4000 ATHLETES, 227 KM

The legendary Ötztal Cycle Marathon in livestream

Countless participants will be pedaling hard again this year.(Bild: Ötztal Tourismus/Rudi Wyhlidal)

At the 43rd edition of the legendary cycling marathon, thousands of athletes will once again tackle the 227-kilometer route. There are four Alpine passes and 5500 meters of altitude to conquer. Numerous prominent bikers will also be at the start this year. Watch the livestream here.

The route alone says it all: Four Alpine passes - the Kühtaisattel, the Brenner Pass, the Jaufen Pass and the Timmelsjoch - have to be conquered. 5500 vertical meters from Sölden to South Tyrol and back again, all in 227 kilometers.

This year's cycling marathon will once again feature top-class athletes. Manuel Senni from Italy wants to defend his victory, while last year's second and third place finishers, Alban Lakata from East Tyrol and Johnny Hoogerland (NED), are hoping for revenge.

(Bild: Ötztal Tourismus/Ernst Lorenzi)

Also in the running are Canadian Jack Burke, winner in 2022, and Italian Stefano Cecchini, winner in 2017. Former and multiple world champion (UCI MTB Eliminator) Daniel Federspiel (AUT) will provide additional excitement. Other prominent names from mountain sports, such as former Austrian biathlete Dominik Landertinger, ex-ski racer Manfred Mölgg (ITA) and Hahnenkamm winner Thomas Dreßen (GER) round off the already strong field of participants.

Women's record holder at the start
Defending women's champion Janine Meyer (GER) returns after not only winning last year but also setting a new women's record. Catherine Rossmann (GER), winner in 2022 and third place last year, is also back at the start and, like Christina Rausch (GER), who triumphed in 2019 and 2020, will once again be aiming for a podium finish.