In 2026, the Giro Bavarese is once again inviting lovers of historic racing bikes to take a ride to Lake Tegernsee. The tour organised by Bikeshop Bici Bavarese The event will take place on 18 and 19 July 2026, with Saturday scheduled for an extensive supporting programme and Sunday for the actual ride. The start and finish point is the Ödberg on Lake Tegernsee in Ostin. The event is aimed at cycling enthusiasts who want to ride historic bicycles on three routes of varying difficulty through the Upper Bavarian countryside. Ticket sales have already begun, with a special contingent available for participants under the age of 30. It is particularly important to the organisers to have a "younger and female starting field." The focus is on having fun together: "all participants are winners", according to the event website.
Route variants and requirements
Participants can choose between three route variants, which differ in length and altitude profile. The shortest route covers around 45 kilometres with 500 metres of elevation gain and can be completed in two to three hours. A refreshment stop is included on this route. The medium distance covers around 65 kilometres with 1,000 metres of elevation gain and an estimated riding time of three to five hours. Two refreshment stations are available here. The most challenging variant covers around 100 kilometres with 1,500 metres of elevation gain and an estimated riding time of four to seven hours. On this route, participants will be able to refuel at three refreshment stations. The final decision on the route can be made on the start day, but a provisional preference is requested when registering to make planning easier.
Giro Bavarese for classics only
The Giro Bavarese is strict in its limitation to historic bicycles. Only bikes that were manufactured before the introduction of the euro in 2002 and could therefore still be purchased in the national currencies of the time, such as German marks, shillings or lire, are permitted. Racing bikes are recommended due to their suitability for the route profiles, but other creative solutions are also possible as long as they fulfil the requirements. The organisers emphasise that all bikes must be roadworthy and in good technical condition. Particular attention is paid to functioning brakes and appropriate gear ratios for the sometimes steep climbs and descents. Random checks will be carried out on site and bikes that are not roadworthy may be excluded from the start.
Clothing and safety instructions
The organisers recommend that you match your clothing to the colour and time of your bike. Functional sportswear is recommended for tackling the routes. Wearing a helmet is optional, but is strongly recommended. As the Giro Bavarese takes place in all weathers, participants should inform themselves in advance about the weather conditions and dress accordingly. The organisers would like to point out that the ride is not a race and that all participants should only ride within the limits of their personal abilities. Special care should be taken on steep descents and unclear sections of the route. In the event of technical problems, a broom wagon will be available at the end of the field, although the organisers cannot guarantee assistance.
Giro Bavarese supporting programme
On Saturday, 18 July 2026, there will be an extensive supporting programme on the Ödberg. This includes a bike festival with a beer garden, a bike parts market, a campfire and Bavarian hospitality with regional food and drinks. On the Sunday of the event, the programme should not only be attractive for participants, but also for accompanying persons and families. In addition to catering and musical entertainment, various stands will be set up for exploring and shopping and a bicycle exhibition will be organised. A climbing garden, a playground and a summer toboggan run will be available for children on the Ödberg. The organisers place particular emphasis on environmental protection and ask all participants not to leave any rubbish in the countryside - including supposedly biodegradable waste such as banana peels.
Ticket prices and special conditions
The regular ticket price for the Giro Bavarese 2026 is 85 euros. For participants under the age of 30, the organisers are offering a special contingent of 200 tickets at a reduced price of 75 euros. The prerequisite for this special price is that the person in question is under 30 years of age on the day of the event, 19 July 2026. Tickets are available now. The ticket price includes participation in the ride, use of the refreshment stations along the route and access to the supporting programme on Saturday and Sunday.
Info
- Event date: 18 & 19 July 2026
- Venue: South of Munich, start/finish at Ödberg near Ostin on Lake Tegernsee
- Organiser: Bikeshop Bici Bavarese
- Route variants:
- Short: approx. 45 kilometres, 500 vertical metres, 2-3 hours riding time, 1 refreshment stop
- Medium: approx. 65 kilometres, 1,000 metres in altitude, 3-5 hours riding time, 2 refreshment stops
- Long: approx. 100 kilometres, 1,500 metres in altitude, 4-7 hours riding time, 3 refreshment stops
- Authorised bikes: Historic bikes (manufactured before 2002), preferably racing bikes
- Ticket prices: Regular: 85 euros, U30 special price: 75 euros (limited contingent of 200 tickets)
Kristian Bauer
Editor
