Last Thursday, the road bike criterium kicked off the cycling festival days in Salzburg’s old town. First there was a local victory in the women’s race with Elisa Winter, then Gregor Mühlberger, who has chosen to live in Salzburg, won the men’s race. Friday belonged entirely to the mountain bikers, with an Austrian also taking the men’s race. And last Saturday, the climbing specialists were at work up on the fortress, with a home victory for 19-year-old Dominik Hödlmoser from Plainfeld. There were three successful days of cycling in the state capital with numerous spectators along the routes.
SALZBURG. Through the cathedral arch, at top speed along the Hofstallgasse, then right across the Alter Markt through the Ritzerbogen and back to the Residenzplatz. The route of the road bike criterium thrilled the participating cyclists. Elisa Winter was an Austrian home winner in the women’s race, having come second last year:
“The wind and the curves always make the race a big challenge, but I love racing here.”
In the men’s race, Gregor Mühlberger, who has chosen to live in Salzburg, won. A few laps before the end, the Movistar pro pulled away together with the other two World Tour starters Marco Haller and Felix Großschartner and won the sprint.
“Big compliments to the organizers, who created perfect conditions for us riders. The biggest challenge for me was the passage along the horse pond. I am very happy that I was able to live up to my role as favorite,”
said the victorious professional. The second ASVÖ Cycling Championship took place for the youngsters on Friday. Children from the age categories U7 to U15 were able to give their best on the track. It was not about lap times, but about the enthusiasm for the race.
Speed and tactics were crucial in the MTB Eliminator
Day two belonged to the mountain bikers. The MTB Eliminator featured challenging obstacles such as banked bends, jumps and stairs. In the end, the favorite, five-time world champion Gaia Tormena from Italy, won the women’s race. In the men’s race, Austrian national champion Theo Hauser triumphed, repeating his victory from the previous year. Spectators saw thrilling duels with top riders from home and abroad, in which speed and tactics were decisive.
Local hero was the first to climb the fortress
The crowning finale was the fourth City Hill Climb last Saturday. From Kapitelplatz up to the fortress, a 900-meter-long route with a maximum gradient of 32 percent and a total elevation gain of 120 meters. Elisa Winter celebrated a double victory in the women’s category at the Salzburg Cycling Days. After the criterium, she was also the fastest cyclist up to the fortress.
“It was a really cool experience, but at the same time a very tough race,”
said the 20-year-old. 19-year-old Dominik Hödlmoser from Plainfeld was too strong for all his opponents in the men’s race and won the home race.
“I hoped that I would win in front of my home crowd,”
he said after the race, but he had to stretch a lot in the process.
Cycling inspired the people of Salzburg
Lots of spectators along the routes, optimal organization, top stars at the start in the criteria and in the eliminator. The organizers drew positive conclusions and are already looking forward to the events next year in 2025.
HERE >> you can find more reports from the city of Salzburg
HERE >> you can find more articles by Daniel Schrofner
