After three editions outside Europe in 2025, 2026, and 2028, and a super-World Championship in 2027 in France, the 2029 Gran Fondo World Championships are scheduled to take place in Austria – at least if it’s up to organizer Johannes Hessenberger, his team, and the partners of the Neusiedlersee Radmarathon.
Photo: © Sportshot
The Neusiedlersee Radmarathon (NRM) has long been an established name in the gran fondo circuit. With over 2,500 participants from 46 countries, the NRM was even one of the largest qualifiers in the UCI Gran Fondo World Series in 2024. The 33rd edition is already scheduled for Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4, 2025. In Mörbisch, they certainly know how to organize a major cycling event, making the ambitions for 2029 nothing less than a logical next step.
The local government, the regional tourism board, and the NRM organization have joined forces with a strong commitment. If they have their way, Burgenland will host its first amateur world championships in 2029!
"We are in intensive discussions with the UCI and are in the midst of the bidding process" - Johannes Hessenberger
In practical terms, this means that following the official application to the UCI, a contract must be signed by June 2025. After that, during the UCI Management Committee Meeting in September 2025, the host country for 2029 will be officially announced. So, we’ll have to wait a bit longer in suspense.
Photo (left to right): Didi Tunkel (Burgenland Tourism), Bettina Zentgraf (Mayor of Mörbisch), Hannes Hessenberger (CEO NSM), former pro Johnny Hoogerland, and Sports Commissioner Heinrich Dorner.
Known for its traditional loop around Lake Neusiedl, the NRM has a reputation as a fast gran fondo. However, for the 2029 World Championships, plans are in the works for a more selective course through Burgenland, explains Hessenberger:
"We want to include some sections through the Leithagebirge. This Ardennes-like mountain ridge north of Lake Neusiedl is perfect for testing the climbers’ legs before they race to the finish in Mörbisch to compete for that coveted rainbow jersey."
Curious if a World Championship near Lake Neusiedl is something for you in 2029? Check out our SHOP, buy a ticket with a 25% discount for the NRM 2025, and let yourself be enchanted by the beautiful and varied landscapes of Burgenland!
|
|
|
|
|
