Tyrolean double victory and German record-breaker at the 44th Ötztal Cycling Marathon

The 44th Ötztaler Cycle Marathon delivered athletic highlights and emotional stories: Daniel Federspiel fulfilled a lifelong dream at the age of 38 and celebrated his first victory in this traditional long-distance race, while the German rider Janine Meyer broke her own course record from the previous year once again. Meanwhile, the 20-year-old local hero Jonas Holzknecht impressed with a determined performance and secured a podium spot as the youngest second-place finisher in ÖRM history.
A special moment was also provided by Martin Strobl, who, at the age of 80, took on the challenge for the 35th time – and finished in 12 hours and 31 minutes. These athletic achievements were made possible through the tireless commitment of the ÖRM Dream Team, which, with over 1,300 helpers, ensures a smooth operation every year.

The 44th edition started with pleasant temperatures and blue skies – perfect conditions for the 4,281 participants from 40 nations who took on the famously challenging 227 kilometers. The route, as in all previous years, led from Sölden over the four Alpine passes Kühtaisattel, Brenner, Jaufenpass, and Timmelsjoch to South Tyrol and back again. Along the way, participants had to conquer an exhausting 5,500 meters of elevation gain.

Together with 391 other women, setting a new record for participants, two-time winner Janine Meyer also crossed the starting line again this year—and after a sensational 7:22:32 hours, she once again crossed the finish line as the fastest. The Cologne native beat her own best time from the previous year by four minutes with this incredible performance and achieved the triple at the age of 47.
"It’s unbelievable, I was on my own for so long. The first victory at the Ötztaler Radmarathon was certainly the most beautiful because my parents were there as well. But I wouldn’t trade any of my three triumphs for anything else," said the German, who managed to successively distance her competitors, especially fellow German Eva Schien and Tyrolean local favorite Belinda Holzer, starting from Kühtai.

Some lessons can only be learned through repetition. For Max, that meant: Pinning on a race number for the second time after 2024, getting up early in Sölden, grinding through 227 km, tackling 5,500 meters of elevation gain, and conquering four Alpine passes that are not just "steep" but full of character.

Preparation with a Plan and Pasta
The second attempt came with significantly less nervousness; after all, the route was familiar, the legs were ready, and the mind was in race mode. Weeks of preparation with long endurance sessions, elevation gains, and mixed weather conditions were now paying off.
The pre-race routine was also dialed in: carb-loading, equipment check, and a mental pacing strategy.

On the Saturday before the race, it was time for the full ÖRM program: Expo, race number pickup, live podcast with Kesenheimer & Karl, and the rider briefing in the arena. Sensory overload with style.
In the evening, it was all about final tweaks, planning, and packing. Highlight: The perfectly timed handover of supplies by Max's wife Alexa at the Brenner Pass – logistics à la Tour de France.

Sunday, August 31, 2025, 6:30 AM, Start Block 1. The cannon shot of the Sölden shooters echoes. The race is on. 4 degrees, but perfect weather: cloudless sky, dry roads, no wind.
The descent to Oetz is fast. The climb to Kühtai is as brutal as expected, but Max stays focused. At the top, there’s a brief glance back into the valley, then it’s full speed ahead toward the Inn Valley. Technically challenging, but with great flow.

At the Brenner Pass, everything runs like clockwork. Found a group, cadence is on point, the spectators are cheering enthusiastically. The handoff goes smoothly. In Sterzing, it’s onward to the Jaufen Pass. Steady incline, consistent effort.
The cake at the refreshment station? Not great, it causes some minor stomach issues. Luckily, the descent into the Passeier Valley compensates with smooth lines, stunning views, and a mental reset button.

Then comes the final test. Timmelsjoch. 28 kilometers, 1,700 meters of elevation gain. The air gets thinner, the thoughts darker. The last five kilometers are a mix of inner monologue (“Why am I doing this again?”) and tunnel vision. But Max pushes through, reaches the highest point under sunshine and 15 degrees, and hurtles down the final descent at 106 km/h. Respect.

Finish line, relief, endorphins
Sölden, 9 hours and 47 minutes later. Not a personal best, but a personal triumph. At the finish line, the reward awaits: finisher shirt, recovery zone, applause, and that elusive feeling when pain turns into pride.
Shower, hotel, fresh clothes. Then back to the finish area to celebrate the last participants and toast to an epic race.

Monday? Sleep in, pack your bags, head home. On your mind? Already the Ötztaler 2026.

Max's tips for everyone who wants to give it a try
• Pacing is king. Don’t overdo it at Kühtai, use Brenner to recover, take Jaufen as a benchmark, conquer Timmelsjoch with your last reserves.
• Plan your nutrition. Bring your own bars, gels, salt tablets – don’t rely solely on the aid stations.
• Choose clothing smartly. 30 degrees in the Inn Valley, 5 degrees at Timmelsjoch – layering is key.
• Equipment matters. Subcompact gearing, 28-mm tires, wind jacket – worth their weight in gold.
• Think of the race in stages. Live from pass to pass. Anything else is madness.