New rule for holders of an elite licence
In Austria, a dispute with Cycling Austria over the participation of elite licence holders in ‘tourism events’ has escalated. The specific consequence: numerous participants in the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon have been banned by the cycling federation Cycling Austria. Former professional Anton Palzer now lives in Austria. He competed in the Ötztaler and was therefore sanctioned. The list of those sanctioned also includes Daniel Federspiel, Lukas Kaufmann and many others. For a first offence, the ban lasts four weeks; in the event of a repeat offence, it may be determined on a case-by-case basis. The basis for the sanctions is a new clause that was incorporated into the regulations on 1 January 2026. Previously, riders were permitted to compete in up to three tourist events per year – this has now been restricted: “Competing in events that are not registered with Cycling Austria is prohibited.” The ban on participation applies to road and MTB licence holders in the Elite, U23, U13, U15, U17, Junior Men, Junior Women, National Squad and UCI Team categories. This suspension policy has been in place throughout the season and also affects participants in other events: the Kufstein Cycle Marathon, the Tour of the Dolomites (Giro Dolomiti), the Hongar 943 hill climb, the Oberwölz Criterium and the Kalk Trophy.
Cycling Austria aims to boost events on its own calendar
Whilst recreational cycling is experiencing an incredible boom, interest in both licensed races and the federation’s grassroots sports programmes remains modest. Cycling Austria is attempting to use sanctions to bolster the events officially registered with the federation. With the introduction of the Cycling Austria Member Card and the ‘Cycling 4 all’ programme, the cycling federation has so far failed to reach the vast majority of cyclists. Similarly, the idea of creating an alternative to the Austria Top Tour has not yet been successful. The Austrian Cycling Federation, Cycling Austria, is presumably hoping to generate revenue by indirectly forcing established amateur cycling events to comply with its regulations. To be included in the official calendar, organisers would have to pay calendar fees to Cycling Austria. If organisers pay this fee and have their events included in the official calendar, there will no longer be any bans on elite riders. It all boils down to a power struggle. Whilst Franz Steinberger, organiser of the Kitzbühel Cycle Marathon, had told the Tiroler Tageszeitung just a few days ago that he did not need the official calendar listing, a U-turn now appears to be on the cards. It appears he is complying with the 2027 regulations and paying the calendar fees. Whether other organisers will follow suit remains to be seen.
Riders want to opt out of the Cycling Austria licence
It remains to be seen which side will prevail, but the move could well backfire. Some athletes have already stated that they would rather miss out on licensed races than miss the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon. “I only bought the elite licence so that I could compete in the National Championships. And the Gravel World Championships might have been of interest, but I’ve put that behind me; in 2027 I’ll be focusing on the Ötztaler, my home race,” explained Federspiel. Lukas Kaufmann also stated that he would no longer be applying for an elite licence in future. Alban Lakata had competed in the SuperGiroDolomiti in June and received a warning. He then simply obtained a masters licence and was able to compete in the Ötztaler without facing any sanctions.
Lukas Kaufmann responds with irony
Kaufmann, who finished second in the 2025 Race Across America, was banned from taking part in the Ötztaler and responded ironically in an Instagram video: “It’s kind of funny. This was my fifth time taking part, as a licensed rider. Nothing ever happened before – but now, all of a sudden, it has. My decision for the future will certainly be not to renew my licence next year, in 2027, because there isn’t a single cycling event where I can’t take part without one. Thanks again for the ban.”
Concerns in women’s cycling
Critics view the situation in women’s cycling as particularly problematic. Due to the limited number of racing opportunities, only 20 women hold an amateur licence – most opt for an elite licence, which allows them to compete in more races. Here, just under 89 have obtained a licence to compete in the Cycling Bundesliga, for example. Among women, the fact that many riders are choosing not to obtain a licence could thin out the starting fields even further and thus also threaten the future of races. “Ten years ago, I took part in my first cycle race: the Kufsteinerland Cycle Marathon, just 500 metres from my parents’ house. I rode in it again this year with friends and family because it’s simply important to me to take part in my home race. Two days later, I received an email from the ÖRV informing me of my suspension. The ÖRV is shooting itself in the foot. Fewer and fewer athletes will be buying licences if they’re only allowed to practise their hobby – yes, hobby, because that’s all it is for the vast majority of elite riders in Austria – in a restricted manner!” criticises Lea Horngacher on Instagram.
Kristian Bauer
Editor