The Ötztal Cycle Marathon attracts thousands of ambitious cyclists every year - the biggest hurdle is getting a starting place. At the 44th edition on 31 August 2025, 4000 participants will once again tackle the challenging route. The route officially covers 227 kilometres and 5500 metres in altitude through Tyrol and South Tyrol. After the start in Sölden, the riders have to conquer four Alpine passes: the Kühtai, the Brenner Pass, the Jaufen Pass and, as a final endurance test, the dreaded Timmelsjoch before heading back to the finish in Sölden. The popularity of the event is reflected in the number of registrations: For this year's edition, a record-breaking 25,222 applications were received for the 4000 available starting places. Four special athletes set off on the dream route with different goals.
Olympic champion Benjamin Karl at the Ötztal Cycle Marathon
Olympic snowboarding champion and multiple world champion Benjamin Karl is taking part in the Ötztal Cycle Marathon for the third time, but with a new approach. While in his previous participations he travelled together with friends without time pressure, this year the 39-year-old from Lower Austria wants to exploit his full potential for the first time. "The Ötztal Cycle Marathon is the best bike ride of the year and a legend - no matter how big or how long similar races are. Everyone talks about the classic, everyone wants to know his time," explains Karl. Despite his weight of 88 kilograms, which is rather unfavourable for mountain bikers, he is aiming for a time under eight hours. Having already ridden 8,000 kilometres in training this year and completed several cycling races, the winter sportsman feels well prepared. For Karl, cycling is not just a hobby, but also an important part of his preparation for the winter season.
Ski mountaineer Sarah Dreier before her premiere at the Ötztal Cycle Marathon
This year's Ötztal Cycle Marathon will be a first for ski mountaineering runner-up Sarah Dreier. The 29-year-old from Salzburg, who is considered a great Olympic hopeful for 2026, discovered her fascination for the bike marathon last year when she was a spectator at the event. "I'm already extremely excited. From that point on, I realised that I wanted to take part in the 'non plus ultra' of all cycling marathons at some point," reports Dreier. The World Cup winner mainly uses cycling as basic training for her main discipline of ski mountaineering, but has adapted her training methods for the Ötztaler: "This year I did more intervals to get over the high mountains even better." In contrast to many other participants, Dreier is not focussed on the finish time. "The time is secondary for me. I just want to enjoy a fantastic day in the mountains, soak it all up and of course get back to Sölden in one piece," explains the partner of fellow ski mountaineer and professional cyclist Paul Verbnjak.
Urban Gstrein: 30 years of the Ötztal Cycle Marathon
54-year-old Urban Gstrein is a true local hero from Ötztal and can look back on an impressive cycling history. He has been travelling on a racing bike or mountain bike since he was ten years old and the Ötztal Cycle Marathon has been with him for three decades. "In 1988, at the age of 17, I rode my first cycling marathon. The bike weighed 13 kilograms and the gearing was just as 'retro'. It was a real adventure that has stayed with me to this day - even professionally," says Gstrein. Since 2009, he has been running a bike school in Sölden, where he prepares participants for the Ötztal Cycle Marathon and looks after them during the race. Gstrein is particularly impressed by the passion of the starters: "I am always impressed by the passion with which people from all over the world work towards their 'Ötztaler dream'." His personal best time in the cycling marathon is under 7:30 hours - a remarkable achievement that emphasises his experience and ability.
Karl Schmisl: The tireless veteran
At the age of 76, Karl Schmisl is the oldest of the four participants portrayed and also the most experienced when it comes to the Ötztal Cycle Marathon. Since his first start in 2003, the boss of the Pension Sportalm in Sölden has not missed a single edition. 2024 will therefore be his 22nd Ötztal Cycle Marathon. "It's simply the best race there is. All the roads are closed, we are cheered on by so many people along the route all the way to the finish in Sölden and all the participants are so positive, even the whole week before," enthuses Schmisl. His personal best time is an impressive 7:23 hours. As a local, he benefits from his precise knowledge of the course: "Of course, the home advantage pays off for us, I know every metre." His annual training workload comprises around 3,500 kilometres, with a particular focus on altitude: "I actually cycle up the Timmelsjoch four or five times a week. This results in fewer kilometres but all the more altitude metres." For this year's edition, Schmisl is planning to take it a little easier: "This year I want to take it easy. I'll see what my body can do. But the main thing is that it will be another easy round!"
Reading tip: In 2021 we have a Reportage about the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon
Kristian Bauer
Editor
