On 1 June 2025, the Großglockner will once again be the focus of the Austrian cycling world. The traditional "Glocknerkönig" mountain race will take place for the 28th time, attracting sports enthusiasts to the Austrian Alps. The event takes participants through one of the most impressive mountain landscapes in Europe and offers a compact sporting challenge. There is hardly any other race with so many metres of elevation gain in less than 30 kilometres. The starting signal is given at 07:00 at the village square in Bruck, from where the athletes set off on one of the most spectacular Alpine roads in Austria. The race offers two route options: The classic route leads over 27.3 kilometres and 1672 metres in altitude to the Fuscher Törl at 2428 metres above sea level. For particularly ambitious cyclists, there is the ultra-distance, which is 28.9 kilometres long and has an altitude difference of 1815 metres up to the Edelweißspitze at 2571 metres above sea level. This route is one of the highest motorable roads in Austria and promises an additional challenge with gradients of up to 15 per cent.
Glocknerkönig with over 2000 starters
Last year, the Glocknerkönig attracted over 2,300 participants from 30 nations. The organisers are also expecting a strong international field for 2025. One of the favourites is multiple winner Janine Mayer, who has held the course record since 2023 with a time of 1:24:50.0 hours. Mayer, who also triumphed at the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon, is considered one of the strongest athletes when it comes to the mountains. Another top rider is Franziska Ehrenreich from Union Raiffeisen Radteam Tirol. As a member of the Austrian U23 women's national team, she represents the new generation in cycling. Among the men, René Pammer, who will take on the ultra distance for the first time in 2025, stands out. The versatile athlete, known for his speed and climbing strength, is one of the top favourites to win.
Supporting programme and livestream
The race weekend begins on Saturday with the start number distribution and an expo for cycling equipment. After the race on Sunday, the Flower Ceremony will take place at 09:15 in the Classic finish area. Afterwards, the participants can enjoy a portion of Kaiserschmarrn for refreshment. The grand prize-giving ceremony will conclude at 14:00 at the music pavilion in Bruck an der Glocknerstraße. Although the regular registration deadline has expired, last-minute registrants still have the opportunity to register as long as there are still places available. The Ultra course is already sold out, but there are still places available for the Classic variant. For the first time, StudioK19 will accompany the race and record the impressions of the Glocknerkönig on film. Interested parties who cannot be there will have the opportunity to follow the race afterwards.
Glocknerkönig: the routes
The classic route of the Glocknerkönig covers 27.3 kilometres and climbs 1672 metres in altitude. The maximum gradient is 12 per cent. The finish is at the Fuscher Törl at 2428 metres above sea level. The more challenging ultra route measures 28.9 kilometres and covers 1815 metres in altitude. Here, participants have to master gradients of up to 15 per cent. The finish of the ultra distance is on the Edelweißspitze at 2571 metres above sea level. There is a grace period until 10.15 am for this route. Both routes start at the village square in Bruck and lead through the Hohe Tauern National Park, offering some of the most impressive panoramas in the Austrian Alps. The combination of challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery makes the Glocknerkönig a unique experience on the cycling calendar.
Info & registration at: www.glocknerkoenig.com/de
