Road Cycling in Ötztal

Get ready for the passes!

The Ötztaler Cycle Marathon - one of the most popular, notorious and coveted road bike races in the world - has been taking place yearly since 1980. But our passion for road cycling sports goes back much further. Those who don't dare to conquer the 238 km and 5500 altitude meters of the cycle marathon route across the Alps, or who did not get one of the coveted starting places, can surely tackle the Alpine passes on any other day. Probably you will meet some of the cyclists of the BORA - hansgrohe racing team as they set up their training camp in Ötztal regularly.

Saddle up for the Kühtai Rodeo

The Kühtai saddleback is the very first and steepest climb of the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon. With a gradient of up to 18% it strains your lungs, thighs and calves. A very special challenge for racing cyclists (as you know they like to suffer) is the Kühtai Rodeo, where everyone can take part independently. You have to climb the saddle three times on one day, from different starting points: Kematen, Oetz and Haiming. After 120 kilometers and 4300 altitude meters, the cowboy title is well deserved!

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Passes and pleasant loops

Timmelsjoch

Timmelsjoch ranks among the most scenic high Alpine pass roads, winding its way up to 2590 m amidst a spectacular backdrop of 3000 meter high peaks. Crossing the border to Italy, the road leads down to South Tyrol's Passeiertal - simply sensational!

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Glacier Road Sölden

If you want to collect more superlatives, you shouldn't miss out on the Glacier Road to Rettenbachferner as it leads up to 2830 m - the highest point in the Alps that can be reached by road bicycle.

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Haimingerberg Loop Route

But don't worry, there are also splendid and more leisurely routes in Ötztal, such as the Haimingerberg Loop Route via Sattele - at least if you start in Oetz because the variant from Haiming is truly challenging.

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Racing bike camps in Ötztal

Some of the local bike schools and guides, but also hotels, offer special racing bike camps in the summer months. Under the guidance of true experts, including famous (former) bike pros, the most beautiful road cycling tours in Ötztal and its neighboring valleys are tackled while improving both technique and tactics. There are courses during spring to prepare for the season, special women's camps or the popular preparation weeks for the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon. Find out more about the 5-day training camps leading up to "Ötzi's heights" HERE. There is also a complete list of all bike schools and guides within Ötztal HERE.

Häufig gestellte Fragen zum Rennrad fahren:

How do you start riding a road bicycle?

Anyone who has rarely sat on the saddle of a "normal" bike and wants to start riding a racing bike should first get used to the road bike. It also includes getting used to the narrower tires, the narrower saddle, the clip-in pedals and a lot more. You feel much safer and more confident through regular (at least twice a week) and short tours. The maxim is the following: First increase the number of tours, then the length of your trips and only at the end increase the intensity. A worthwhile training unit for road bike beginners could be a day tour of about 100 kilometers.

Tirol's Ötztal, the unrivaled "nation on two wheels", is an Eldorado for racing cyclists who are aiming high. The local bike schools and expert guides will show you how to stay firmly in the saddle of your racing bike.

What is a good average speed in road cycling?

It of course depends on several factors such as the road gradient, the quality of the asphalt and the length of the road bike tour you have chosen. And whether you are a beginner, advanced or a true road bike professional. For racing bike beginners an average speed of 20 to 25 km/h on flat roads is a good guideline.

Tirol's Ötztal, the unrivaled "nation on two wheels", is an Eldorado for racing cyclists who want to move forward quickly. The local bike schools and expert guides will show you how to achieve top speed on a road bike.

Is road cycling trendy?

And how! When you go on a racing bicycle you not only train your endurance, but you are also out and about in the fresh air. Here in Ötztal, "the nation on two wheels", we are of the opinion that the road bike is one of THE coolest means of getting around. Tirol's longest side valley offers countless leisurely tours and is home to some of the most legendary pass roads in the Alpine region. HERE you will find out all about road cycling in Ötztal.

How fast can you ride a racing bicycle?

How fast you can ride a racing bike depends on your ability, but also on the road gradient. Road bicycle professionals can easily reach up to 100 km/h on a downhill stretch. Tirol's Ötztal, "the unrivaled nation on two wheels", is home to some of the most iconic pass roads in the Alpine region such as Kühtai or Timmelsjoch, which offer speedy downhill adventures. On these sections you can (more or less) quickly approach your personal top speed. HERE you can find all road bike tours in Ötztal.