If you ask a die-hard marathon racer what distance they have registered for, you usually get this reaction: a long, irritated look - then the slightly arrogant answer: "There is only one marathon". What is meant, of course, is the extreme, the long distance. The distance where you have to bite hard, if only to keep to the dreaded time limits en route. Those who make it to the finish can count themselves among the elite, especially in terms of fitness. However, if you ask these heroes after the race about the landscape in which they were travelling: A shrug of the shoulders. Well, apart from the rear wheel of the rider in front, refreshment stations, lactate rushes and pulse hammers in their ears, they didn't notice a thing. And that's a real shame, because most MTB marathons are so popular precisely because of their scenery, and the course organisers go to great lengths every year to present racers and photographers with the most intense panoramas possible.
For this reason alone, the routes of the marathon classics are a perfect touring experience on an e-mountainbike. There are no time and fitness barriers, and on these five super routes that we have selected, it is even worth planning an overnight stay in a mountain hut. On the one hand, because the battery will definitely need to be fully recharged once on the long route and, on the other hand, because the hectic nibbling of bars at the refreshment stations is also a thing of the past. Instead, there are plenty of places to stop for refreshments along the route in the form of cosy hut terraces. You'll be happy to stay a little longer. The only important thing is to choose a particularly beautiful weekend so that the panorama can unfold properly and not end up hiding behind clouds. Or, as is the case with the Salzkammergut Trophy, slumber in the dark, as the starting signal for Europe's toughest bike marathon with an incredible 7,000 metres of altitude difference is given at five o'clock in the morning so that the workload can be completed in one day. As a relaxed tour rider with an e-bike, however, you have the freedom to choose the weather, start time and duration of the experience. There is only one day of the year when you should avoid these marathon routes if you want to enjoy them in peace: on the race date itself.
We have selected these five MTB marathon classics for you:
Dolomiti Superbike
Visually speaking, it has perhaps been the most beautiful marathon in the Eastern Alps for 26 years. Even the race pros recognise that here, despite tunnel vision and drops of sweat in their eyes. From the South Tyrolean village of Niederdorf, the route climbs over Rotwand, Kreuzbergpass and Plätzwiese, allowing the view to circle far over the rock towers of the Sexten Dolomites, including the famous Three Peaks. In terms of riding technique, you have to be prepared for bumpy gravel roads and typical high-percentage Dolomite ramps, which are a little less daunting on an e-MTB.
The route / GPS data: The longest distance measures 123 kilometres and 3400 metres in altitude. In the marathon, the route is run alternately in both directions. GPS data and the next race date can be found at Dolomiti Superbike.
Refreshment stop / battery charging: Rudi Hütte, Rotwandwiesen, tel. 0039/0474/710063, Rifugio Baranci (Haunold Hütte), tel. 0039/0474/916582, Dürrenstein hut (Plätzwiese).
Riding technique: easy - The route leads mainly along gravel roads, which, with their angular and sometimes deep scree, should nevertheless be enjoyed with caution.
Grand Raid, Verbier
The Cristalp, as the marathon used to be called, is taking place for the 32nd time this August. This makes it Europe's oldest endurance race, an "experience of a lifetime", say all those who have survived it. So why do they keep taking on the legendary route from Verbier (start at 6.30am) to Grimentz? The four-thousand-metre peaks and the Mont Blanc massif loom over the roofs of the Swiss ski resort. This means that even on an e-bike, the climbs are long, tough and low in oxygen - but the panoramic views you gain along the way are unforgettable. All the more marvellous when you can stretch out on a bed in a mountain hut halfway up, surrounded by this scenery!
The route / GPS data: 125 kilometres and 5025 metres in altitude. The route is not a loop, but leads over the Rhône Valley from Verbier to Grimentz. You can download the GPS data here.
Refreshment stop / battery charging: It's nice to spend the night on the Alpage la Vieille. This results in two stages (93 km/4300 m and 71 km/1610 m).
Riding technique: difficult - The route includes blocked trail sections up to S2 and a tough pushing section at the Pas de Lona (2787 m).
National Park Marathon
The Swiss National Park in Graubünden has been a strictly protected zone in the Alps since 1914. It goes without saying that the marathon route does not go right through the bearded vulture territory, but rather around it. But this is Switzerland, so there are not only four pass climbs, Pass da Costainas, Döss Radond, the Alpisella Pass over to Livigno and finally the really nasty ramp up to Passo Chaschauna, but also plenty of single trails as a reward. Without the time pressure of a competition and an e-mountainbike, this is an extremely rewarding undertaking. And the scenery isn't boring either: the God da Tamangur Swiss stone pine forest and the famous Val Mora are a must-see.
The route / GPS data The complete loop measures 141 kilometres and 3848 metres in altitude. The shorter distances start in other towns in the Lower Engadine. GPS data can be found at Bike Marathon or with Herbert Bike.
Refreshment stop / battery charging: For overnight stays, the Val Müstair organic farming valley or Livigno on the Italian side are ideal (cheaper!).
Riding technique: medium - Despite the high mountain location, the trails on the route have a maximum difficulty level of S1.
Salzkammergut Trophy
7059 metres in altitude in one day - that's a challenge even with motor support and various spare batteries. For the 25th anniversary of this marathon classic in Bad Goisern, the organisers have added an extra cloverleaf loop this year. Even the fastest man sat in the saddle for 9:35 hours for this extreme distance, 25 per cent of the aspirants give up on average. So there will be goosebump moments when you relax on your E-MTB, because many dreams have already been shattered here. But also on the spectacular gallery trail in the Ewige Wand. Due to the risk of falling rocks, the classic descent via the Blaa-Alm is currently closed, the new route has been rerouted accordingly and is signposted.
The route / GPS data: 213 kilometres and 7059 metres in altitude - even two overnight stays are worthwhile here. Some trail sections are only open for racing. You can find the permitted route to follow here.
Refreshment stop / battery charging: As the route(s) is/are laid out in cloverleaf form, a base camp in Bad Goisern is sufficient.
Riding technique: easy - The only key section: the ramp up to Hochmuth!
Lake Garda - Ronda Extrema
In principle, you can ride the spring classic all year round. The Lago Marathon starts in Riva del Garda at an altitude of 70 metres and reaches its highest point on the 1433-metre-high Prà dei Muci. Only very rarely do a few snowflakes make their way up there. Nevertheless, three long uphills and plenty of crisp counter-climbs await on the route via Lake Tenno, Monte Calino, Val Lomasone, Malga di Vigo with Adamello panorama, the concrete ramp at San Giovanni and finally the 400 metres up to Bocca di Tovo. The route is conveniently signposted, simply follow trail no. 773.
The route / GPS data: The Ronda Extrema on the Lago measures 83 kilometres and 3484 metres in altitude. Significantly less than the other four routes, but the first marathon of the season really hurts - even on an e-bike. You can download the GPS data here.
Refreshment stop / battery charging: The Rifugio Monte Calino San Pietro is waiting at km 56 (tel. 0039/0464/500647).
Riding technique: medium - The Sentiero dei Russi, Prà dei Muci, Bocca di Tovo and Novino trails are partly blocked, but are among the easier descents on the Lago.
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
