The Ötztaler stands for community
The Ötztal Cycle Marathon is a monument. The course over four Alpine passes puts many cycling races in the shade - and with 5,500 metres of altitude diDerence, it puts the participants in a battle with themselves and lets everyone chase their own dream. But how does a cycling marathon like this work if you don't ride it alone? How can the Ötzi become something greater than overcoming one's own limits?
‘The Ötztaler grounds you’. This sentiment expressed by Helmut Trettwer, ex-pro and long-time Pushbiker, has become engraved in all of our memories. The fascination of the Ötztaler is strong. The desire to conquer four Alpine passes in one day spurs thousands of cyclists to apply for a starting place every year. ‘I rode the Ötztaler 2023,’ says Tom Schwarz, ’and finished it. It was an overwhelming experience for me, which I naturally shared with others.’ At the time, he was already the ‘boss’ of the Pushbikers Community and was working hard to ensure that more and more hobby riders could live out their passion for cycling in the Pushbikers context. ‘There were then many enquiries and the desire to compete as a strong Pushbikers team at the Ötztaler. And so the goal arose to fulfil the dream of being a finisher at the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon for as many Pushbikers as possible.’
At the start of the application phase, Tom took on the role of project manager. It was important to him to put together a cool team, create a supportive environment and get the Pushbikers' partners on board.
In spring we started with nutritional counselling and support in the field of training science. Numerous community rides, Q&A session also with Heli Trettwer about his experiences at the Ötztaler. The closer the day approached, the more real ‘the Ötztaler project’ became. Finally, the ‘planning centre’ was set up at Gut Oberkammerloh, food and race catering was packed, support from our partner companies was distributed, a quick group photo was taken and then the Pushbikers were on their way to the team quarters in Sölden.
With 35 starters, including three female starters, the Pushbikers were the largest team at the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon 2024. They remained an unmissable unit throughout the entire race day - from the start in the dark to the moment when Georg was the last Pushbiker to cross the finish line after 13 hours and a terrific fight and was welcomed by his colleagues with a beer shower. Supported by mechanic Sam, many community members and friends along the route, to be 2 followed on TV and also via a WhatsApp live ticker: it was a day that made us excited and happy. Cycling means pushing yourself to the limit, pursuing a dream, committing yourself. For many, the Ötztaler was all about pushing boundaries. Together and as like-minded people, this is even more desirable.
Your legs are burning. The calves cramp. Dry lips. This is what the Ötztaler feels like. 33 of the 35 Pushbikers reach the finish. But the Pushbikers also produced more than impressive results on paper: The fastest of the group was Sebastian Roth with 8:34:47 hours; that meant 372nd place (167th general class). He was followed by team boss Christian Grasmann with 8:41:27 hours (414th/188th Masters I). The fastest woman in the team was Sara Aringsmann with 9:28:07 hours - 42nd place among all women and 23rd in the general class. ‘I am particularly proud that we were accompanied by a film crew to create lasting memories. You are stronger in a community - this team spirit was our key to an unforgettable experience,’ says Tom.
What will the next dream be? The Pushbikers Community's journey is already filled with many emotional moments. A group of friends cycling together, laughing together. Where stories are 3 exchanged, you drink a beer together and gain safety and self-confidence on the bike together. And in the end: improving your performance and racing together, cheering each other on and helping each other.
Thank you dear Pushbikers Community, you have built up something really beautiful in 2024. And with the Ötztaler you have shown that suDering can be passionate. We look forward to the sequel. Or in the words of Georg: ‘Should we really do this shit again? Yes, or am I wrong?’
Text: Maloja Pushbikers
Photos: Sebastian Roth