Sporting Events in Austria: Dates to Mark in Your Calendar
From Ironbike to Ironman - these are the most exciting sporting events in Austria this summer.
Austria is a sporting nation all year round, so, once our skis are safely packed up for the next winter, we switch gear and jump right back into competing in the next outdoor discipline – or watch pros from around the world doing so up-close.
Summertime brings some of the best sporting events of the year that you won’t want to miss out on, including thrilling competitions for hiking, biking, and Ironman fans. Have a look at some highlights below.
MOUNTAIN SPORTS FESTIVAL: ONE EVENT, COUNTLESS SUMMER SPORTS
The Mountain Sports Festival in St. Anton am Arlberg (28 – 30 June) allows beginners and pros to try mountain sports such as e-biking, hiking, mountaineering, climbing, trail running, road biking, kayaking, paragliding, or yoga and master their skills together with experts. Other highlights include an expo area (to test the latest gear of various outdoor brands), live music, food stalls, a movie night, and activities for kids.
BIKING: FROM IRONBIKE TO BEGINNER-FRIENDLY MTB
From long-distance cycling to extreme mountain biking – Austria’s biking events are as diverse as the sports itself.
Crankworx Innsbruck (12 – 16 June) is back for its 8th edition and is once again the only European stop on the Crankworx World Tour, the largest international mountain bike event. It brings the best Downhill, Slopestyle, Speed & Style, Dual Slalom, Whip Off and Pump Track Challenge legends together with fans, industry innovators and the next generation of mountain bikers for competitions, concerts, and celebrating the MTB culture.
The Tour of Austria (2 – 7 July) is the country’s most prestigious cycling event and sees professionals from the world’s best teams compete for five days. The 73rd edition starts in St. Pölten, Lower Austria, and ends in Tirol’s Kühtai at 2,000 metres above sea level. Spectators are welcome to cheer on the athletes all along the way.
Ischgl’s Ironbike (2 - 3 August) is considered one of the toughest mountain biking races in Europe. However, you don’t have to be a pro to join in the fun – participants can choose from different routes according to their skill levels. The most extreme version covers 70 km and an altitude difference of 3,391 metres, whereas the easiest one is just 25 km long and allows beginners to dip their toes into a new sport. Fun fact: All the routes run along the region’s former smuggler trails.
TRAIL RUNNING: COMPETITIONS FOR PROS AND AMATEURS
Designed to maximise length and toughness, the 5th KAT100 by UTMB® (1 – 3 August) is a 173.2 km long ultra-marathon in the Kitzbühel Alps, featuring a challenging 10,000-m climb. However, this event isn’t just for top athletes. Participants can choose between five disciplines ranging from speed trail (24.2 km) to the full length, a beginner and a kids trail.
The PIUT Paznaun Ischgl Ultra Trail running competition (2 – 3 July) features trail running routes between 20 and 85 km all around Ischl, Kappl, See and Galtür, plus special ones for newbies and children. Side events include an expo area where trail runners can check out the latest gear and trends, as well as culinary delights from nearby local restaurants.
IRONMAN: THE TOUGHEST CHALLENGE IN THE WORLD
Swim (3.8 km), bike (180 km) and run (42.2 km)! The Ironman triathlon is without a doubt one of the most difficult sporting events in the world.
Austria’s best-known Ironman in Klagenfurt (Carinthia) celebrates its 25th anniversary on
16 June and will once again see some of the best international athletes make their way to the country’s southernmost province. The route leads through postcard-perfect landscapes, along some of Carinthia’s most famous lakes including Wörthersee, and right through Klagenfurt’s city centre.
Zell am See – Kaprun also has an Ironman, which takes place on 1 September this year. Bonus point for participants and spectators: It was recently voted one of the three most beautiful courses in the world by participating athletes.
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