September 3/24 14:29 pm - Canadian Jack Burke Wins Oetztal Cycle Marathon

Posted by Editoress on 09/3/24
 

The Ötztal Cycle Marathon in Austria is the most challenging cycling marathon in the Alps, offering a mix of valley and high alpine terrain that contributes to a unique atmosphere. The race started with nice temperatures and blue skies, providing perfect conditions for the cyclists with some rain in the afternoon. The course covered 227 kilometres from Sölden over four alpine passes (Kühtaisattel, Brenner, Jaufenpass and Timmelsjoch) into South Tyrol and back. Riders conquered an incredible 5,500 meters of elevation gain. In total, 4,226 participants from around the world participated.

In the men's category, the final attack came at the end of the race on the famous Timmelsjoch. At the Timmelsjoch, Canadian Jack Burke overtook Loic Ruffaut (France), who had been in the lead for almost four hours. Burke made an incredible and risky descent down the Jaufenpass, but it paid off. He managed to gain a full minute on the leader. He took the lead at the start of the Timmelsjoch climb and cruised through Sölden, crossing the finish line in an incredible 6:49:14.5.

The battle for second and third place became intense on the way up the Timmelsjoch. A three-man group formed for places two through four, including Hans-Jörg Leopold (Austria), Stefano Cecchini (Italy) and Alban Lakata (Austria). The race between the three ended with a sprint to the finish, with Hans-Jörg Leopold taking second place in a time of 6:59:36.8, Stefano Cecchini third and the best Tyrolean, Alban Lakata, fourth.