Sellaronda Hero (ITA): 86 km / 4500 m elevation gain
The finish line? Not all riders see it. Of course, with so many metres of altitude! But even fewer see the start line. The Sellaronda Hero has only been held since 2010, but the 4000 starting places are always sold out in no time at all. This is due to the festival-like character of the race. And, of course, the route, which winds spectacularly around the Sella massif, which looks like it was created by a megalomaniac sculptor. www.herodolomites.com
Condition 6 out of 6 points
Driving technique 3 out of 6 points
Dolomiti Superbike (ITA): 123 km / 3400 m altitude difference
Together with Cristalp, Kitz Alp Bike and Swiss Bike Masters, the Dolomiti Superbike formed the "Big Four" of the marathon scene for mountain bikers in the 1990s. The race through the magnificent backdrop of the Dolomites was regarded as the rather easy-going of the quartet, which is not to say that it was easy. But the mix of easy climbs and panoramic views means you don't have to go through hell quite as much as in other marathon classics. www.dolomitisuperbike.com
Condition 5 out of 6 points
Driving technique 3 out of 6 points
Salzkammergut Trophy (AUT): 121 km / 3848 m elevation gain
The name "Salzkammergut Trophy" makes marathon riders murmur in awe. And quite rightly so. The A-distance with its insane 205 kilometres and 7050 metres of elevation gain is one of the toughest things you can do to yourself on a mountain bike. But the race also has six other route variants to offer, including the beautiful and popular B-distance of 119 kilometres. If you feel underchallenged, you can book the A-distance next time. www.salzkammergut-trophy.at
Condition 5 out of 6 points
Driving technique 4 out of 6 points
Erzgebirgs Bike Marathon (GER): 100 km / 2500 m altitude difference
Anyone who is used to high-alpine biking will wave wearily at the EBM's altitude metres. But be careful! The taut ups and downs of the 30-kilometre lap are enough to make anyone lose heart. Especially as Germany's oldest long-distance race is guaranteed to teach hotspurs one thing: speed kills. A great MTB marathon with family flair and a party atmosphere at the key passages. The hundred fastest riders over the 100-kilometre distance receive the iconic Top 100 Headset cap. www.ebm100.de
Condition 4 out of 6 points
Driving technique 3 out of 6 points
Grand Raid Cristalp (SUI): 125 km / 5025 m altitude difference
If you start the Grand Raid, you have to be prepared to die. Tips like this can be found on marathon forums, and it's true: Few marathons are as merciless a test of endurance as Europe's oldest long-distance race, which will be held for the 30th time in 2019. The pitfalls: a from-A-to-B course that starts out charming and gets increasingly bumpy at the end. Plus tight grace periods, all of which you have to complete in order to even be allowed onto the notorious, ultra-tough push section to the Pas de Lona (2787 metres in altitude). And that's where the hell really begins. www.grand-raid-bcvs.ch
Condition 6 out of 6 points
Driving technique 3 out of 6 points
Even more food for the calves:
Kellerwald bike marathon (GER): 127 km / 2800 m elevation gain
Lovely hills surround the village of Gilserberg, but the route profile resembles a T-Rex set of teeth. A great event. kellerwald-bikemarathon.de
Bike Marathon Riva (ITA): 83 km / 3480 m altitude difference
The marathon as part of the BIKE Festival - the start to the season could hardly be better than on the infamous Ronda Extrema. But it couldn't be tougher either. www.bike-festival.de
Bike Marathon Willingen (GER): 119 km / 3333 m elevation gain
The course doesn't give your calves a break. Only the toughest runners tackle the longest of the three marathon loops. www.bike-festival.de
Malevil Cup (CZE): 100 km / 2250 m elevation gain
The marathon in the Zittau Mountains is one of the great traditional Czech races. No longer an insider tip for "Ossis". https://paklisport.cz
Black Forest Ultra (GER): 120 km / 3600 m elevation gain
With almost 5,000 participants, this mountain bike marathon in the Black Forest is one of the largest of its kind. It did not take place from 2019 to 2021. The cult event in Kirchzarten has new routes in store for 2022. In terms of riding technique, the Black Forest Ultra is one of the easier races. www.ultra-bike.de
Kitz Alp Bike (AUT): 86 km / 3600 hm
What a concentration of altitude metres! More than 3600 metres of elevation gain in just 86 kilometres. On top of that, the ultra distance includes a climb up the legendary Mausefalle from the Hahnenkamm race and the Fleckalm trail as the final descent to the finish. That hurts, of course. A tough beast! www.kitzalpbike.at
Ironbike Ischgl (AUT): 71 km / 3200 m altitude difference
Steep uphill or crisp downhill, there is nothing in between on the Ironbike. The long trail sections are great fun. www.ischgl.com
National Park Marathon (SUI): 141 km / 3800 m altitude difference
The event name reveals the panorama-intensive character of the race, which circles the Swiss National Park. The parade route leads from the Lower Engadine into Val Müstair to Livigno and across the Upper Engadine. The ascent to the Chaschauna Pass at 2692 metres above sea level is guaranteed to give anyone a run for their money. bike-marathon.com
Capoliveri Legend Cup Elba (ITA): 80 km / 3000 m altitude difference
A sensational marathon on the Calamita peninsula on Elba. The course is great. The weather is great. The panorama is great. Everything is just right here. Trails, trails, trails. From the start to the finish. www.capoliverilegendcup.it
La Forestière (FRA): 115 km / 3100 m elevation gain
The race is hardly known in this country, but in France it is one of the most popular MTB marathons. A fun, playful route in the Jura mountains with short climbs and superb descents. www.la-forestiere.com
Saarschleifen Bike Marathon (GER): 102 km / 2900 m elevation gain
The bike marathon, which passes the country's landmark of the same name, is popular beyond the borders - not least because of its high trail content. www.saarschleifen.bike
