The mountain bike race in June in the surroundings of King Ortles has become a folk mountain bike day for everyone in September
Image gallery: Ortler Bike Marathon
Note: From the end of March to June 2024, the water level of Lake Resia will be drastically lowered in order to relocate and secure the state highway and bicycle path.
The medieval town of Glorenza was the venue of the Ortler Bike Marathon at the beginning of June every year until 2022, attracting numerous fans and athletes to the Val Venosta valley. The surroundings of the highest mountain in South Tyrol are ideal for MTB tours, and so routes were designed that demanded a lot from the athletes in addition to beautiful views on Mt. Ortles. As the organisational effort became too much, the "Volksradtag" (Folk Bike Day) was established in 2023, which takes place in September instead of June. The focus is on enjoyment, and a smaller route with treasure hunt has also been added for families, which can be mastered by children.
There are three routes: For the Gold Medal (115 km and 3,905 m of altitude difference - the Ortles is exactly 3,905 m high), mountain bikers have to reach all stamp station without using the lift facilites. The course leads from Glorenza to the San Valentino and Belpiano Mountain Huts high above Lake Resia, to the Austrian village of Nauders, to beautiful Lake San Valentino alla Muta and finally from Mazia back to Glorenza. The Silver Medal (107 km and 1,300 m of altitude difference) includes three stamp stations, and the Bronze Medal (58 km and 500 m of altitude difference) at least one station: The use of the lift facilities is allowed for Silver and Bronze.
