The epic Ötztaler attracts 4000+ racing cyclists every year, each with the goal to conquer the Alps’ most challenging, demanding and legendary gran fondo. Starting from Sölden, Tirol Austria the route covers 238km over 4 Alpine passes (Kühtai, Brenner, Jaufen and finally, Timmelsjoch) through Austria and Italy.
Although a bit damp for the 39th running this year, the weather did not slow down 40-year old Mathias Nothegger from Austria, who set a new course record of 6:47:02, breaking the old record from 2001 by over 10 minutes!
In the women’s category German Christina Rausch dethroned perennial winner Laila Orenos.
Although the race happens at the end of August every year, 15,000 riders start to compete for the coveted 4000 registration spots in January via lottery.
The 40th Ötztaler will take place next year on August 30th. Registration starts on February 01 and ends on the February 29.
Photos ©Ötztal Tourismus
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