Austrian ski mountaineering champion Paul Verbnjak, 21, won the third edition of the Kitzbuheler Radmarathon in Austria after 216 kilometers and 4600 meters of vertical ascent. For the women, it was the German Eva Schien who won atop the Kitzbuheler Horn.

Although Verbnjak (DOLOMITE.BIKE) flatted on the final climb and lost a minute, the young Austrian finished with almost a two minute lead on Daniel Danahl (6:34:55). 2022 Otztal Cycle Marathon champion Jack Burke (6:36:32) finished third. Last year’s winner and current UCI Gran Fondo World Champion Johnny Hoogerland was fourth.

“I learned from the previous year and did not fully attack at the beginning of the climb to the Kitzbüheler Horn,” said Verbnjak from the winner’s podium while holding aloft a huge sausage.

Eva Schien (Radsport Team Gaimersheim) crossed the finish line with a commanding 24 minute lead in the women’s race. Ils Van Der Moeren and Svenja De Greef earned the final podium spots.

Over 1100 athletes from 23 nations participated in the Kitzbuheler Radmarathon this past Sunday.

Photo Credit: Jasmin Walter

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