The Tiroler Zugspitz Arena will be the venue for the first official gravel triathlon in the DACH region on 29 August 2026. The competition format combines three classic triathlon disciplines with the gravel bike segment. The organiser is ALOHA SPORT, a triathlon organiser in the Alpine region. The start takes place at Lake Heiterwanger See, an Alpine lake in Tyrol, where participants enter the water at 994 metres above sea level - making it the highest triathlon swimming competition in Austria. According to the organisers, the lake usually has water temperatures of around 20 degrees Celsius at the end of August.
Gravel triathlon competition formats
Two distances will be offered for the premiere of the Gravel Triathlon: a sprint triathlon and a short distance. The exact distances for the respective sections have not yet been specified. The introduction of a middle distance is planned for 2027. Registration is possible via the website www.zugspitz-triathlon.at. The Austrian Triathlon Federation (ÖTRV) is also breaking new ground with the gravel triathlon in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena. As the first official gravel triathlon in the DACH region, this format requires a further development of the existing triathlon rules. The ÖTRV Technical Commission is working on adaptations to meet the requirements of the gravel sport. The focus is on material, course layout and safety. The ÖTRV is thus creating the basis for integrating gravel triathlons into the competition calendar in accordance with the rules in future. There is already a tradition of cross triathlons in Europe where the bike course is ridden on an MTB. The run course often offers a particularly high elevation gain.
Gravel triathlon without slipstream
Instead of disc wheels and aerodynamic time trial bikes, wide tyres are required on the route. The course is not completely closed and runs along country lanes and footpaths. As with most hobby triathlons, however, there is a slipstreaming ban: overtaking must be completed within 20 seconds and the distance to the person in front must be 12 metres.
Gravel triathlon routes
As part of gravel.tirol, one of the largest gravel regions in Tyrol, the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena offers the perfect conditions for this competition. The route network with many gravel paths is suitable for gravel sport. The route has been designed for gravel bikes, although mountain bikes are also permitted. The exact route data and elevation profiles have not yet been published. The running course is a predominantly flat gravel and forest route around Lake Heiterwanger See.
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Voices of those responsible
Stefan Leitner, Managing Director of ALOHA PROJECT, emphasises the combination of sport and nature: "This event combines everything that inspires us about the sport of triathlon: sporting challenge, nature experience and innovation." The aim is to set new long-term standards for gravel triathlons in the Alpine region with this unique format.
Julius Skamen, President of the Tyrolean Triathlon Association, is also delighted: "The Tyrolean Triathlon Association is and always has been a permanent fixture - also on the international triathlon stage - when it comes to top events. Now the first official gravel triathlon is another milestone and an absolute novelty in the triathlon scene."
The Tiroler Zugspitz Arena as an event location
The Tiroler Zugspitz Arena is located on the Austrian side of the Zugspitze and comprises seven villages: Ehrwald, Lermoos, Biberwier, Berwang, Bichlbach/Lähn-Wengle, Heiterwang am See and Namlos. As a year-round holiday destination, the region offers leisure activities - from hiking, biking and water sports in summer to skiing, cross-country skiing and winter hiking in the colder months. The Tiroler Zugspitz Arena Tourism Association acts as a central point of contact for guests, partners and the media.
Info:
- Event date: 29 August 2026
- Location: Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, Austria
- Starting point: Heiterwanger See (994 metres above sea level)
- Distances: Sprint triathlon and short distance (exact course sections not yet specified)
- Planned expansion: middle distance from 2027
- Permitted bikes: Gravel bikes and mountain bikes
- Registration: www.zugspitz-triathlon.at
Kristian Bauer
Editor
