WHY THIS CHORE
SHOW UP READY.
Genuine cult status in the cycling world — the kind of race amateur cyclists build entire seasons around, not just enter.
WHAT TO EXPECT
VERIFIED EVENT DETAILS · DAILY CHORE EDITORIAL COMMENTARY
A Cult Classic Since 1982
Few gran fondos carry the mythology of the Ötztaler. 227km, 5,500m of elevation gain, four legendary passes (Kühtaisattel, Brenner, Jaufenpass, Timmelsjoch) — a route serious amateur cyclists treat as a lifetime goal, not a casual entry.
Getting In Is Its Own Challenge
Capped at 4,000 riders, entry runs through a January lottery rather than first-come registration — even qualified, motivated riders aren't guaranteed a start. Prior winners and top finishers earn guaranteed "Sonderstartplatz" spots; everyone else takes their chances alongside roughly 4,000 hopefuls from 41 nations.
The Route
Starting and finishing in Sölden, the course climbs out through Kühtai, drops into Innsbruck, climbs the Brenner Pass into South Tyrol, then the Jaufenpass and finally the Passo del Rombo (Timmelsjoch) back into Austria — genuine high-mountain cycling, not a flat sportive with a hilly section.
Daily Chore Take
This is a bucket-list entry for a reason — if you get a start place, treat the training block leading in as seriously as the race itself. The lottery odds alone make this feel earned before you've turned a pedal.
WHO IT'S FOR
KNOW WHAT YOU'RE SIGNING UP FOR.
- DIFFICULTY
- Advanced
- BEGINNER FIT
- 3/5
DAILY CHORE TAKE
OUR TAKE, OUT OF 10.
THESE ARE OUR OWN EDITORIAL ASSESSMENTS, NOT OFFICIAL RATINGS.
