Spring dates for amateur cyclists
Ronde van Vlaanderen (BEL) 1 April 2023
Distances: 75, 144, 179 or 235 kilometres
Elevation gain: not specified
The spring classics such as the Tour of Flanders challenge the whole cyclist: riding over the steep stretches of Flanders in adverse weather conditions is an unrivalled experience. The legendary Hellinge (climbs) are the places where cycling history was written. Oude Kwaremont, Paterberg and Koppenberg are on the route plan. All routes except for the long distance start and finish in Oudenaarde. There is a shuttle bus to the start in Bruges for participants in the long distance. Depending on the distance, participants will start in predetermined time slots.
Liège-Bastogne-Liège Challenge (BEL) 22 April 2023
Distances: 81, 147 or 255 kilometres
Elevation gain: not specified
One day before the professionals, amateur athletes can ride a cycling marathon on the Liège-Bastogne-Liège route. If you ride the entire route, you will also pass the famous Côte de Saint-Roch (Wall of Houffalize), Côte de Wanne and Côte de Stockeu climbs. The LBL Challenge is not a race, but a cycling marathon. The start is possible in predetermined time slots.
Nove Colli (ITA) 21 May 2023
Distances: 60, 130 or 200 kilometres
Elevation gain: 650, 1871 or 3800 metres
Gentle hills and little traffic in the hinterland - Emilia-Romagna is a popular region for racing bike training in spring. Add to this a culinary tradition and mild temperatures - it's no wonder that the traditional Nove Colli event for everyone has been fully booked for years. The starting line-up in the huge blocks in Cesenatico alone is impressive - it takes quite a while until all the starters are on the course. In addition to the long ride over the nine hills, there are also two shorter distances on offer - there have been minor changes to the route compared to previous years. Medical certificate required for participation!
Rhön Cycle Marathon 28 May 2023
Distances: 212 kilometres (Classic) and seven other routes
Elevation gain: 3600 metres (Classic)
Why do thousands of cyclists celebrate Whitsun in Bimbach every year? In the Rhön there is a very well organised cycle marathon, friendly exchanges with other cyclists, beautiful scenery and without doubt a great sporting challenge. But beware: the classic cycle marathon is fully booked very quickly. However, there are various other optional distances - RTF routes are usually still available at short notice.
Everyman race: Dates in summer 2023
Glocknerkönig (AUT) 4 June 2023
Distance: 27.3 kilometres
Elevation gain: 1694 metres
Short and sweet: this mountain race really gets down to business. The Glocknerkönig has been a meeting point for climbing enthusiasts for years - anyone who finishes in the top 10 here has made a name for themselves in the scene. But even long after the winners have crossed the finish line, the starting field is a colourful mix. Following in the footsteps of the Tour of Austria, the "Jedermann" race leads from Bruck to Fuschertörl.
Gran Fondo Stelvio Santini (ITA) 4 June 2023
Distance: 60, 137, 157 kilometres
Altitude metres: 2070, 3200, 4500 altitude metres
The Stelvio Pass is usually shown in photos from the north-east side - but the ascent from Bormio also has its charm. It is the last hurdle before the top of the pass in all three distances of the Jedermann race. There, between the sausage stands and souvenir shops, is the finish arch of the Gran Fondo Stelvio. Medical certificate required for participation!
Tour of the Dolomites, SuperGiroDolomiti (AUT) 11 June 2023
Distance: 112 or 228 kilometres
Elevation gain: 1870 or 5450 metres
Lienz is a meeting point for endurance athletes all year round: the programme ranges from ski touring festivals to cross-country skiing races and cycling marathons. The Dolomites Cycling Tour is one of the oldest traditional events in amateur cycling - the SuperGiroDolomiti, on the other hand, has only been offering a performance comparison since 2014. This year, the race will once again go over Monte Zoncolan - a legendary climb from the Giro d'Italia.
Trondheim-Olso /Styrkeprøven (NOR) 17/18 June 2023
Distance: 540 km
Elevation gain: 3627 metres
The traditional Norwegian event is a real test of strength: not only the long distance, but usually also low temperatures and rain make the long ride from Trondheim to Oslo difficult. The fast teams ride well organised in time trial mode - first-time starters have to consider when a good start time is and how long they are likely to need.
Click through: Highlights of everyman races
TOUR Transalp (ITA) 18 to 24 June 2023
Distance: still open
Elevation gain: still open
The TOUR Transalp is the great traditional stage race in amateur cycling. The routes change every year - but they usually lead to Lake Garda. Teams of two are still the core of the race, but individual starters are now also allowed to take part. There is a luggage transport service between the stage locations and, of course, refreshment stations along the route. Europe's biggest stage race for everyone attracts high-performance riders and is ridden very sportily at the front. Although there are no road closures, there is traffic protection at critical points along the route. This year's finish is in Arco.
