31 August 2008
Start and finish: Sölden

I have a dream - Ready, steady, go for the passes! The Ötztaler Cycle Marathon on 31 August '08 with start and finish in Sölden /Tirol marks the highlight of the cycling season for hobby cyclists from all over the world. Some 4000 participants will take part in the race.

This outstanding marathon travels through three different climatic areas, covering a total distance of 238 km. The cyclists, coming from 15 different countries, have to conquer no less than 5,500 meters of altitude gain. The unique route takes them from the high Alpine Ötztal glacier world to Tirol's lower mountain ranges and further on to the scenic South Tyrolean vineyards.

4 steep Alpine passes are a part of the challenging race: from Oetz (800m) to Kühtai (2,020m), from Innsbruck (670m) to Brenner pass (1,370m), from Vipiteno (1,000m) to the quite moderate Passo Giovo (2,090m) and - as a last highlight of the race - the 31km long track from San Leonardo in Passiria (760m) to Passo del Rombo (2509m).