They came here to stay: BORA-hansgrohe Team Camp & Contract Extension

After an intense, but all the more successful season for the team - including Jai Hindley's first Bora Grand Tour triumph at the Giro d'Italia - it was time for the athletes and the support staff to recharge their batteries. And where better to do so than in Tirol’s longest side valley?

In addition to speedy downhill adventures in the BIKE REPUBLIC SÖLDEN and truly relaxing wellness hours, the skiing day at Rettenbach Glacier high above Sölden was the literal highlight of the stay. Giro winner Jai Hindley, German champion Niels Politt and Tour de France stage winner Patrick Konrad proved that a professional cyclist not only cuts a fine figure on two wheels, but also on two boards. The former ski star and two-time Olympic champion Benni Raich acted as an ambitious “ski instructor”.

BORA-hansgrohe and Ötztal, the training homebase of the cycling team, have been working together since 2020. And the valley will remain their training home as the cooperation has been extended by another two years. BORA-hansgrohe team boss Ralf Denk is enthusiastic about Ötztal, the undisputed “bicycle nation”: “There are few major tourist regions in Europe that make as much effort in cycling and cycling tourism as Ötztal. My riders have been getting their finishing touches here for the past two years and that completes our success.”

What the Tour de France is to the BORA-hansgrohe team, the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon is to the local and international amateur racing bike community. In 2023, the legendary one-day race over 4 Alpine passes will already take place on 09 July. From 01 to 30 November 2022, you have the chance to get one of the limited 4000 starting places during the starting place lottery.

Already one month earlier, from 08 to 11 June 2023, the boys, girls and kids kick-off the new season on their downhill bikes. The Bike Opening of the BIKE REPUBLIC SÖLDEN offers not only the opportunity to finally hit the lines and trails again, but also a varied side & entertainment program including expo, shows and parties. If you prefer a more leisurely start of the season, the Ötztal Cycle Trail offers a more relaxed way to get back on track.