Ischgl Ironbike Review

Favourites triumph at the 31st Ischgl Ironbike against the spectacular mountain backdrop of the Silvretta

ISCHGL. More than 700 mountain bikers from 20 nations took part in the 31st Ischgl Ironbike, making for an impressive field. In one of Europe’s toughest mountain bike marathons, Italy’s serial winner Claudia Peretti and Chile’s Sebastian Gesche claimed victory in the Extreme race on Saturday.

The Ischgl Ironbike is regarded as one of Europe’s toughest mountain bike races. In addition to the Extreme course (83.5 km / 3,400 m ascent), riders can choose from the Light (30 km / 730 m ascent), Medium (53 km / 1,960 m ascent) and Hard (65 km / 2,620 m ascent) distances. The routes follow historic smugglers’ trails through the magnificent natural scenery of the Silvretta massif. For the first time, the event also featured a separate gravel category.

Peretti and Gesche win the flagship race, with Daniel Federspiel on the podium

Several top-class riders lined up for the Extreme race. Chile’s Sebastian Gesche once again demonstrated his international calibre, completing the 83-kilometre course in 4 hours and 15 minutes to secure a convincing victory ahead of Germany’s Sascha Weber. Daniel Federspiel also delivered a superb performance. The Tyrolean rode consistently throughout the race to finish third.

“I had certainly set my sights on victory, but the competition was incredibly strong. I was also overwhelmed by the Ironbike’s magnificent mountain scenery,” said the delighted winner.

It was also a successful race for East Tyrolean Alban Lakata, who finished seventh as the second-highest-placed Austrian. The women’s race was a clear-cut affair, with multiple Ironbike winner Claudia Peretti of Italy taking victory ahead of German riders Adelheid Morath and Sarah Marquardt. Bianca Somavilla was the highest-placed Austrian in seventh.

“It is incredible to win here for the fourth time. I love the trails – they are truly spectacular. The warmth and hospitality of the people here also impress me every time,” said a jubilant Peretti.

Franziska Ehrenreich wins the Hard race

Salzburg’s Franziska Ehrenreich caused something of a sensation in the Hard race. She normally competes for the Tyrolean continental road cycling team Tirol Women Cycling, but won her very first MTB marathon in 4 hours and 13 minutes, finishing ahead of Germany’s Lea Kremsreiter and Chiara Burato. Daniela Traxl-Pintarelli came fourth. In the men’s race over the same distance, Vorarlberg’s Julius Scherrer finished second. Switzerland’s Tinetta Thanei and Germany’s Johannes Keller won the Medium races.

“I never imagined I would win on my MTB debut – it is unbelievable. My main focus will remain on road cycling, though,” said Ehrenreich.

German success in the Short Track

Friday’s opening Short Track race proved every bit as exciting as Saturday’s marathon. German athletes Sascha Weber and Luisa Daubermann took the victories. Franziska Ehrenreich was the highest-placed Austrian. On her MTB debut, the Tirol Women Cycling road specialist immediately secured second place, with Claudia Peretti finishing third.

In the men’s race, Austrian champion Julius Scherrer finished second behind Weber, while fellow Austrian Lukas Hatz also made the podium. Serial winner Daniel Federspiel was unlucky, crashing shortly before the finish. Alongside the elite riders, the youngest competitors also had the chance to demonstrate their skills in the Ironbike Kids & Juniors Trophy presented by Volksbank Tirol.

Full results

Ischgl Ironbike Marathon: View results

Short Track: View results

“Experiencing the Ischgl Ironbike from the saddle is something truly special. In the Medium Marathon over 53.5 kilometres, you experience first-hand what makes this race so distinctive: demanding sport, magnificent mountain scenery and an atmosphere that brings together participants from all over the world. With more than 700 athletes from 20 nations, the 31st edition set a new participation record. This demonstrates the international appeal the Ironbike has now achieved.

“At the same time, we are continually developing the format. This year, we introduced a Gravel Light category for the first time, allowing us to embrace another current trend in cycling. Perfect course conditions, glorious weather and a world-class field made this weekend a powerful showcase for both sport and tourism in Ischgl and the entire Paznaun,” explains Alexander von der Thannen, President of the Paznaun – Ischgl Tourist Association and a participant in the Medium Marathon.

“The Ironbike used to be part of the UCI calendar, and the Austrian Championships were incorporated into last year’s 30th-anniversary event. Afterwards, there was briefly some discussion about changing the race format. However, the 31st edition has clearly shown just how successful the existing concept remains. Mountain biking is booming, and the classic marathon continues to inspire athletes.

“We are particularly delighted by the strong turnout among young riders. With around 150 young participants this year, we set a new record. The youngest rider was just five years old. It is especially important to us that entry to the children’s race is free. We want to introduce children to the joy of mountain biking from an early age and without unnecessary barriers.

“We certainly do not need to worry about the next generation or the future of mountain biking. The Ironbike belongs to Ischgl and the Paznaun, and this enthusiasm motivates us to continue developing the event with great passion,” says Thomas Köhle, Managing Director of the Paznaun – Ischgl Tourist Association.

About the Ischgl Ironbike

The Ischgl Ironbike has been held for more than 30 years and is one of Europe’s longest-established mountain bike events. With its varied race programme, spectacular Alpine setting and close connection to its host destination, the event combines sporting challenge with an exceptional experience and international appeal.

Whether ambitious amateur riders, international elite athletes, talented youngsters or enthusiastic spectators, the Ischgl Ironbike brings together every facet of mountain biking and transforms Ischgl into a meeting place for the international biking community for two action-packed days.

Save the date: 6–7 August 2027