The appeal of the cycle marathon lies in the combination of sport and social event, right on the doorstep. Because there is no race, the atmosphere among the participants is collegial, there is no rush at the refreshment station and people chat along the route. This helps to overcome the difficult phases that everyone experiences on the long distances of the Alb Extreme. With the Marathon, Marathon XL and the "Traufkönig", there are three different routes covering more than 200 kilometres. The Traufkönig is the longest, covering around 5,100 metres in altitude over 310 kilometres, which is very close to the benchmark values of the Ötztal Cycle Marathon.
Alb Extreme: Flexible route concept
Unlike in the Alps, however, it is rarely possible to climb for any length of time in one go - instead it is constantly up and down. The great advantage is the flexible route concept: the overall route adds up to many different loops - if you want to ride shorter, you can still decide on the way and even turn off onto the RTF route. The MRSC Ottenbach has been organising the tough ride through the Swabian Alb for more than 40 years - the event is not only one of the oldest, but also one of the most popular cycling marathons in Germany.
That's why you have to be there
Many kilometres on the bike and little travel stress
- Date: 29 June 2025
- Start location: Ottenbach
- Route: 220 km to 310 km
- Costs: 89 Euro
- Info: https://albextrem.de
That's also available: More events
27 July | Arber Cycle Marathon
For more than 40 years, the Arber Marathon has been inviting cyclists to Regensburg. Little traffic and many metres in altitude attract racing cyclists from all over Germany to the Upper Palatinate year after year. The 250-kilometre Great Arber Circuit is definitely one of the most beautiful and challenging cycling marathons in Germany. https://veloclub-ratisbona.de
23 August | Wendelstein tour
Trademark: low entry fee and high mountains. The marathon covers 209 kilometres and 3,000 metres in altitude. Highlights include the climb up the Sudelfeld and the ride through the Valepp. www.wendelsteinrundfahrt.de
13 September | Lake Constance Cycle Marathon
2025 will be a special year for the Lake Constance Cycle Marathon, with three new routes. The 300-kilometre route, which goes all the way around Lake Constance for the first time, is particularly exciting. The traditional 220-kilometre route uses the ferry in Constance to shorten the route slightly. www.bodensee-radmarathon.ch
Kristian Bauer
Editor
