Elena Roch and Anna Bachmann win Austrian ultra cycling championship title

Elena Roch and Anna Bachmann put in an impressive performance at the 24-hour cycling marathon in Grieskirchen. The two athletes secured the Austrian championship title in ultra cycling for women's two-person teams and set a new course record in the process. After 40 laps, they had covered a distance of 860 kilometres, significantly beating the previous record of 774 kilometres. The race took place on 5 and 6 July 2025 in Grieskirchen, Upper Austria. Elena Roch, reigning 24-hour world champion in the individual time trial and European champion in ultracycling, also proved her versatility as a team rider with this performance. Anna Bachmann, who celebrated her comeback to ultra cycling after a four-year break, was also in top form. They competed together under the team name "Rochmann's Rollmöpse".

Elena Roch in the team competition

The collaboration between the two athletes proved to be extremely successful. With perfect coordination and great stamina, they beat off the competition. Elena Roch emphasised the importance of team spirit: "860 kilometres in 24 hours - that's not only a new record, but also proof of what is possible with team spirit and willpower. It is a special and emotional moment for us to celebrate this success together with Anna," said the Lower Austrian about ultra cycling in the team.

35.8 km/h over 24 hours

The race in Grieskirchen was designed as a 24-hour cycling marathon. The participants had to complete as many laps as possible on a set course within this period. Roch and Bachmann completed a total of 40 laps, which corresponds to a total distance of 860 kilometres. This means an average speed of around 35.8 kilometres per hour over the entire duration of the race.

Signalling effect for women's ultracycling

According to a press release from Elena Roch, the success of Roch and Bachmann sends out an important signal for women's ultracycling in Austria. Such competitions can only take place if there are enough female participants at the start. The cohesion among the athletes was particularly noticeable in Grieskirchen and made it possible for the competition to take place. This sends a strong signal for the future of women's ultra cycling.

Leading female riders in ultra cycling

Elena Roch has made a name for herself in the scene through her numerous successes, coupled with ambition and discipline. Her performance in Grieskirchen underlines her position as one of Austria's leading ultra cyclists. Anna Bachmann, who has already collected numerous titles between 2017 and 2021, proved with her comeback after a four-year break that she still belongs at the top.