Race Around Austria/Ultracycling WM 2026

Race Around Austria is a nonstop ultracycling race beginning and ending in St. Georgen im Attergau. Riders travel clockwise around Austria on roads near the national border. It has been held annually since 2009, covering approximately 2,200 km with about 30,000 meters of elevation gain. The format resembles a large time trial more than a typical road race: drafting is prohibited, the clock runs continuously, and any breaks reduce the rider's own time. Solo participants have six days to complete the course; solo women receive an additional day. The fastest solo winners typically finish in around 100 hours. The route uses public roads, requiring riders to obey traffic laws while navigating mountain passes, border roads, sleep deprivation, and varied weather. At night, each rider must be accompanied by a Pace-Car to light the way and provide support, integrating the crew into the event without making it a staged competition. Four-person teams usually complete the race in just over three days. Solo riders often limit sleep to two to six hours daily and may ride through the initial night without stopping. The race's origins lie in Manfred Guthardt's clockwise ride around Austria, later evolving into a nonstop format championed by ultracyclists such as Christoph Strasser, a multiple record holder on this course. It also serves as a Race Across America qualifier and has held Austrian and world championship titles in ultracycling.