The live stream broadcasts the Ötztal Cycle Marathon online free of charge. The broadcast begins at 06:15 and ends at around 21:30. A German commentary accompanies the participants along the entire route, which features 5,500 metres of elevation gain. A cannon shot fired by the Sölden Rifle Company marks the start of one of Europe’s most popular cycle marathons. The riders face a 227-kilometre route with 5,500 metres of elevation gain, taking in Kühtai, Brenner, the Jaufen Pass and the Timmelsjoch, before heading back to Sölden.
Favourites: Ötztal Cycle Marathon
The list of favourites to win in Sölden is long: Daniel Federspiel from Austria is looking to defend his title from last year. Jonas Holzknecht from Tyrol finished second in 2025 and is back in contention. Jack Burke from Canada and Stefano Cecchini from Italy are among the strongest challengers. Former amateur world champion Johnny Hoogerland from the Netherlands is one of the high-profile entrants. MTB marathon world champion Alban Lakata from Austria is aiming for his first victory at the Ötztaler after several top placings. Toni Palzer from Germany, a former WorldTour professional and top ski mountaineer, along with the former world-class skiers Werner Heel and Manfred Mölgg from Italy, round off the starting line-up.
Does Palzer stack them low?
Former Red Bull professional Toni Palzer had spent several weeks at a high-altitude training camp in Kühtai in the run-up to the Ötztaler in August. During this time, he also cycled the original route of the cycle marathon and is familiar with the individual climbs. In an interview with TOUR, he explained that winning the Ötztaler was not his priority, however: “I’m riding the Ötztaler, but it’s not as though I’m focusing everything on the Ötztaler. My long-term focus is on the winter, and I know that I simply can’t peak over two seasons (Editor’s note: ‘peak’ as in peak performance).” He stated that for him, it’s more about altitude training to be in good shape for the winter: “I just use it to get really good-quality training. I see it more as a brilliant training environment. There are simply loads of good cyclists there and that really pushes you on. But of course, I’ll be taking part in the Ötztaler, and after that I’ll be riding the Red Bull Dolomitenman on a mountain bike, That’ll be a new experience for me too. I’m really looking forward to it.” Whether he’s just playing it down to take the pressure off remains to be seen. After all, it’s hard to imagine Palzer just taking it easy.
Battle for the women’s title
In the women’s race, there is a clear favourite. Janine Meyer from Germany won the Ötztaler in 2023, 2024 and 2025. The three-time winner has set new course records in each of the past two years. Catherine Rossmann from Germany won the race in 2022 and is returning after a break.
Live stream of the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon
The livestream of the Ötztaler starts as early as 6.15 am on Sunday and runs for 15 hours.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
