The SuperGiroDolomiti is back. The Dolomite town of Lienz will once again become a meeting point for ambitious cyclists at the beginning of June 2025. Two events are on the programme on 7 and 8 June: the 37th edition of the traditional Tour of the Dolomites and the return of the SuperGiroDolomiti. Both races are part of the Austria Top Tour and promise exciting competitions against the impressive backdrop of the Lienz Dolomites. The routes lead through East Tyrol, Carinthia and Italy, with the SuperGiroDolomiti featuring the infamous Monte Zoncolan. Organiser Franz Theurl promises participants "a real cycling experience around the wild and romantic Lienz Dolomites".
Tour of the Dolomites: traditional race with record winner
The Dolomites Cycling Tour has existed for 75 years, making it the oldest cycling marathon in Austria. In 1950, around 50 cyclists took to the start line - in 1988, initiator Franz Theurl reorganised the tour around the Lienz Dolomites as a touristic ride. The Dolomites Cycling Tour will take place for the 37th time on Sunday, 8 June 2025. The route covers 112 kilometres and 1860 metres in altitude. The race starts in Lienz and leads via Oberdrauburg, Kötschach, Obertilliach, Kartitscher Sattel and Abfaltersbach back to Lienz. At 1530 metres, the Kartitscher Sattel is the highest point of the tour. Record winner Max Kuen from Kufstein has already confirmed his participation. The Tyrolean has won the race four times so far and wants to defend his title. "It is clear to me that I will be back as the defending champion in this fantastic race," Kuen is quoted as saying in the press release.
SuperGiroDolomiti: Extreme variant returns
After being cancelled last year due to a rockfall on the Plöcken Pass, the SuperGiroDolomiti 2025 will return in full length. The challenging route stretches over 228 kilometres and covers 5450 metres in altitude. It is considered one of the toughest cycling marathons in Europe and is often compared to the Ötztal Cycling Marathon. The route leads over legendary climbs such as the Gailbergsattel and the Plöckenpass. The ultimate challenge is Monte Zoncolan, which is climbed via the classic route from Ovaro. The SuperGiroDolomiti is known for its first-class organisation and the breathtaking scenery along the route.
SuperGiroDolomite: The route
The SuperGiroDolomiti leads over the Monte Zoncolan, a mountain climb in Friuli, Italy. The Zoncolan, known as the "King of the Mountains" and multiple stage finish of the Giro d'Italia, is the clear highlight of the race. The route covers a total of 5450 metres in altitude and 228 kilometres. Monte Zoncolan, with its steep ramps and a maximum gradient of up to 24 per cent, makes the event one of the most challenging cycling marathons in the Alps. Monte Zoncolan is 9.8 km long and covers 1206 metres in altitude with an average gradient of 12.3 percent. The summit of Monte Zoncolan is 1730 metres above sea level.
Strong competition at the SuperGiroDolomiti
An exciting duel could develop between local hero Alban Lakata and Tyrol-based Canadian Jack Burke. Lakata, multiple MTB world champion, is returning from a gravel race in the USA shortly before the race and has not yet confirmed his participation. Burke, on the other hand, two-time winner of the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon, will definitely be at the start. The 29-year-old recently caused a stir with Strava records on famous climbs such as the Mortirolo, Stelvio and Alpe d'Huez. The presence of the Kazakh professional cycling team XDS Astana will give the event an additional boost. The team's entire Tour de France squad will complete an altitude training camp in East Tyrol. On Saturday, 7 June, an autograph session is planned in the Dolomitenhalle, where fans can experience the pros up close.
Supporting programme and outlook
The organisers have prepared a supporting programme to increase the attractiveness of the events for participants and spectators. The presence of the XDS Astana team and the autograph session offer additional incentives for cycling fans.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
