Ötztaler Cycle Marathon 2020 Cult event celebrates 40th edition

Cycling news: On August 30th, the Ötztal cycle marathon celebrates its 40th edition under the eyes of the golden eagle. The online registration phase for the starting place raffle starts on February 1st and lasts until the end of the month. Of the expected 15.000 registrations, 4.000 participants will be at the start of the premiere event in Sölden at the end of August.

This year's godmother of the Ötztal Cycle Marathon is the ruler of the skies in the Alps. For André Stadler, director of the Alpenzoo in Innsbruck, the parallels between the golden eagle and the participants in the cycling marathon are obvious: “Its majestic appearance is very similar to the image of racing cyclists. Just as the golden eagle, despite its size, usually appears very light and elegant in flight, the many hobby cyclists at the Ötztal Cycle Marathon climb the four passes just as lightly and elegantly before they then descend like an eagle on their prey, the many serpentines on the Descents tumble down.”

The hardships of the finishers are rewarded after 238 kilometers and 5.500 meters in altitude with the coveted Sportful finisher jersey. There will be a few small but not insignificant changes at the upcoming event. According to OC boss Dominic Kuen, these small adaptations not only affect the regulations and the conditions of participation, but also the supporting program. The online registration portal will open for four weeks on February 1st. The organizer expects a good 15.000 registrations, and lots will then decide on the 4.000 starting places.