On Saturday 16 September, the 13th ASVÖ King of the Lake will once again be all about the perfect aero position and fast legs. The 47.2 kilometre ride around Lake Attersee attracts individual starters and fast teams. The starting gun for the 13th edition will be fired in Kammer/Schörfling on 16 September at 13:00. For 1,400 cyclists from 23 nations, it will once again be time for the ultimate time trial course around Lake Attersee. As always, the complete closure of the road around the Salzkammergutsee promises ideal conditions. The closure will last from 12:15 to 18:45. Under the protection of 150 security personnel, including firefighters, dozens of police officers, Red Cross staff and emergency doctors, the lakeside road around Lake Attersee will be transformed into a panoramic time trial road.
The time trial around Lake Attersee, the largest of its kind in Europe, can also be experienced up close by spectators and fans. Four special fan zones along the Attersee offer the opportunity to cheer on the riders and spur them on to the finish line.
Live stream of the race
For all those who can't be there - the entire race will once again be broadcast via livestream presented by Specialized. The live stream of the King of the Lake 2023 will be on air on 16 September from 12:50 pm:
First on the programme is the 10-man team time trial at 1 pm. A total of 23 teams will start in this category, including the winning team from the two previous years, Team Magnesium Pur. The best seven team members will be categorised, i.e. seven riders must also reach the finish in Kammer/Schörfling. Directly afterwards, 105 registered teams will compete for victory in the 4-man team time trial powered by Autohaus Eder & Volkswagen.
King of the Lake 2023
The highlight of the race day is the battle for the crown of King of the Lake powered by Specialized. Last year's "King" and local hero, Alexander Lemp, will be aiming to defend his title. But he has some strong rivals, such as local hero Wolfgang Götschhofer or the reigning Italian amateur world champion Tommaso Donei, who are lining up to "take the throne". Perhaps multiple Race Across America winner Christoph Strasser, who finished second in 2021, will also have a say in who wins. "Since my first participation in the King (2016), the time trial around Lake Attersee has been a fixed point in my season calendar, and not only that, it's also a highlight of the season. Even though I specialise in ultra-distance races, I think the challenge of competing with the best time trialists on a long, completely closed and beautiful course is simply brilliant. After riding the 3700 kilometre Transcontinental Race at the end of July and beginning of August, I was tired for a few weeks and was only able to start time trial-specific training at the end of August. I hope that's enough for a fast time! I'm aiming for the 1-hour mark again and am already looking forward to the start," says Strasser, looking forward to his renewed participation in the ASVÖ King of the Lake.
Queen of the Lake
In the women's race, too, everything points to a tough battle for the coveted title of Queen of the Lake powered by Lenzing AG. The aim here is to beat the course record set by two-time Queen Gabriela Thanner in 2021. And the competition is strong: Adelheid Schütz, fastest in the time trial at the 2022 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, is returning to Lake Attersee. The German five-time "Queen of the Lake" will do everything in her power to reclaim the crown after four years and be "crowned" for a sixth time. Last year's runner-up Anna Kofler is also a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the title. Para world champion Kerstin Brachtendorf will also be taking on the "King of the Lake" challenge on Lake Attersee once again.
Time trial with the pros: Interior view from the team car at the European Championships
Kristian Bauer
Editor
