The time has finally come: following its postponement until autumn, the Carinthia200 is now set to take place. Amateur cyclists from Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Hungary and Italy, as well as 19 other countries, have registered. The race will start in the heart of Villach, with the route taking participants through the Alps-Adriatic region and back to the city on the Drau.
Two routes at Carinthia200
Participants can choose between two distances. The Carinthia200 route is 197.4 kilometres long with 2,731 metres of elevation gain, whilst the Carinthia105 covers 105.7 kilometres with 1,304 metres of elevation gain. A special feature of the event is that participants can decide which distance to complete whilst on the route. The route passes through the Gail Valley, the Windische Höhe, Stockenboi and the Drau Valley. Sections of the route will be closed to through traffic.
Winter sports enthusiasts at Carinthia200
Seven Austrian winter sports legends are acting as ambassadors and taking part in the event. Martin Koch, who hails from Villach, won Olympic gold in the team ski jumping event in 2006. Nici Schmidhofer claimed the Super-G world title in 2017. Elisabeth Görgl became a double world champion in the downhill and Super-G in 2011. Andreas Goldberger dominated as ski flying world champion and three-time overall World Cup winner. Christoph Sumann won an Olympic biathlon medal. The snowboarding duo Sabine and Alexander Payer complete the line-up.
Nici Schmidhofer explains: “The Carinthia200 is my first road cycling event and I’m delighted to be taking part in its inaugural edition.” Fans will be able to meet the athletes even before the race begins. On Thursday 17 September, there will be a social ride with Sabine Payer and Martin Koch. On Friday 18 September, Nici Schmidhofer will be joining the ride. The ambassador talk on stage is scheduled for Saturday 19 September at 5.00 pm.
Tourism in the off-season
Following the postponement, the event now takes place after the peak season, which pleases those responsible for tourism. The premiere was originally scheduled for 31 May. The event weekend, running from 17 to 21 September, will bring visitors to the region for several days.
Kärnten Werbung is using the event to position the region as a road cycling destination. Managing Director Klaus Ehrenbrandtner highlights the participants’ countries of origin: Germany, Slovenia, Hungary and Italy are key source markets for tourism in Carinthia. The cyclists experience Carinthia from the saddle of their road bikes, amidst mountains and lakes.
The organiser's concept
Event Director Julius Rupitsch describes the route: long valleys, challenging climbs and frequent views of lakes characterise the route. This experience is set to be enjoyed by 2,000 people from 24 nations. The organiser sees the international response as confirmation of the concept. The event is set to become Austria’s largest road cycling event.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
