Cycling Events in Austria
Ride with the pros or join the crowds—Austria’s cycling events bring Alpine climbs, lake loops, and sports events to every rider’s calendar.
Planning your cycling holiday to coincide with Austria’s race calendar adds an entirely new dimension to the journey—whether you want to line the roadside and soak up the atmosphere or take part yourself in one of the many open-to-all events.
On race day, mountain villages and lakeside towns transform into buzzing arenas: pelotons speed through Alpine passes, crowds cheer along Danube valley roads, and finish lines turn into lively festivals with food, music, and celebration.
Even if you’re on a self-guided tour, you’ll often feel part of the action—the energy of Austrian cycling culture has a way of spilling onto every road.
Top Cycling Events in Austria:
1. Tour of Austria (Österreich Rundfahrt)
Participation Type: Professionals (UCI stage race)
When: Usually July
Where: Multi-stage route across Austria, including Alpine passes and major cities
Austria’s biggest professional cycling race attracts world-class teams and covers a variety of terrain, from grueling mountain climbs to sprint finishes in historic towns. Crowds gather roadside to cheer, and local festivals often accompany the stages. Even if you’re not racing, the buzz of the peloton passing through Austria is unforgettable.
2. Ötztaler Radmarathon
Participation Type: Amateurs (open to all, pre-registration required)
When: August
Where: Starts and finishes in Sölden, crossing Austria and Italy
One of Europe’s most legendary amateur events, the Ötztaler Radmarathon is a 227 kilometer challenge with 5,500 meters of climbing. The course includes four Alpine passes, testing even the most experienced riders. It’s a true bucket-list event—demanding, dramatic, and deeply rewarding for those who finish.
3. Salzkammergut Trophy
Participation Type: Mountain bike event (various distances)
When: July
Where: Salzkammergut Lake District
Austria’s largest MTB marathon offers courses ranging from family-friendly rides to the extreme 210 kilometers route with over 7,000 meters of elevation. Riders pass through forests, lakeside trails, and alpine meadows in one of the country’s most beautiful regions. The event atmosphere is lively, with the whole area turning into a cycling festival.
4. Neusiedler See Radmarathon
Participation Type: Amateurs (open to all)
When: April/May
Where: Around Lake Neusiedl, Burgenland
This popular spring classic is known for its flat course and unpredictable winds. Riders loop around Austria’s largest lake, a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve on the Hungarian border. The event attracts thousands of participants and is as much a social celebration as a race, with local villages hosting food and wine festivities.
5. Car-Free Days in the Alps (Autofreie Tage)
Participation Type: Community / Leisure (open to all)
When: Summer (dates vary by region)
Where: Roads like the Grossglockner High Alpine Road and Kaunertal Glacier Road
On selected days each year, Austria closes iconic Alpine roads to cars, leaving them open exclusively for cyclists and hikers. Families, amateur riders, and pros all share the serpentine climbs without traffic, creating a festive, carefree atmosphere. Food stalls, music, and roadside activities turn the day into a cycling holiday highlight. Make sure to check out our Austrian cuisine guide to have a better understanding of what to look out for on the food stalls!
Other Events Worth Mentioning
- Ironbike Ischgl (August, Tyrol) – One of Europe’s toughest mountain bike marathons, featuring extreme alpine climbs and spectacular views above 2,000 meters.
- Dachsteinrundfahrt (Summer, Styria/Salzburg) – A road cycling loop around the Dachstein massif, combining endurance with breathtaking Alpine panoramas.
- Bergkaiser Radmarathon (September, Tyrol) – Inspired by the 2018 UCI Road World Championships, this event lets amateurs tackle some of Tyrol’s most famous climbs.
Ready for a challenge?
From world-class stage races to local festivals and car-free mountain days, Austria’s cycling events showcase the country’s passion for two wheels.
Whether you’re aiming to test yourself in a granfondo, cheer alongside the locals at a pro race, or simply soak in the festive atmosphere, these events add unforgettable highlights to any of our broad choice of our Austrian cycling trips.
We’re here to help you plan around them—so your holiday combines the best of Austria’s landscapes, culture, and cycling spirit, while providing you with a challenge.
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