The signs for the premiere of the MTB festivals at Lake Achensee The weather was picture-book, with temperatures of up to 32 degrees and picture-book scenery in the heart of the Alps between the Karwendel and Rofan mountains, attracting 1100 starters to Achenkirch am Achensee over 4 different distances. The MTB Festival took place for 13 years at Tegernsee in Upper Bavaria. After increasingly large obstacles were thrown in the organisers' way by the authorities and landowners in recent years, making an attractive route no longer possible, the MTB Festival moved 30 kilometres further south to Lake Achensee in 2017 as a consequence. There, the organisers found dedicated local organisers, excellent infrastructure and an existing network of trails for mountain bikers.
Highlight: The marathon as part of the Ritchey MTB Challenge
A total of 1100 starters lined up at the start for the four distances. Lungs and legs burn right from the start on the long and steep climbs into the Rofan mountains. The fast descents challenge the marathon participants not so much because of their rough terrain, but rather because of the correct assessment of cornering grip on the dust-dry gravel tracks and sandy paths. The proportion of single trails on the 77-kilometre D-loop was still very manageable in 2017, but according to the organisers, significantly more technical off-road sections will be ridden in future editions. In addition to the exemplary organisation, we were impressed by the friendly helpers at the well-equipped refreshment stations. Matthias Leisling (Texpa-Simplon) and Carina Kirssi won the long-distance race, which is part of the Ritchey MTB Challenge.
