Wörthersee Gravel Race 2024 | Highlights & Report

The first edition of the Wörthersee Gravel Race proved to be an extraordinary success, presenting a remarkable turnout for a thrilling race set against breathtaking scenery and idyllic weather conditions.

In bright sunshine and a pleasant 25 degrees, 1,200 enthusiastic gravel bikers from 36 nations gathered on the turquoise shores of Lake Wörthersee for this unique event. “The premiere of the Wörthersee Gravel Race was a complete success and we are overwhelmed by the positive response and the enormous interest in our event,” emphasizes Roland Sint, Managing Director of the Wörthersee Rosental region.

With an impressive time of 04:00:23.3, Austrian Sebastian Schönberger took first place in the debut edition of the Wörthersee Gravel Race. “As an Austrian, I am proud to have won the first race here. The level of the organization is the benchmark for the 2024 Gravel World Championships,” said the 10th-placed rider from the last Gravel World Championships. Second place and third place went to Germany with Paul Voß and to the Belgian Daan Soete.

The fastest lady with a time of 04:28:36.3 is Giada Borghesi from Italy, ahead of Geerike Schreurs from the Netherlands. Third place went to Germany with Carolin Schiff. In addition, the top 25% in each age group qualified for the UCI Gravel Word Championships in Belgium.

These races are aimed at elite riders and amateurs alike and offer long-distance rides mainly on unpaved roads and paths with adventurous and often challenging routes in the middle of nature. Despite its debut year, the Wörthersee Gravel Race has gained enormous popularity and tickets sold out quickly. The participant limit was even increased from 1,000 to 1,200 due to the overwhelming demand.

Race director Julius Rupitsch: “Many thanks to all the athletes, helpers, spectators and the local population. You have all contributed to making the first Wörthersee Gravel Race such a success. Your enthusiasm, your support and your understanding for the temporary road closures have contributed significantly to the smooth running of the event.”

Greater focus will continue to be placed on the quality of the event, thus ensuring sustainable growth and the continuous development of the gravel product. The Wörthersee Gravel Race should not only be an outstanding sporting event, but also help to revitalize the pre-season at Lake Wörthersee and position the region as an attractive destination for gravel bikers.

The organizers would like to thank everyone once again for a fantastic Wörthersee Gravel Race 2024! The date for the 2025 event will be announced after discussions with the Cycling World Federation.

Text, Photos and Video Credits: Kärnten Werbung Marketing & Innovationsmanagement GmbH