The attempt begins on 24 May 2026 on the Villach Alpine Road. Thompson has to cover 8,848 metres in altitude - the height of Mount Everest - on seven consecutive days to break the record. To achieve this, he will cycle up the same ascent as many times as it takes to reach the finish line. In total, the planned nine Everest climbs will add up to more than 79,000 metres in altitude. The Australian will spend between ten and 18 hours a day on his bike.
Mental challenge takes centre stage
Thompson describes the mental strain as the biggest hurdle. According to him, at some point you know every single metre and every moment when it hurts. The real challenge is then no longer the mountain, but the decision to keep going up anyway. The 37-year-old is one of the best-known athletes on the ultra-endurance scene and has already set several world records. His strength lies in his ability to cope with extreme stress consistently over long periods of time.
Public final at Everesting Austria
According to his plans, Thompson will complete the ninth and final Everesting together with amateur and professional cyclists at the official Everesting event on 30 May. In addition to the full distance of 8,848 metres in altitude, the event also offers shorter distances and team competitions. Cycling enthusiasts can accompany Thompson during his world record attempt on the Villach Alpine Road.
Everesting Events
The premiere of Everesting Austria will take place on 30 May on the Dobratsch near Villach. In addition to the full distance of 8848 metres in altitude, the event also offers half, quarter and eighth Everesting as well as team competitions. The route on the Villach Alpine Road will be closed to traffic. As in the previous year, there will once again be an Everesting World Championship in Sicily. The event has been announced for 26 September and will take place on Mount Etna again in 2026 - with new formats and optimised conditions. The organisers are offering various distances. Participants can compete both solo and in teams of 2, 4 or 8 people. The road will be closed for the event for the first time in 2026.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
