Race across the alps 2026

Race across the Alps, often called RATA, is a summer road cycling marathon for extreme-distance riders. It starts and finishes in Nauders, western Tyrol, passing through Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. The typical route covers about 540 kilometers with roughly 13,700 meters of climbing. Riders aim to finish within 24 hours, but must complete it under 32 hours to be officially listed. The field is small for a well-known race, usually under 50 starters, reflecting the challenge: it is a full day and night of high-mountain riding, not a standard gran fondo. The route connects significant Alpine passes: Reschenpass, Stilfser Joch, Gaviapass, Mortirolo, Bernina, Albula, Flüela, Ofenpass, Umbrail, and a final crossing of Reschenpass. Roads remain open to traffic, requiring riders to obey normal traffic rules. Franz Venier, Othmar Peer, and Max Wassermann conceived the event after Venier aimed to prove that eleven Hors Catégorie climbs and over 14,000 meters of climbing could be completed within 32 hours. ORF documented this ride, with Venier finishing in approximately 27 hours. The inaugural RATA attracted 40 participants, and Gerrit Glomser won shortly after completing the Tour de Suisse. Maurizio Vandelli holds the record for most wins with four, including three consecutive. Portions of the race are broadcast live in Austria, and Philip Handl set the current course record at 19:40:42.