The bad news first: the Black Forest Ultra will not take place in 2020. Authorisation problems! The good news is that the marathon calendar is still overflowing. From the Hero Dolomites, which is always fully booked with over 4000 starters and is currently being expanded into a series with franchises in Thailand and Dubai, to smaller marathons with local colour - there's something for everyone who wants to race against the clock: Malevil Cup, Maintal Marathon, Inselberg Marathon, Gäsbock Marathon, and, and, and ... Bikepacking events add a new facet to the sport. And enduro fans don't have to look far for a trail race near them either. Here are just a few suggestions. There are many more dates, for example, on jedermanntermine.de
BIKE-Transalp 2020: 7 days of adventure
When the first BIKE-Transalp When I ventured into the Alps in 1998, it was an adventure. Mountain biking was just starting to grow, it was about the trails that were there. And today? Has this spirit of discovery long since faded? Not at all, because in 2020 the Transalp is still venturing into the unknown, crossing high alpine passes and remote mountain and alpine paths that, even after 22 years, have never been part of the route. Biking across the Alps in its original form, wild, surprising, breathtaking. Date: 5-11 July., Info: bike-transalp.de (photo above)
This is where it all began
The Grand Raid Cristalp is the oldest marathon in Europe. In 1990, a small group dared to tackle the 125 kilometres from Verbier to Grimentz for the first time, setting the initial spark for the marathon boom in Europe. And despite growing competition, the Grand Raid stands like a rock in the surf, it is the Wimbledon of marathon sport. 5000 metres in altitude stand between victory and defeat, nasty ramps, a long pushing section, merciless grace periods. If you can't stand it, you have no place here. Date: 22.8., Info: grand-raid-bcvs.ch
Trails without limits
In recent years, Nauders in the border triangle between Austria, South Tyrol and Switzerland has created an impressive cross-border trail network. On earthy, rooty natural trails or on specially designed freeride lines, there is never a dull moment. Here flow, there concentration, the mix is fun. On top of that, there's the panoramic view across Lake Reschen to King Ortler. That's why the 3 Countries Enduro Racewhich was organised this year by 28.-30.8. takes place. Info and registration: 3laenderenduro.com
Laps around the clock
From the extreme sports loner to the group of eight friends who just want to have fun - 24-hour races bring everyone together. They are something like the democratisation of cycling, cranked equality, the applause of the spectators goes to everyone. An atmospheric highlight of the 24-hour racing scene is the Heavy 24 in Chemnitz (26.-28.6.), which only has waiting lists for 2020. But you have to keep it on your radar and start putting together a team. Maybe a spontaneous late registration will work out: mtb-chemnitz.de
FURTHER DATES
1 - 3 May BIKE Festival Garda Trentino: Top-class marathon at the start of the season with a new course and a challenging start to the Enduro Series. riva.bike-festival.de
9-10 May Trailtrophy in St. Andreasberg: First stop of the enduro series in the Harz Mountains. This is followed by Latsch, the Rabenberg trail centre and Bischofsmais. trailtrophy.eu
15-17 May BIKE Festival Willingen: Highlight: The German Enduro Championships and, of course, the marathon classic in Hochsauerland. willingen.bike-festival.de
23-24 May Enduro One, Winterberg: After the start of the series at the Dirt Masters, Rossbach, St. Johann in Tirol and Bad Endbach await. enduro-one.comenduro-one.com
31 May Granite Marathon, Kleinzell im Mühlkreis: Austrian national championships with ramp danger between the Danube and the Bohemian Forest. granitmarathon.at
11-14 June Alpine tour, Schladming/Dachstein: Hits the nerve! Marathon riders love the four-day hybrid of a transalp and a one-day race. alpen-tour.at
27.6. Kitzalp Bike, Kirchberg/Tyrol: This marathon has it all and has long been one of the most prominent race classics in the Alps. kitzalpbike.com
6-12 July Megavalanche, Alp d'Huez (FRA): The mother of all alpine mass descents from the glacier via gravel pistes and trails into the valley. ucc-sportevent.com
5-8 August Ischgl Ironbike: Tight calves and good lungs are needed for climbing in the high Alps - rewarded with epic trails. ischgl.com
10-13 September Worldgames of Mountainbiking: The unofficial World Championships for amateurs, professionals are out. The marathon course is therefore no easier. worldgames.at
THE TOP 5 from Henri Lesewitz BIKE editor-in-chief and long-distance fan
1ST EBM: The Wacken of the marathon scene. Tough, but marvellous! ebm100.de
2. 4 ICELANDS: Four stages, four islands. Race and holiday. 4islands.hr
3rd Salzkammergut Trophy: The toughest nut to crack on the MTB scene: 211 km! trophy.at
4th Singlespeed World Championship: One course, basta! 2020 in Belgium. Info about the SSWC? facebook.com
5th Grenzstein Trophy: Adventures along the former border. grenzsteintrophy.de
You can find this article in BIKE 2/2020. You can read the entire digital edition in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or the print edition in the DK shop reorder - while stocks last:
