The Ötztaler Cycle Marathon celebrates its 30th birthday. TOUR spoke to the head of organisation Ernst Lorenzi about the present and future of the Ötztaler:
TOUR: Is the Ötztaler a sure-fire success today?
Lorenzi: Not at all, it's getting more and more difficult to get a licence. We only manage to close the route thanks to good relations with hoteliers and politicians. The bus companies in Innsbruck cannot take hikers to Sellrain on this day and there is also criticism of the road closure in Wipptal and Timmelsjoch. The situation has come to a head at the Jaufenpass, where the landlord of the Jaufenhaus is complaining about loss of earnings and wants to prevent us from obtaining a permit to pass through and setting up a catering point.
It is always claimed that the Ötztaler does not make a profit. But around 400,000 euros in entry fees have to go somewhere?
As long as I am head of organisation, the Ötztaler will not make a profit because we spend the money for the benefit of the cyclists. The TV production and TV distribution alone cost 70,000 euros and we have 780 helpers who want to be paid.
There have been discussions about a professional race. What is the current status?
We have spoken to the UCI about a WorldTour race on the route of the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon. However, these proposals were rejected by the Professional Cycling Council (editor's note: UCI commission with representatives of riders, teams and organisers). I don't yet know the exact reasons for the cancellation.
Weren't you afraid that amateur athletes would reject the doping-incriminated professionals?
No, it's still the case that people look up to the professionals, regardless of whether they dope or not. Cycling has certainly done the most to raise awareness of all sports.
What does the future hold for the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon?
As far as the number of participants is concerned, we have reached the top. It makes no sense to increase the number of participants to 6,000 or 8,000. However, I would like the Ötztaler to offer a series ranking together with other top events in Europe. I also hope that we can offer the rally to Sölden from all four points of the compass in the future. This year we will see if people like it. From a technical point of view, many things are conceivable: An expansion of the TV coverage or GPS tracking of all participants via the internet. Then friends and family could follow the race live!
Interview: Kristian Bauer
