Wörthersee Gravel Race 2026: Anton Palzer makes his gravel debut

Toni Palzer is one of the best-known endurance athletes in the German-speaking world. The former Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe pro is switching from racing bikes to gravel bikes for the first time. After his intensive skiing season, he wants to test what his legs are capable of at Lake Wörthersee. Canadian Jake Burke, winner of the 2024 Ötztaler Cycle Marathon, is making his debut in the UCI Gravel World Series. For him, the race marks the start of his first full gravel season. Prominent names from Austria will also be at the start: former pro Lukas Pöstlberger has been preparing for the race all winter - he won a stage of the Giro d'Italia in road cycling in 2017. Another starter from the Alpine republic: Jana Gigele, reigning Austrian national champion. The field of participants comprises a total of 1,700 starters. More than 1,000 of them are travelling from abroad.

Wörthersee Gravel Race course

The longest distance leads over 154 kilometres through varied terrain. The Orainsattel saddle challenges cyclists, as does the fitness trail on Lake Faak. The Drau cycle path in St. Jakob im Rosental is one of the other sections of the route. The section in front of the Streklhof in Aich is an additional highlight. As part of the UCI Gravel World Series, the race serves as a qualifying competition for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships.

Start also possible without timekeeping

You don't have to be an ex-professional to take to the track at the Wörthersee Gravel Race. On the weekend of the event there are the categories Beat Gralf, Catch Gralf and Find Gralf. These somewhat confusing names conceal a race in the UCI Gravel World Series, a race for everyone and a ride without timekeeping. The ride can be started individually in a three-hour time slot. The route of the ride covers 78 kilometres and 936 metres in altitude.

Supporting programme in Velden

The event will take place on 11 and 12 April 2026. The start and finish are in Velden am Wörthersee. The main race will be held on 12 April. An expo and supporting programme will accompany the entire weekend. The organisers are expecting around 8,700 overnight stays. The international participation from 40 nations emphasises the importance of the race in the Alps-Adriatic region.