© Ötztal Tourismus - Christoph Nösig       

After a successful pilot project last year, the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon and the Škoda car brand are expanding their cooperation in 2024. Nine all-electric vehicles, provided by Porsche Tirol, will flank the racing convoy over the 227 km long route featuring 5,500 altitude meters. The “Ötztaler” is thus serving as a valuable role model for even more sustainability at major cycling events.

When the starting signal for the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon (ÖRM) is given on 01 September 2024, some 4,000 racing cyclists will once again compete on the legendary loop track across four alpine passes. A fleet of support vehicles, now provided exclusively by Škoda and comprising nine fully electric vehicles, will ensure the safety of the amateur athletes along the marathon course. "After a successful test run in 2023, this year we are fully relying on electromobility in order to accompany the participants without any noise or emissions," reports Dominic Kuen, head of the organizing committee. With their large-scale branding, the race director's cars ("Dream Interpreter") and the course closing car ("Dream Catcher") in particular also visually convey the spirit of the entire event.

Finishing with one battery charge only
The all-wheel drive Škoda Enyaq 85x will be the main support vehicle. The updated version of the electric bestseller features strong data for this highly demanding task. The electric car has a large 77 kW/h battery with a WLTP range of around 545 kilometers. The 10-80% charging time should be a mere 28 minutes with a charging capacity of max. 175 kW. At the ÖRM, however, the vehicles will pass the finish line without stopping to recharge. Alexander Kolednik, Škoda brand manager at Porsche Innsbruck, explains: “Last year showed that this is easily possible as the vehicles can recuperate on the downhill stretches so that they reach the finish line with a 30% battery level."

For both athletes and electric cars, the special challenge of the "Ötztaler" is less the distance than the 5,500 altitude meters with the highest point on Timmelsjoch Pass at 2,474 m above sea level. Another factor are sudden changes in weather: extreme heat and cold, including snowfall, can cause considerable additional uncertainties. "The support vehicles are on the marathon course for up to 14 hours. However, our fleet manager Tino Schwarz will prepare the drivers optimally for all terrain requirements by showing an efficient driving style," Kuen states.

Cycling sport goes electric
In the 2023 pilot project, the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon and Škoda were the first to dare to "electrify" a large-scale cycling race. The important pioneering work did not go unnoticed in the scene and can already look forward to imitators. Due the positive experiences in Ötztal, the "Tour of Austria" also starts - this year for the first time - with purely electrically powered support vehicles. "It demonstrates our highly successful cooperation. We have proven to be real pioneers," says Kolednik happily. The partnership between ÖRM and Škoda gives both brands the opportunity to take full advantage of optimum synergies by presenting their respective efforts for more sustainability in an effective public manner.

One of many forward-thinking steps in Ötztal
As a big fan of electromobility, “Lebensraum Ötztal” manager Raphael Kuen also welcomes the use of electric cars at the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon. "This is an important milestone and at the same time one of many measures that we are implementing on our way to an even more livable future in the valley," Kuen explains. The committed electric car driver also played a leading role in setting up the partnership with Škoda and praises the huge pioneering spirit and courage of everyone involved. "When it comes to ​​sustainability, taking the lead is particularly important. By showing what is possible, we also promote trust in environmentally friendly solutions."

Comm. & Réd. partir-magazine.com