Pedal Performance

Excitement is in the air and anticipation is high: on Sunday, the starting gun will be fired for the Wörthersee Gravel Race 2025. With 2,000 participants from over 40 nations, the event has already established itself in just its second edition as Austria’s largest gravel race and has gained international recognition.

Wörthersee Gravel Race – A True Success Story

The Wörthersee Gravel Race celebrated its premiere in 2024 – and was a complete success. Originally, 500 starters were expected, but in the end, 1,200 gravel bikers from around the globe lined up at the start. Just one year later, the number has grown to 2,000 participants – a clear sign of the event’s great potential. Race director Julius Rupitsch draws an impressive interim conclusion:

“2025 brings tremendous developments – for participants and spectators alike. More riders and an optimized route make the event even more attractive. The earlier women’s start allows female riders to shape their own race. And once again, the atmosphere at Streklhof in Aich will feel like the Tour de France.”

This year also features a major new highlight: for the first time, the Austrian National Gravel Championships will be held as part of the Wörthersee Gravel Race, adding even more sporting relevance to the event.

Top Athletes at the Start – Thrills Guaranteed

The 2025 Wörthersee Gravel Race starting lineup promises an exciting competition. Numerous professional riders will be competing, including former World Tour rider Lukas Pöstlberger, German gravel specialist and last year’s third-place finisher Carolin Schiff, and defending champion Sebastian Schönberger.

Pöstlberger, who has transitioned to gravel after a successful road cycling career, is especially looking forward to the race: “This is a new adventure for me. After my road cycling career, entering the gravel scene is exciting. The Wörthersee Gravel Race is the perfect start to my first full season – the race, the atmosphere, the fans – it’s all unique.”

Carolin Schiff, who reached the podium in 2024, also praised the race’s organization: “In 2024, the Wörthersee Gravel Race was the best-organized gravel event in Europe. The new women’s start is a fantastic development, bringing more visibility and excitement to the competition.”

Defending champion Sebastian Schönberger is ready for a new challenge: “Last year, the atmosphere was incredible. This year, the field is even stronger, and of course, I’ll give it my all. We’ll see if it’s enough to defend the title.”

Perfect Conditions for Race Weekend

With ideal weather forecasts for the entire weekend, nothing stands in the way of a spectacular event.

“Forty percent of participants come from Austria, and the rest from all over the world. This event not only attracts international athletes but also provides a significant economic and tourism boost for Carinthia. Plus, the region offers fantastic gravel biking opportunities and great infrastructure year-round. It’s a perfect foundation to become Europe’s No. 1 gravel biking destination in the medium term,” explains Peter Peschel, CEO of the Wörthersee- Rosental tourism region.

Velden am Wörthersee – A Gravel Hotspot

Velden am Wörthersee is not only the start and finish of the race, but also a key partner in the event’s further development. Helmut Steiner, Vice Mayor of Velden am Wörthersee, emphasizes the long-term vision: “We fully support this event. We’re pleased it further strengthens the pre-season and expect the Gravel Race to continue at this high level in the years to come.”

Klaus Ehrenbrandtner, CEO of Kärnten Werbung, adds: “Carinthia is internationally known as a bike destination. We offer a wide variety of cycling opportunities and statistics show that many guests visit us for that reason. 41% of our summer guests engage in sports activities.”

A Weekend Full of Highlights – Be Part of It!

The Wörthersee Gravel Race is more than just a race – it’s a three-day gravel festival packed with highlights.

The excitement begins Friday with Carinthia’s largest cycling expo, Gralf’s Gravel Expo, showcasing innovations and top brands from the biking world through Sunday. Saturday offers a rare chance to meet international stars at the official rider presentation and autograph session. Kids can look forward to fun and action at Gralf’s Kids, while amateur cyclists can explore the course during Find Gralf, whether on gravel or e-bikes.

Then on Sunday, it’s game time: the world’s best gravel bikers will compete not only for the prestigious title but also for qualification to the World Championships and the Austrian National Gravel titles.