Favourites triumph at the 31st Ischgl Ironbike against the impressive mountain backdrop of the Silvretta

Over 700 mountain bikers from 20  countries made for an impressive turnout at the 31st edition of the Ischgl Ironbike. In one of Europe’s toughest mountain bike marathon races, the Italian serial winner Claudia Peretti and the Chilean Sebastian Gesche claimed victory in the Extreme Distance category on Saturday.

The Ischgl Ironbike is regarded as one of the toughest mountain bike races in Europe and, in addition to the Extreme route (83.5 km / 3,400 hm), also features the Light (30 km / 7,300 hm), Medium (53 km / 1,960 m elevation gain) and Hard (65 km / 2,620 m elevation gain) routes along historic smugglers’ trails through the impressive natural scenery of the Silvretta massif. In addition, a separate gravel class was held for the first time.

Peretti and Gesche win the ‘Königsdistanz’! Daniel Federspiel on the podium.

Several top-class riders took part in the Extreme course. Chilean Sebastian Gesche once again demonstrated his international calibre, winning by a clear margin ahead of Germany’s Sascha Weber after 83 kilometres and 4 hours 15 minutes. Daniel Federspiel also put in a very strong performance. The Tyrolean rode consistently to finish third. “I’d been hoping for the win, but the competition was incredibly strong. I was also blown away by the stunning mountain scenery at the Ironbike,” said the delighted winner. Things are also going well for Alban Lakata from East Tyrol, who finished seventh and was the second-best Austrian. In the women’s race, it was a clear-cut victory for multiple Ironbike winner Claudia Peretti from Italy.   She won ahead of the Germans Adelheid Morath and Sarah Marquardt. The best Austrian was Bianca Somavilla, who finished seventh. “It’s incredible that I’ve won here for the fourth time. I love the trails – they’re absolutely spectacular. I’m also always thrilled by the hospitality of the locals,” said Peretti jubilantly.

Franziska Ehrenreich wins the Hard course

Franziska Ehrenreich from Salzburg caused a minor sensation in the Hard distance. She normally rides for the Tyrolean Continental road team, Tirol Women Cycling. In her very first MTB marathon race, she won in a time of 4 hours and 13 minutes, ahead of Germany’s Lea Kremsreiter and Chiara Burato. Daniela Traxl-Pintarelli finished fourth. Over the same distance in the men’s race, Julius Scherrer from Vorarlberg came second. The Medium course was won by Tinetta Thanei from Switzerland and Johannes Keller from Germany. “I never would have thought that I’d clinch victory straight away on my MTB debut; it’s unbelievable for me. But my main focus remains on road cycling,” said a delighted Ehrenreich.

German successes in short track

Friday’s opening event – the short-track race – proved just as exciting as Saturday’s marathon. Two German athletes, Sascha Weber and Luisa Daubermann, came out on top. The top Austrian was Franziska Ehrenreich. The road cycling specialist from Tirol Women Cycling finished second in her MTB debut. Third place went to Claudia Peretti. In the men’s race, national champion Julius Scherrer finished second behind Weber. Lukas Hatz was another local rider to make it onto the podium. Serial winner Daniel Federspiel was unlucky, crashing just before the finish line. Alongside the elite riders, the youngest competitors also showcased their skills at the Ironbike Kids & Juniors Trophy presented by Volksbank Tirol.

All the results in detail:

Ischgl Ironbike Marathon:

https://balancer.pentek-timing.at/results.html?pnr=14793

Short Track:

https://balancer.pentek-timing.at/results.html?pnr=14726 

“Experiencing the Ischgl Ironbike first-hand on your bike is something truly special. During the Medium Marathon over 53.5 kilometres, you get a real sense of what makes this race so special: a challenging sporting event, stunning mountain scenery and an atmosphere that brings together participants from all over the world. With over 700 athletes from 20 nations, we set a new attendance record at the 31st edition. This demonstrates the international appeal that the Ironbike has now achieved. At the same time, we are consistently developing the format further – this year, for the first time, with a Gravel Light category, through which we are embracing another current trend in cycling. Perfect course conditions, fantastic weather and a top-class field of participants have made this weekend a major showcase for Ischgl and the entire Paznaun region, both in sporting and tourist terms,” explains Alexander von der Thannen, President of the Paznaun–Ischgl Tourist Board and a participant in the Medium Marathon.

“The Ironbike used to be part of the UCI calendar, and last year’s 30th anniversary event also included the Austrian Championships. Afterwards, there was brief discussion about changing the race format. However, the 31st edition has clearly shown just how successful the existing concept continues to be. Mountain biking is booming, and the classic marathon still inspires the athletes as ever. We are particularly pleased with the strong turnout from young riders: with around 150 young participants, we set a new record this year. The youngest participant was just five years old. It is particularly important to us that the children’s race is offered free of charge. We want to instil a love of mountain biking in children from an early age and without any major barriers. We certainly need not worry about the next generation – and thus the future of mountain biking. “The Ironbike is an integral part of Ischgl and the Paznaun region – and this enthusiasm motivates us to continue developing the event with great passion,” says Thomas Köhle, Managing Director of the Paznaun – Ischgl Tourist Board

About the Ischgl Ironbike

The Ischgl Ironbike has been held for more than 30 years and is one of Europe’s most traditional mountain bike events. With its varied race programme, impressive Alpine backdrop and close ties to the host town, the event combines sporting excellence with an extraordinary experience and international appeal. Whether you’re an ambitious amateur, an international elite rider, a young up-and-coming talent or an enthusiastic spectator. The Ischgl Ironbike brings together the full spectrum of mountain biking and transforms Ischgl into the meeting place for the international cycling scene for two days.

SAVE THE DATE: 06. – 07. August 2027