We start counting days again and they will fly by. It's still a long wait for the 40th edition of the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon but the registration portal on www.oetztaler-radmarathon.com will be accessible already on 01 February. Who will conquer 238 km and 5500 altitude meters to secure the unrivaled "Ötztaler" finisher jersey in 2020? Cycling enthusiasts can register during four entire weeks until 29 February, followed by some waiting and trusting fate. Oliver Schwarz, Managing Director of Ötztal Tourismus: "Out of more than 15000 registrations, only 4000 will be on the start at Dorfstraße in Sölden."
Strong and clever as a Golden Eagle.
The 40th edition of the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon is under the sign of the Golden Eagle. Ibex and marmot are a thing of the past. The "anniversary" animal is the undisputed king of the skies in the Alps. Extremely strong and very skilled. "The bird's majestic appearance is very similar to the image of a racing cyclist. The golden eagle - despite of its huge size - usually looks very light and elegant high up in the sky, and the amateur cyclists climb the four passes of the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon just as lightly and elegantly before they feel like an eagle on its prey, speeding down the switch-backing road towards the finish line." André Stadler, director of Innsbruck's Alpine Zoo, hits the nail on the head with his statement. "Golden eagles love the challenge and regularly prey animals that are considerably heavier than themselves. A must-have characteristic also for the participants in the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon. Their prey is not heavy to carry but very hard to hunt." Surely we are talking about the Sportful finisher jersey which is reserved to "real" finishers.
2020 makes 40!
The wheel continues to turn and there will be a few small but not insignificant changes in 2020. OC head Dominic Kuen: "We have to keep up with the times and make some adaptions. As one of the Alps' biggest cycling events we are also a role model and trailblazer. Some things are our duty and also the participants made a lot of helpful suggestions. These little adaptations will affect the regulations and conditions of participation as well as the fringe program." The Ötztaler "fashion" never goes offline in Sölden. All year round. After the Ötztaler 2019 is before the Ötztaler 2020.
