This year’s Ötztal bike marathon has been canceled due to the situation surrounding the corona virus. The date for the following year is already set: The 40th edition of the cycling marathon is scheduled for August 29, 2021, the organizers said in a broadcast.
The decision has now been made because major events are prohibited until the end of August. “We are aware that the latest political statements refer to cultural events,” said Oliver Schwarz, director of Ötztal Tourismus. But it was “not fair to hold a sporting event of this size”, he justified the decision. Postponing to autumn is not an option due to the short days because the race lasts 13.5 hours.
Those participants who had secured a starting place for the 2020 race will be able to start next year, it said. Hobby athletes from over 40 nations take part in the Ötztal Cycle Marathon; the route leads over four passes with 238 kilometers and 5,500 meters in altitude.
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