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17-07-2023 | Marcel van Herten

The day I became an Ötzi

The Ötztaler Radmarathon (ÖRM for connoisseurs) is one of the highly sought-after gran fondos with a draw for starting tickets. Alongside the Marmotte and the Maratona dles Dolomites, it forms the legendary trio of top-notch gran fondos.

Ötztaler Radmarathon Start

Lucky guy

Among over 19,000 entries, I feel incredibly fortunate to be selected for the start of the 227-kilometer, 5,500-meter elevation course over four Alpine passes on July 9. It's my chance to become an Ötzi! This year was extra special as these three gran fondos took place on three consecutive weekends, June 25, July 2, and July 9. Normally, the ÖRM is scheduled on the last weekend in August. However, due to permit issues, it was diverted to early July for the first time in 42 editions. The course remains unchanged, featuring Alpine giants like the Kühtai Sattel, the Brennerpass, the Jaufenpass, and the Timmelsjoch. For gran fondo riders, it doesn't get much tougher, and July 9 promises to be a scorching day as well.

ÖRM moves back to the eind of the summer in 2024

The 42nd edition of the Ötztaler Radmarathon in 2023 experienced a one-time postponement. According to Anna Pircher, the press chief of the ÖRM organization, the 43rd ÖRM is scheduled to take place on September 1, 2024. This change comes as a result of adjusting the course around Sterzing (Südtirol, Italy), which made obtaining the necessary permit less challenging. As a result, the event will return to its original date in 2024, giving participants the opportunity to accumulate additional training miles throughout the summer and turn their dreams into reality.

Enjoying the Journey

As I slowly leave at 5:30 a.m. from Kapurain Nature Camping in Huben to Sölden, the sky presents a magnificent blue hue. I anticipate that in just over an hour, I'll be racing at an exhilarating pace in the opposite direction, heading towards Oetz and the Kühtai Sattel. Indeed, the initial 30 kilometers of the ÖRM feel like a gift. However, that is one of the few gifts to be found throughout the challenging course.

At 6:30, a gun shot signals the start, propelling the 4,335 participants into action. The group resembles a harmonica being pulled out, gradually gaining momentum. After about 35 minutes, we turn onto the Kühtai Sattel in Oetz. Here, the road turnes and slaloms, demanding us to find our own pace as we ascend. The first kilometer hits a steep 10%, foreshadowing many such challenging sections throughout the climb.

Ötztaler Radmarathon Haarspeld Descent

The infamous Stopfer section, ranging from 14 to 16% gradient, claims the crown for being the most daunting. Yet, I know that a reward awaits at the top. Alongside a refreshing water bottle, an exhilarating, car-free descent to Kematen awaits me. The smooth asphalt allows me to reach speeds beyond 100 kilometers per hour twice during the thrilling descent. Once in the Inntal, I settle into a good group and try not to exert too much effort pedaling, focusing on eating and drinking. The next 55 kilometers, including the Brenner Pass with its 750-meter elevation, don't intimidate me. However, at kilometer 135, the time for gifts concludes, and the true test of endurance begins.

Challenging climbs and thrilling descents

After conquering the Brenner Pass, I venture into the scenic Italian South Tyrol. As I spot the place name signs of Sterzing (Vipiteno in Italian), I brace myself for what lies ahead: a two-kilometer climb featuring a 500-meter wall with gradients reaching 15 to 16%. The challenge begins, and the ascent of Jaufenpass unfolds. The first 3 kilometers are pleasant, with cheerful chatter around me, but as the climb continues, the forest grows quieter, and the arduous nature of the ascent becomes apparent. The demolition of the Jaufenpass has commenced, and I cannot escape its demanding toll. The last three kilometers prove to be grueling, with the scorching heat and relentless gradients taking their toll on my energy. Little do I know that much is still to come.

Ötztaler Radmarathon Marcel Boven

An unfolding drama in two acts

The Jaufenpass rewards us with an exhilarating descent. Beautiful curves, a decent road surface, and the road being closed to other traffic create a sense of safety as I choose my ideal lines.

As we approach Sankt Leonhard, the temperature rises significantly, reaching a scorching 37 degrees Celsius! Two right turns lead us into the village, and now it's time to tackle the grand finale: the Timmelsjoch. This 29-kilometer climb to 2509 meters is literally the pinnacle of the day's challenge. The first act unfolds with fifteen grueling kilometers, maintaining gradients around 9-10%. The oppressive heat adds to the struggle, squeezing the last remnants of my energy. Upon reaching a sort of plateau at four kilometers, I find respite at the refreshment station, dousing myself with water to cool down and replenish my water bottles. As I glance to my left, I see the hairpin turns winding upward, signaling the beginning of the second act of this demanding ascent. Almost nine more arduous miles lie ahead. Fortunately, the famous turns adorned with old cycling jerseys and the enthusiastic spectators, friends, and family of the participants provide an extra boost of morale, pushing me to keep going.


After a challenging kilometer and a half from the renowned tunnel, the summit finally comes into view at a breathtaking 2,509 meters above sea level! The reward for reaching this milestone is another lightning-fast descent, exhilarating and fulfilling. However, the subsequent two kilometers toward the toll station prove to be a serious test of endurance. My upper legs hurt like hell, and I am completely depleted, with cramps threatening to strike. By alternating between sitting and standing à danseuse, I find the strength to overcome the final hurdles.

After a grueling nine hours and seventeen minutes, I finally cross the finish line in Sölden, securing the 773rd position overall (334th in Masters 1). I can hardly recall a time when I felt so utterly exhausted. Satisfied with my performance, I collapse onto a bench in the finish zone. Thankfully, a kind volunteer offers me a cold energy drink and a well-deserved Natur Radler from the generous sponsors, Red Bull and Gösser. Ich bin jetzt ein Ötzi!

Ötztaler Radmarathon Lameta

Austrian Excellence in Organization

Safety takes precedence at the ÖRM. The ascents and descents are meticulously closed and entirely car-free. At the Brenner Pass, the joint efforts of thirteen hundred volunteers, the local fire fighters, Austrian and Italian police ensure a secure event. This level of coordination and dedication is truly commendable! The comprehensive rider briefing held the evening before the start contributes to a carefree and secure cycling day for all participants.

With exceptional care provided along the route, a well-organized fringe program, flawless communication, a dedicated app, and an up-to-date, user-friendly website, the ÖRM's organization deserves high praise once again this year.

The complete results can be found here.

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