With the official announcement by the Austrian Federal Government that no major events will be allowed until September, the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon announced it will not take place this year.

“Canceling this year’s Ötztaler Cycle Marathon was not an easy decision for the organization team. All those responsible hoped to the last that the event can be held regularly. We had to act quickly after the official announcement that no major events will take place in Austria until the end of August. We are aware that current political statements refer to cultural events. But if such severe measures are already taken in this field, it would not be fair to hold a sports event of this size by endangering the health and safety of our participants,” said Oliver Schwarz, Managing Director of Ötztal Tourismus.

The 40th edition of one of the world’s most beautiful and challenging gran fondo cycling events will now be 29 August 2021.

Starting and finishing in Sölden, Austria, the Ötztaler Radmarathon covers 238km with 5500m climbing over 4 epic alpine passes – Kühtai (2020m), Brenner (1377m), Jaufen (2090m) and the big final climb up Timmelsjoch (2509).

Each year over 15,000 cyclists try to get one of 4500 highly coveted Ötztaler starting slots. Riders already with a starting slot for 2020 will automatically be moved to 2021.

The rest of us wanting to ride this legendary event will have to wait for the 2022 Ötztaler lottery and hope to get lucky.

Check the GFDN Worldwide Gran Fondo Calendar for the most accurate and up-to-date listings of current, cancelled and rescheduled events