The ultra-cycling scene is looking forward to Austria, where the first world championship in this discipline will take place on Austrian soil in just under two weeks' time. From 11 to 17 August 2025, St. Georgen im Attergau will become the centre of extreme cycling when the 17th edition of the Race Around Austria (RAA) takes place. More than 150 participants have registered for the various competitions. The main attraction is the classic RAA route, which runs clockwise around Austria and is an enormous challenge with a length of 2,200 kilometres and 30,000 metres of altitude. In addition, the 1,500-kilometre short version and the 560-kilometre challenge around Upper Austria are also on the programme.
Race Around Austria route change
There is an important route change for the long distance this year. "The Silvretta cannot be travelled over this year, the pass road is only open during the day and in good weather. That's why we're rerouting the route before Vorarlberg over the Arlberg again," explains organising committee boss Michael Nußbaumer. The women's field will see a rematch of last year's thrilling duel. The reigning European champion Elena Roch from Lower Austria, who not only won the women's classification in 2024 but also the overall classification, will once again face Germany's Tina Büttner. Back then, the two ultra cyclists were separated by just 20 minutes at the end. In the men's race, Michael Hofer from Mühlviertel could spring a surprise after recently winning the 24-hour race in Grieskirchen.
Race Around Austria without RAAM winner
"The Race Around Austria itself is extremely strong due to the World Championships," emphasises Nußbaumer. In addition to Hofer, RAAM bronze medallist Dominik Meierhofer from Salzburg and German starters Rainer Steinberger and Sebastian Mayr are among the favourites. The race promises to be more exciting than it has been for years. Race Across America winner Philipp Kaider is expected to be a prominent onlooker. "Unfortunately I can't take part in the race because my form is too low after the RAAM. But I'll be there the whole week with my camper, going on holiday and enjoying the RAA feeling," explains Kaider.
Team competitions and late registrations
RAAM runner-up Lukas Kaufmann, who finished second in the Race Across America for the second time in a row this year, will also not be competing in the solo category. "I'm not in shape yet after the RAAM in June, but I don't want to miss out on the race. That's why I'm starting with Markus Brandl, also a RAAM finisher, in a team of two," says Kaufmann. Those interested can still register for the solo or team events, depending on availability. While spontaneous registrations for the 2,200-kilometre main course are unlikely, the Challenge is a good place to start.
Challenge as an introduction to ultra-cycling
The Race Around Austria Challenge covers 560 kilometres with around 6,500 metres of elevation gain along the Upper Austrian border and is designed as a 24-hour race. In contrast to classic 24-hour races, which are typically held on circuits of around 20 kilometres in length, the participants in the Challenge only complete a single, but significantly longer lap. This competition is ideal as an introduction to ultra cycling. This year there is also an unsupported classification, in which the athletes have to manage without a support vehicle and external support.
Race Around Austria team competitions
In addition to the solo categories, the team competitions are also very popular. In the TEAM Challenge, two athletes share the route individually. The Race Around Austria can look forward to a considerable number of spectators, not only at the finish in St. Georgen im Attergau, where a large public festival takes place, but also along the entire route with numerous fan zones. The combination of sporting challenge and public interest makes the RAA one of the most emotional bike races in Austria.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
