Velden am Wörthersee experienced a real gravel festival today in glorious sunshine and perfect racing conditions. Almost 2,000 participants from over 40 nations made the second edition of the Wörthersee Gravel Race a top international event – with sporting class, a festival atmosphere and tourist appeal.
Excitement right to the end: International winners, Austrian champions
Denmark’s Magnus Bak Klaris secured victory in a strong field with a time of 03:38:16 hours. “The region here is so beautiful. I love the surroundings with the mountains. It was a tough race but the selective course worked in my favor and I’m happy that I was able to come out on top.”
Swiss rider Felix Stehli followed just behind. Austria’s Lukas Pöstlberger came third, also taking the title of Austrian Gravel 2025 champion. Daniel Federspiel and Daniel Geismayr finished in second and third place in the Austrian national championship.
The women’s race was dominated by last year’s runner-up Geerike Schreurs from the Netherlands, who crossed the finish line first in 04:32:21 hours after a thrilling finish. Just seconds behind her came Karolina Migoń from Switzerland and the German gravel icon Carolin Schiff, who finished in third place, just like last year. The best Austrian and therefore Austrian Gravel Champion 2025 was Jana Gigele from Tyrol in sixth place with a time of 04:33:23. Cornelia Holland and Clara Sommer followed in second and third place in the national championship.
The best Carinthian is Eva Herzog in 14th place among the women, the best Carinthian is Hans-Jörg Leopold in 47th place.
The Wörthersee region as the gravel destination
The Wörthersee Gravel Race took place over three days: Carinthia’s largest bike fair, a separate children’s competition and the presentation of the pros created a festival atmosphere in the run-up to the race. Sunday was the day: the professionals and amateur riders took to the start line in perfect conditions – with enthusiastic spectators along the entire course.
Race director Julius Rupitsch emphasizes: “It is impressive to see how the Wörthersee Gravel Race has developed into a top international event. The feedback from the athletes – from amateur gravel racers to professionals – confirms that we have created something great here together.”
Peter Peschel, Managing Director of the Wörthersee-Rosental region, adds: “This event not only brings sporting class, but also enormous tourism impulses to the region. Our goal is to position Lake Wörthersee as Europe’s leading gravel destination in the medium term – and we are well on our way.”
