Details Announced For 2021 Saalbach - Hinterglemm World Games Of Mountain Biking Marathon Race
That incomparable race-feeling is finally back. From September 9 to 12, 2021, 1000 mountain bikers from more than 20 nations are once again set to line up on the starting line in Austria’s Saalbach Hinterglemm in order to fight for the title of World Games Champion. Be it casual riders or professional racers, with five marathon distances ranging from 21 km all the way to 80 km, everybody is going to find their match at the 22nd edition of the World Games of Mountain Biking.
The 2021 edition of the World Games of Mountain Biking will once again feature a choice of five distances. Whilst those new to marathon racing can tackle the Marathon 21 with its 764 vertical meters of climbing, more experienced marathonisti can choose to tackle the distances of 31, 42 and 58 km with climbing ranging from 961 all the way to 2,974 vertical meters. Those who underestimated their abilities and want to spontaneously switch to a longer distance can also do so at each relevant intersection of the track.
Heroes of the Mountain
The absolute heroes of the World Games of Mountain Biking are those who are ready to tackle the brutal 80 km Marathon. The legendary World Games track comes with precisely 3,788 vertical meters of merciless climbing, all to be done under the racers own power, of course. The record time for the 80 km Marathon stands at 4:17:14.8 but beating that time doesn’t make a Mountain Hero. The title of “Mountain Hero” is one of the toughest titles to earn as it also includes the results of the Mountain Attack ski touring marathon from January 2020 next to the World Games of Mountain Biking results.
Cross-Country
Those who just can’t get enough of that incredible race feeling and aren’t afraid of tired legs at the start of the marathon have the chance to additionally prove themselves at a cross-country race. The cross-country race above the rooftops of Saalbach on September 10, 2021, features four full-speed laps with a length of 2.5km and 119 vertical meters of climbing each.
Junior Trophy
Racing like the grown-ups, crossing the same finish lines as the pro athletes, being cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd – the Junior Trophy isn’t just a blast for kids but parents and spectators alike. On the day before the marathon race, the start/finish line area belongs to children aged 13 and under. The Junior Trophy features a 500- and 900-meter loop with varying degrees of difficulty and is sure to be an unforgettable moment for the kids racing in the six age categories.
Mountain biking for a good cause
As in previous years, the 22nd edition of the World Games of Mountain Biking will once again support a charitable cause. Spectators, supporters or family members can choose to sponsor an athlete and thereby donate one Euro per kilometer ridden by the athlete to Debra Austria in support of the treatment of butterfly children. In previous years the World Games of Mountain Biking event and the organization “Biking for Butterfly Children” have raised approximately 10.000 Euros a year for DEBRA Austria.
Registration for the 22nd edition of the World Games of Mountain Biking is live as of now and can be found at saalbach.com/worldgames.
