roadSölden, Tyrol, Austria

How to train for Ötztaler Radmarathon

The Ötztaler Radmarathon is one of the most demanding single-day cycling events in Europe, conquering Kühtai, Brenner Pass, Jaufenpass and the massive Timmelsjoch.

Entries: Registration lottery opens in February with limited participant slots.

Distance
About 227 km
Elevation
About 5500 m
Typical Finish
About 7–14 hours
Preparation
24 weeks

What Ötztaler Radmarathon demands

Over 5,500 meters of climbing spread across 227 kilometers. Weather can range from sub-zero mountain snow to scorching valley heat.

Long mountain passesHigh altitude

Your preparation roadmap

24 weeks recommended
Phase 1March–April

Base training plan

8 weeks progression
Phase 2May–June

Sweet spot training plan

7 weeks progression
Phase 3July–August

Climbing training plan

7 weeks progression
Phase 4September

Peak & Taper

2 weeks progression

Winter on the trainer

Train deep muscular endurance and pacing discipline to survive the final 29-kilometer climb up Timmelsjoch.

Timmelsjoch endurance testIndoor trainer

60 min continuous climb simulation at low sweet spot with cadence around 65 rpm.

Back-to-back pass enduranceOutdoor long ride

6 to 7 hours outdoor ride with over 3,500 m of climbing.

Sustained mountain thresholdIndoor trainer

3x20 min at 95% FTP with short recoveries.

Alpine torque repeatsIndoor trainer

5x8 min at 50 to 60 rpm focusing on core stability.

Core indoor training blocks:FTP builder plan →

Routes (approximate, recent editions)

  • About 227 km and 5,500 m of climbing across four Alpine passes

Key climbs & sectors

  • Kühtai
  • Brenner Pass
  • Jaufenpass
  • Timmelsjoch

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Ötztaler Radmarathon?

Over 5,500 meters of climbing spread across 227 kilometers. Weather can range from sub-zero mountain snow to scorching valley heat.

How many weeks do I need to train for Ötztaler Radmarathon?

We recommend 24 weeks of structured training to build a durable aerobic base, sustained climbing or gravel power, and event-specific stamina.

Can I prepare for Ötztaler Radmarathon indoors on a trainer?

Train deep muscular endurance and pacing discipline to survive the final 29-kilometer climb up Timmelsjoch. High-quality interval workouts and threshold blocks are often more time-efficient on an indoor trainer.

What are the key climbs and sectors of Ötztaler Radmarathon?

Kühtai, Brenner Pass, Jaufenpass, Timmelsjoch. Official routes can vary across editions — always verify current course details on the official website.

When do entries open for Ötztaler Radmarathon?

Registration lottery opens in February with limited participant slots. Consult the official site at https://www.oetztaler-radmarathon.com for entry details and registration openings.

Build your Ötztaler Radmarathon plan

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Preview my Ötztaler Radmarathon planFree preview: week 1 unlocked. Full schedule with PRO.

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Preview my Ötztaler Radmarathon planFree preview: week 1 unlocked. Full schedule with PRO.

TrainCraft is not affiliated with Ötztaler Radmarathon. Route figures and elevations are approximate and based on recent editions. Always verify current routes, dates and entry regulations on the official Ötztaler Radmarathon website.