The legendary race of the Ötztal Cycle Marathon started at Sölden, 6:45 a.m. on 1st of September. During the race, the 4,285 competitors fight with the tough route but also with quickly changing weather conditions. From steaming hot sunshine to ice-cold rain or, at an altitude of 2,500 m, even some snowfall is possible, potentially making this race even more challenging.
The classic Oetztaler Radmarathon route departs from Soelden (1,377 m above sea-level). After riding out of the valley to Oetz (820 m), and an 18-percent ascent to Kuehtai (2,020 m), the downhill to Innsbruck (600 m) will follow. At kilometre 127, the cyclists will cross the Italian border at Brenner Pass (1,377 m).
After reaching Sterzing (960 m), they will head back to Tirol, attacking a difficult task: with 2,090 m above sea-level, Jaufen Pass is the second-highest pass of the Ötztal course. The last and steepest ascent will take the riders from St. Leonhard in Passeiertal (750 m) to Timmelsjoch (2,509 m). After 189 kilometres, this 29-km climb will be the most exhausting test for the cyclists, as they have to conquer a 14-percent ascent. Finally, they will then roll down back to Soelden.
After 4 steep Alpine passes, 238 kilometres in distance, and 5,500 metres in altitude it was Mathias Nothegger (AUT/Bregenz) who crossed the finish line first: He managed to defend his title with a new course record of 6:47.02,3.
The podium was completed by two Italians: Mattia De Marchi (ITA) on rank 2 and Tommaso Elettrico (ITA) on rank 3.