Dreiländergiro (AUT) 25 June
Distance: 120 or 168 kilometres
Elevation gain: 2700 or 3300 metres
The Dreiländergiro offers a race for everyone on the Stilfser Joch - from Prad over the legendary 48 hairpin bends. Two distances are on offer - both lead from the starting point in Nauders over the Stelvio and the Umbrail Pass into Switzerland. The long distance turns left at the end of the descent to St. Maria towards the Ofen Pass, the short distance turns right towards the finish. Starting places are coveted and the cycle marathon is one of the most popular in the Alps.
Marmotte Granfondo Alpes (FRA) 25 June
Distance: 177 kilometres
Elevation gain: 5000 metres
Tough and rewarding race for everyone over well-known Tour de France climbs. The package of Col du Télégraphe and Galibier is a unique experience and the 21 hairpin bends to Alpe d'Huez is a final climb that is unrivalled. The event is usually fully booked and you need a doctor's certificate to be allowed to cycle.
Maratona dles Dolomites (ITA) 2 July
Distance: 55, 106 or 138 kilometres
Elevation gain: 1780, 3130 or 4230 metres
The Maratona has built up a good reputation over the years. Perfect organisation, complete route closures and the impressive Dolomite backdrop make the event one of the most beautiful in the world. It is precisely this good reputation that has a downside: getting a starting place and accommodation is now difficult and expensive.
Ötztal Cycle Marathon (AUT) 9 July
Distance: 227 kilometres
Elevation gain: 5500 metres
The Ötztaler is the most prestigious cycling marathon in the German-speaking world. The Ötzi is not the most difficult Alpine marathon - officially it is 227 kilometres and 5500 metres in altitude. The completely closed route has been run from Sölden since 2002. The route has changed only minimally in recent years - the Kühtai, Brenner, Jaufen and Timmelsjoch climbs are still the hurdles before the successful finish in Sölden. The 1800 metres in altitude to the top of the Timmelsjoch pass are a test of endurance for many starters. Getting a starting place is not easy - you need luck in the starting place draw.
24-hour race Kelheim 8/9 July
Distance: 16.4 kilometres (per lap)
Elevation gain: 180 metres (per lap)
The 24-hour race in Kelheim is a cult event: the whole town lives and breathes the race and either takes part or celebrates. Many shops and garages in the old town centre are transformed into paddocks. The atmosphere on the track is sensational: even at night, drivers are cheered on. The lap is not difficult, but the ascent at the start sucks the energy out of your legs.
Rad am Ring 21 to 23 July
Distance: 26.1 kilometres (per lap)
Elevation gain: 560 metres (per lap)
The 24-hour race is the centrepiece of Rad am Ring, but there is also a wide range of events on offer, from the amateur races to time trials and touring. All of the events are characterised by the attractive track: riding through wide bends on a motorsport race track is a unique experience. High speed is not only possible in the Fuchsröhre. However, you have to pedal hard first: the Nürburgring circuit is difficult and has steep climbs.
Giro delle Dolomiti (ITA) 24 - 28 July
Distance: 503 kilometres
Elevation gain: 11509 metres
The Giro delle Dolomiti offers several consecutive days of performance comparison without a real stage race. The starting point of the five stages is always Bolzano - from there the various stages start with a non-race ride. Time is only taken on one part of the stage. The non-profit organisation ASD Giro delle Dolomiti has been organising the event since 1977 and this year there are five stages without a rest day.
Hobby sport dates at the end of the racing season
Bemer Cyclassics Hamburg 20 August
Distance: still open
Kilometres: still open
Germany's biggest everyman's race has been a constant in the German amateur sport racing calendar since 1996. The Classics are still flat and fast - but there have been repeated route changes in recent years. Around 10,000 participants crossed the finish line over the two distances in 2022.
Alpenbrevet (SUI) 2 September
Distance: 108, 212 or 268 kilometres (2022)
Elevation gain: 3200, 5080 or 7090 metres (2022)
The Alpenbrevet is the traditional Swiss marathon event. The route has changed from time to time in recent years and the organiser has also changed hands. At its core, however, nothing has changed: the Alpenbrevet promises tough routes, often challenging weather conditions and always impressive Alpine panoramas. The routes for 2023 have not yet been finalised in detail.
ASVÖ King of the Lake (AUT) 16 September
Distance: 47.2 kilometres
Elevation gain: 280 metres
Europe's biggest time trial for amateur cyclists has long since become a fixed date in the annual calendar. Nowhere else can you ride such a long time trial on a completely closed road and take in such beautiful scenery at the same time. The Attersee offers a logical time trial circuit on which individual short climbs only briefly slow down the speed. Around 1400 starters take to the course in various categories and competitions. The starting places for the individual time trial are drawn by lot.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
