Ötztaler Cycle Marathon 2021
40th Otztaler Cycle Marathon: Belief in what is Feasible
Press Release / 26.08.2021
On Sunday, 29 August, the most legendary cycling event for amateur athletes and road cycling enthusiasts celebrates already its 40th edition. Trust and confidence are the defining motifs of all those involved in the 2021 anniversary edition. After many months of preparation, almost 4000 athletes from 32 nations tackle the race course covering 238 km and 5500 altitude meters. The OC team and hundreds of volunteers and assistants ensure that the marathon is carried out safely within the framework of a sophisticated safety concept.
The "Otztaler" myth is alive and the longing of racing cyclists from all over the world to fulfill their personal dream remains unbroken. The corona-related break in the previous year does not change anything. "The positive feedback and the trust of the participants encouraged us to organize the event. In order to succeed in this ambitious project, however, the personal responsibility of each individual is required.
What is already standard in normal times is even more true this year. Only those who feel fit and healthy should come to Selden," explains Dominic Kuen, OC Head of the Otztaler Cycle Marathon. He and his expert team have been working for months to set up a pandemic-compliant sports event. It is based on a complete Covid prevention concept developed by the company that also provided its know-how in the OSV Alpine ski races. In close cooperation with the authorities in North and South Tirol, the first "cross-border major event" can be carried out.
Focus on all Athletes
In the 2021 edition, the organizers and hundreds of volunteers are resuming their established role as those who make a dream come true. Therefore, amateur athletes can fully focus on the tough challenge over a distance of 238 kilometers covering 5500 altitude meters. The well-known "must-have rule" applies to everyone involved - whether participants, volunteers or spectators.
Only those who are vaccinated, tested or recovered can enjoy the anniversary Otztaler close up. Modern technology is also used to avoid crowds of people already in advance. The obligatory cyclists meeting with current information on the route and weather is broadcast via live stream directly to all living & hotel rooms via Otztaler Radmarathon TV.
Otztaler Jubilees at the Start
The fascination of the otztaler Cycle Marathon is revealed in the high proportion of "habitual participants". 20 cyclists in the starting field have been taking part for over 20 years. Martin Strobl (born 1945) from Styria is worth mentioning as he is tackling his 31st cycle marathon. Germany leads the national statistics with 2225 participants, followed by Austria (750), Italy (570), Switzerland (127) and the Netherlands (103). 246 women are among the 4023 participants.
Everyone will pedal under the protective wings of the Golden Eagle, the symbolic "anniversary" animal. It serves as a true role model for the participants due to strength, skill and perseverance. A look into the recent past shows how far you can get with these characteristics. The sensational Austrian Olympic champion from Tokyo, Anna Kiesenhofer, finished second in the 2018 Otztaler Cycle Marathon.
Live broadcast
The Otztaler Cycle Marathon delivers exciting stories and images from Solden as well as live from the course on the race day. From 6.30 am to 9.30 pm, fans can follow the action online from various locations of the anniversary Otztaler at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8h2xHtdLlQ
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