 per cent since 2016. Organising Committee Chair Heike Klotz wants to further boost the visibility of women in the race. The organisers are introducing same-sex start place transfers to ensure that reserved start places are actually taken by women.
On 12 August 2026, ÖRM TV will be broadcasting live from Sölden from 6.00 pm. Toni Palzer will be a guest in the studio. In 2025, Anton Palzer provided commentary as a co-commentator on the live stream of the Ötztal Cycle Marathon and hinted at the possibility of taking part. As a guest on the programme, he is sure to be asked questions about his ambitions for the inaugural event.
