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16. Ischgl Ironbike
THE HARDEST RACE OF THE YEARThe mountain bike marathon scene is meeting in Ischgl on 14th August 2010 for the highlight of their season: At the 16th Ironbike event, hobby bikers can measure themselves against the stars from the professional scene. At the mountain bike marathon that offers the largest awards in Europe, the total prize money is €20,000. For newcomers to the race, there is a middle distance route and a short one.
What the Ironman from Hawaii is for triathletes, the Ischgl Ironbike is for the mountain bike marathon scene. At the highlight of their season on 14 August 2010, the participants push themselves to the limits. With prize money of €20,000 the circular route is the mountain bike marathon that offers the largest awards in Europe. Every year there are around 1,000 cyclists at the starting blocks - from ambitious amateurs to top performers from international race teams - pursuing their best times on the circular course between Ischgl and Samnaun in Switzerland. The classical Ironbike route stretches over 79 kilometres and 3,820 metres of altitude. Of special interest to newcomers to the race is a choice of two shorter routes. That racing feeling is guaranteed to one and all, as everyone starts together - and on the course each cyclist can decide whether to choose the short, medium or long route. This provides additional racing excitement, demands good tactics and also offers cyclists who are in it for pleasure the chance to get the feel of a competitive atmosphere. There is a detailed road book and GPS data of the Ischgl Ironbike available from www.ischgl.com. Additionally the experienced organisation team provide cyclists an all-round service on the spot. Everything has been prepared - including free food stations along the route, a photo and bike wash service and even a big pasta party for all cyclists. The entry fee is €32.00 and you can register at www.ischglironbike.com.
To the limits and beyond
The appeal of the 16th Ironbike race in 2010 is in its balanced route plan. Depending on their staying power and cycling experience, participants can choose between three different routes. On the classic Ironbike route, the absolute marathon specialists fight for the title of the toughest cyclist of the year. This route goes from Ischgl over the Greitspitze at an altitude of 2,872 metres, along some heavenly single-track trails down as far as Samnaun in Switzerland and up again onto the Palinkopf. This means conquering 79 kilometres and 3,820 metres of altitude - so it is not called the Ischgl Ironbike for nothing! For everyone else there are two alternatives: The newcomers' route is 27 kilometres long with a 750 metre difference in altitude and is conceived for sprint specialists - but it is also ideal for hobby cyclists who would like to get a feeling for that competitive atmosphere and measure themselves against the best. The middle route, with its steep climb to Idalp and its further ascent as far as Vellilscharte, demands plenty of stamina from cyclists. The downward run through the Vellital however, along the single-track trail designed by mountain bike legend Hans Rey, allows all the efforts from the climb to fade into oblivion. Through a difference in altitude of 1,200 metres, cyclists have the pure pleasure of a downhill run right down to the finish in Ischgl. The medium route measures in at 48 kilometres and 2,050 metres of altitude. For the first time there is also a masterclass for female cyclists of 40 and over.
A thrilling demo race for professionals at the Ischgl Palio
Throughout the Ironbike weekend, from 13th to 15th August, the mountain bike scene meets in Ischgl for an exciting range of events. The day before, the Ischgl Palio takes place, a thrilling sprint through the centre of Ischgl where the audience can experience top mountain bike stars from close up. The fastest cyclists qualify themselves in several rounds for the great Palio finale and €2,400 of prize money.
Paznaun - Ischgl Tourism Association
Josef Kurz
6561 Ischgl
Austria
Tel. +43 50 990 112
Fax: +43 50 990 199
E-Mail: josef.kurz@paznaun-ischgl.com