The Ötztaler Cycle Marathon, a myth among cyclists in the grandiose scenery of the Tyrolean Alps over 4 passes, 238 km and 5500 hm.
Of course, the Green 'n Fit team couldn't be left out and so we traveled to Sölden with a motivated team consisting of Marion Wittler, Thomas Frost, Stefan Frost, Jonathan Reuning and myself, Peter Mertens.
The individual preparation in the last hours before the marathon looked different for everyone. While Marion conquered the Timmelsjoch again on Saturday and put his feet up on Saturday, I decided, like last year, to do a little preload on Saturday. For this I completed a 40 km tour to the beautiful Vent with slight peak loads.
And there it was again Sunday = race day.
With around 4500 participants, the first race begins for the best positions in the starting block. For this, my alarm clock rang at 4:45 a.m., which was pointless. I was already awake and busy with my preparations. Eat, get dressed, last bike check and off we go. At 5:15 am I was in a good position in the second starting block waiting for the start. The teammates weren't far either and were in a good mood and positioned. The weather cooperated and it promised to be a beautiful day.
It could start. Punctually at 6:45 a.m. a cannon shot started and the huge worm of cyclists set off in the direction of Ötz. This rather delicate phase of the race, which I had a lot of respect for, passed without any problems and without any major excitement. All 5 of us got through this nervous and fast phase of the race without a crash.
Here at the entrance to Ötz, the race really begins with the first pass.
The irrhythmic Kühtai with steep ramps. In the last few weeks before the event, I was skeptical as to whether the preparation was going well. Now it should show. And it went well. I caught a good group with which I was able to quickly master the pass. The descent from Kühtai is a dream. Technically not demanding and therefore very fast to drive. Great fun.
Topographically, the Brenner is actually a trifle. But at the right pace, it hurts too. At first I wasn't entirely satisfied with the group I was in. Uniform spinning did not work. Some drivers stayed out and there was no real momentum in the squad. At the end of the pass and on the descent it got better and the Brenner Pass was conquered quickly and without incident.
The next thing on the menu was the Jaufenpass and the first signs of fatigue were slowly becoming noticeable. But it still ran quite smoothly. When we arrived at the top, the mega atmosphere gave us a boost. In general, the atmosphere along the entire route was fantastic again.
So the fans pushed you into the descent, which was a bit more difficult than the previous ones. But I arrived safely down in St. Leonhard.
As in the previous year, a wall of heat welcomed you here and it felt like 40°C when you started the first bends. Any cooling off from a garden hose or water bottle was welcome. Personally, I got along relatively well with it and I climbed up to the Timmelsjoch with my fellow sufferers, turn by turn, hm by hm. When I got to the top I was quite exhausted but also happy because the goal was not far away. But it wouldn't be the Ötztal if it wasn't followed by some meanness. After the first very fast part of the descent, on which speeds of over 100 km/h are reached, there is a small mean counter climb of approx. 200 m in altitude. It just hurts like hell at this point.
What follows is pure enjoyment. The last descent at high speed. The last bends and the entrance to Sölden. I had a lot of fun here with a group of 4 people and we drove towards the Zeil together. Then the entrance to Sölden. Pure goosebumps, simply a great experience. Turn right, over the bridge and entrance to the finish. What follows is pure joy and adrenaline.
The concerns about the form were unfounded. With 8:21 minutes I was almost 2 minutes faster than in the ancestor and therefore extremely happy.
The teammates also crossed the finish line satisfied and with great performances. BÄÄÄÄÄM. Only Stefan was disappointed. He had already arrived ailing, but didn't want to be denied a start. Unfortunately, the race could not be made under the conditions but with illness and so Stefan unfortunately had to end the race early. The good thing is, he already has a goal for 2017.
At this point the team would like to thank all the fans along the route and at the finish line, the organiser, the many helpers, the supporters and of course all the sponsors of Team Green 'n Fit.
