Michael Mayer, a 27-year-old actor at the regional theatre in Tübingen, has won the Race Across Austria (RACA) 2025 in the RACA 1000 North-South category. The self-supported ultra-distance race covered a distance of 1086 kilometres and included 14,000 metres of elevation gain. Mayer reached the finish line after 42 hours and 48 minutes, beating the time of last year's winner by more than four hours. Defending champion Robert Müller came second this year with a time of 43 hours and 54 minutes.
Marianne Machner won the women's race ahead of Marlene Windisch and Patrizia Schidlo. Machner crossed the finish line after 67 hours and 59 minutes. This gave her a lead of almost three hours over her rival.
Race Across Austria route
The Race Across Austria North-South starts and finishes in Linz. The route leads through the challenging Mühlviertel region to the northernmost point of Austria in Haugschlag (Lower Austria) and to the southernmost point on the Seebergsattel in Carinthia. Participants have to be prepared for changing landscapes, numerous metres in altitude and roads with little traffic. The Sölk Pass is the highest point on the 1000-kilometre route.
Performance of the winner
Michael Mayer, who is also active as a cyclist alongside his acting career, put in an impressive performance in his first appearance at the RACA. Organiser Stefan Wagner commented: "We congratulate Michael Mayer on this world-class performance in the field of ultracycling." Mayer's victory emphasises his versatility as an artist and athlete. He already performed at renowned theatres in Hagen and Cologne during his training. Today he is a permanent member of the ensemble at the Junges Landestheater Tübingen.
Race Across Austria race categories
In addition to the RACA 1000 North-South, the event also offers shorter distances. The RACA 700 covers 700 kilometres with 10,000 metres of altitude, while the RACA 500 covers 500 kilometres and 7,000 metres of altitude. The shortest variant, the RACA 300, stretches over 300 kilometres with an altitude difference of 4,000 metres. The 500-kilometre route, which leads to the centre of Austria in Bad Aussee, was won by 49-year-old Rainer Steinberger from Bavaria with a time of 19 hours and 49 minutes.
Challenges of an unsupported race
The Race Across Austria is designed as a self-supported race. This means that the participants have to manage without external help. Rainer Steinberger reported difficulties finding water along the way and had to battle with cramps. Nevertheless, he managed to overcome all challenges and deliver a top performance. His motto "arrive healthy, give 100 per cent and enjoy the ups and downs" reflects the spirit of the sport of ultracycling.
Race Across Austria future events
The Race Across Austria takes place annually in two events: RACA North-South and RACA East to West. In addition, competitions for gravel bikes are offered, which form the conclusion of the respective event week. The next RACA North-South is planned for 17 to 21 June 2025. With the introduction of new routes and the growing popularity of ultracycling, the event promises exciting competitions and outstanding athletic performances in the future.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
