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ISCHGL CALLS FOR IRONBIKE APPLICANTS
The mountain biking marathon scene will be descending on Ischgl on 6 August 2011 to form a highlight of the season: at the 17th Ischgl Ironbike, bikers can test themselves against the world’s professional elite and battle it out for the 20,000 euro prize money. There is also a middle and short distance route, in addition to the marathon. The Ironbike premium partner Cannondale is also inviting participants to try out its new bikes.
The name Ischgl Ironbike does what it says: when the starting shots are fired at 8:30 on 6 August 2011, it’s time for all the riders to push themselves to their limit. Every year, some 1,000 bikers (ranging from ambitious amateurs to top bikers from international racing teams) set off on the famous track between Ischgl and the Swiss Samnaun. The classic Ironbike route runs over 79 km and covers 3,820 m of altitude difference and is renowned in particular for its steep ascents and beautiful single trails. In addition to the marathon distance, there are also two shorter trails to choose from. All the riders start together and riders can then decide en route at the marked turn-offs whether they want to opt for the short, medium or long distance. This makes the race extra exciting and requires good tactics. A detailed road book and GPS data for the Ischgl Ironbike are available from www.ischgl.com. The experienced organisation team also offer a comprehensive service on-site: from catering stations to a photo service, bike wash point and a big pasta party for all the bikers. Cannondale is also presenting test bikes to try at the site. The entry fee is 32 euros. See www.ischglironbike.com to register.
Crossing boundaries to find your own boundaries
The balanced route concept of the 17th Ironbike ensures that participants can choose between three different variations during the race, depending on their level of fitness. On the classic and most challenging Ironbike trail, the real marathon specialists battle it out to be the hardest rider of the year. It is not without good reason that the event is called the Ischgl Ironbike as the route runs from Ischgl via the Greitspitze peak at 2,872 m along dreamy single trails down to the Swiss Samnaun and back up again to the Palinkopf. 79 km and 3,820 m of altitude have to be conquered. And for all the other riders, there are two alternatives: a 27 km circuit covering 750 m altitude for sprint specialists. This is also ideal for bikers who want to sample the competition atmosphere and measure themselves against the very best. The medium route follows steep ascents up to the Idalp and on to the Vellilscharte, requiring a good level of fitness. The descent through the Velliltal valley along the single trail designed by mountain biking legend Hans Rey means that riders soon forget about the stresses and strains of the ascent: riders enjoy the pure fun of the descent over 1,200 m of altitude back down to the destination in Ischgl. Overall, the medium track measures 48 km and covers 2,050 m of altitude.
Cannondale new bikes to test and exciting professional race at the Ischgl Palio
At the Ironbike weekend from 5 to 7 August, the mountain biking scene in Ischgl will be packed with exciting events and a busy mountain biking programme: Cannondale (the new premium partner of the Ischgl Ironbike) is presenting its new bikes to test. A racing atmosphere with lots of excitement is guaranteed on Friday at 17:30 at the Ischgl Palio. Here, spectators can watch the mountain biking stars battle it out during an exciting short sprint race through Ischgl town centre. At the Ischgl Palio, the fastest bikers qualify over several rounds for the grand Palio finale and its 2,400 euro prize money. A pasta party completes the day’s action.
Picture credits: TVB Paznaun – Ischgl, can be re-printed free-of-charge for press purposes.
Paznaun - Ischgl Tourism Association
Josef Kurz
6561 Ischgl
Austria
Tel. +43 50 990 112
Fax: +43 50 990 199
E-Mail: josef.kurz@paznaun-ischgl.com