The Rhön Cycle Marathon is one of the most popular cycle marathons in Germany and will take place again this year on Whitsun weekend (27/28 May 2023) in Bimbach and is already casting its shadow ahead. Next Saturday (21 January 2023), the starting gate will open punctually at 7.00 am. The 2000 starting places are usually already fully booked on the same day. That's why the motto is not only for the racing bike ride itself, but also when registering: "Be quick!"
Rhön Cycle Marathon: Three different distances
This year, participants can choose from three distances of different lengths, which will be completed on Whitsunday. There is a choice of 182, 212 and 256 kilometres.
Those looking for the really big challenge can once again take part in the Challenge "Bimbach 400" take part. In addition to the marathon distance of 162 km, the aim is to complete the longest of the RTF routes (cycle touring rides) on Saturday, so that a total of over 400 kilometres will be pedalled through the Rhön on this weekend.
Cycling tours (RTF) in Bimbach
Most of the RTF routes are offered on both days. There are five different distances for racing cyclists to choose from - from a family tour to an ambitious route with many metres of elevation gain. So there should be something suitable for everyone - whether you are a leisure cyclist or an ambitious athlete. For those who prefer cycling away from tarmac roads, the RSC Bimbach offers two mountain bike and gravel routes (44/73 km).
The registration portal for the RTF and mountain bike routes will also open next Sunday (22 January) at 7.00 am. This will be a little less stressful, as the number of participants is not limited and you can still register on site during the event.
In the cycling marathon scene, the Rhön Cycling Marathon is a fixed date at the start of the season. The racing bike festival with a camping atmosphere and up to 6,000 visitors is the largest cycling event in Germany that is organised entirely by one club.
You can get an impression of the cycling weekend in Bimbach in of this report from 2019.
Rhön Cycle Marathon 2023: The routes
Marathon (Sun., 28.05.2023):
182 km / 2800 hm
212 km / 3600 hm
256 km / 4700 hm
RTF (Sat./Sun. 27.05. + Sunday, 28.05.2023)
20 km family tour
52 km / 350 hm
86 km / 950 hm
116 km / 1600 hm
162 km / 2200 m (Saturday only)
Mountain bike/gravel:
44 km / 750 hm
73 km / 1400 hm
Kristian Bauer
Editor
