The traditional mountain race on the Grossglockner proves its importance in the Austrian cycling scene with a record number of starters. Simone Höller, Managing Director of the Bruck Fusch | Grossglockner Tourism Association, explains in a press release: "With 3,000 participants, we have set a new record for registrations. This enormous popularity shows the emotional power and international appeal that the Glocknerkönig has now developed."
Glocknerkönig route and rankings
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road remains car-free for the race and offers two different challenges. The classic route ends after 27.3 kilometres and 1,672 metres in altitude at the Fuscher Törl at 2,428 metres above sea level. The Ultra classification takes participants further up to the Edelweißspitze, the highest accessible point in the Alps at 2,571 metres. The race appeals to ambitious athletes as well as amateur athletes who want to take on the alpine challenge. If you want to succeed here, you not only need strength, but also the right feeling for your own pace.
Meyer aims for fourth victory at the Glocknerkönig
Janine Meyer from Germany has made her mark on the Glocknerkönig in recent years with three consecutive victories on the Classic course and several course records. Her latest record victory at the Mallorca 312 underlines her current form. "I'm really looking forward to conquering the Glocknerkönig again, hopefully in great weather. This race is hugely prestigious and means a lot to me personally," explains the defending champion. Meyer has a clear goal: "Of course I would love to win for the fourth time in a row and defend my title again." The German is also one of the absolute top favourites in 2026.
Pammer with championship title in the bag
Rene Pammer won the ultra classification in 2025 and set a new course record. The Austrian athlete arrives in top form, having recently secured the Austrian amateur championship title at the Cherry Blossom Race in Wels with an offensive race strategy. His connection to the Glocknerkönig goes back to 2010: "I rode one of my first races here and this year will be my twelfth start in the race. It's one of my favourite races because it's simply unique." After his dream year in 2025, Pammer is approaching the race with less pressure. On race day, he is particularly looking forward to "the unique atmosphere along the route, the Hexenküche as a decisive section of the route and lots of good conversations with familiar faces at the finish line."
Ehrenreich starts in home race
Franziska Ehrenreich from the Tirol Women Cycling Team brings international calibre with her. The Pinzgau native recently impressed at the Giro delle Marche stage race in Rosa, Italy, with strong performances as part of a cohesive team performance. "I'm really looking forward to the race at home. I usually travel a lot and ride many races abroad, so it's something very special to be able to race at home," explains Ehrenreich. For her, it's not just the sporting performance that takes centre stage: "I'm particularly looking forward to seeing familiar faces and riding a race together with many others, where there's no shortage of fun." Ehrenreich is positive about the development of women's cycling. The current proportion of women at the Glocknerkönig of around 15 per cent is a very pleasing development.
Charity race the day before the Glocknerkönig
The race weekend is given a social focus by the charity mountain time trial organised by Volkshilfe Salzburg on the day before the Glocknerkönig. The short mountain sprint race combines a sporting challenge with a good cause and adds a community aspect to the programme. The starting signal for the main race is given in Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße at 07:00 on 7 June. International dominance, top national performances and regional up-and-coming talent will come together on one of the most legendary Alpine roads in Europe.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
