Austria’s largest gravel race keeps growing
After just one year, the Wörthersee Gravel Race has already established itself as the most important gravel bike event in Austria and internationally.
With 2,000 participants from over 40 nations, around 10,000 expected overnight stays and an estimated added value of up to 2.4 million euros, the three-day event is an important boost for the Wörthersee-Rosental region.
Gravel biking as a growth driver for the region
“The first year was a complete success and the response from the community has shown that we are on the right track with our strategy.The further development to a three-day event is an important step towards positioning the region as the No. 1 destination for gravel bikers in Europe,” explains Peter Peschel, Managing Director of the Wörthersee-Rosental region. The region’s innovative role and targeted product development in the gravel biking sector are to be expanded even further in the future.
Klaus Ehrenbrandtner, Managing Director of Kärnten Werbung, also sees the event as a key project: “Carinthia has established itself as a top destination for cycling enthusiasts. The variety of cycling products in our province and the growing trend of gravel biking make Carinthia internationally visible. Our aim is to build sustainable partnerships and establish cycling as an important economic factor in the long term.”
Race Director Julius Rupitsch emphasizes the further development of the race: “After the successful kick-off, we have worked specifically on optimizing the course, the number of participants and the expo. We are particularly proud that the race is hosting the Austrian championship this year.”
There is also a new race course this year, which has been adapted to feedback from the authorities and athletes. At the moment there are already 1,400 registrations. The aim of the Wörthersee Gravel Race is to become one of the best gravel bike events in the world.
Three-time MTB world champion and gravel pro Alban Lakata emphasizes the sporting significance: “A UCI race in Austria is a milestone for the sport of gravel. The organization was excellent and I’m looking forward to competing as a 100% gravel pro in Team Bulls in 2025.”
Lakata has already ridden the new course and rates it as very positive and varied. “Dangerous situations have been defused, there are no more bunch sprints here and the course is certainly more selective. The final over the forest path is certainly more challenging to ride.”
Tourism and the economy benefit
With an estimated added value of 2 to 2.4 million euros, the event contributes significantly to the economic revival of the region in the pre-season. Provincial Councillor Sebastian Schuschnig emphasizes: “The Wörthersee Gravel Race is more than just a sporting event. With around 10,000 overnight stays expected in the pre-season, the event generates added value of over 2 million euros. Through projects as part of the spring initiative, such as the Velovista Cycling Spring 2025, we are also creating another sustainable tourism value chain.”
Governor Dr. Peter Kaiser emphasizes the positive development of the Wörthersee Gravel Grace: “Last year I could already feel the start of a future-oriented sport. It really reminds me of the Ironman. The increase in participants alone speaks for the success of the race. The special thing is that really anyone can take part in the race and gravel biking is developing more and more into a year-round sport.”
With close cooperation between local partners and a clear strategic focus, the Wörthersee Gravel Race remains a fixture on the international racing calendar – and a flagship event for cycling in Austria.
Highlights of the race
In 2025, the Wörthersee Gravel Race will start with numerous innovations:
📅 Date: 4.–6. April 2025
📍 Start & Finish: Velden am Wörthersee
🚴 Participant limit: 2.000
🌍 Expected nations: 40
👥 Expected audience: ca. 8.000
🏨 Expected overnight stays: 10.000–12.000
🏆 Highlight: Official Austrian Gravel Biking Championships
🎪 Expo: Up to 30 exhibitors from Friday to Sunday
