Race Across Austria 2025 - Falko Kunze

Edition North-South – 500 km, 7,000 vertical meters

The Race Across Austria – RACA for short – was launched in 2024 by Steff Wagner. With a lot of passion and a dedicated team, it developed into a format that redefines ultracycling in Austria. In 2025, the race went into its second round – and I was there. But first things first…

How it all began

Sometime in winter, I was tagged in an Instagram giveaway. I usually don't participate in such things. But this time there were two good reasons: Firstly, my wife Jenny had won a starting spot at the Alpentour Trophy the year before – so why not try my luck too? Secondly, I found the premiere of RACA the previous year extremely exciting.

What can I say – a few weeks later, I was indeed the winner of the starting spot!
Soon after, it was clear: I would ride the 500 km route with 7,000 vertical meters. And somehow, I also inspired my wife – she registered for the 300 km distance. Her entry into the world of ultracycling!

Arrival & Preparation

We arrived on Wednesday. Jenny's start was planned for Friday, mine for Thursday. So, first came the check-in – including technical inspection of the bike. On site: many old acquaintances and new faces, great conversations, initial nervousness and, of course – plenty of carboloading.

The Start – Race Day - Thursday, 3:12 PM.

Four minutes before the start, Pierre Bischoff called me to the ramp – including one of the funniest pre-start interviews ever. Coincidentally, we had stood together at the starting block of the Salzkammergut Trophy a few years ago. The scene – typical Pierre – was immediately addressed.

Then: ramp start. The "unsupported race" adventure began.
The route first led flat along the Danube, then into the first tough climbs. These weren't long, but often brutally steep – breathtaking views awaited at the top. The afternoon flew by; one overtook or was overtaken, greeted each other, smiled their way through. Ultracycling, after all: pedal, drink, eat, repeat.

Particularly pleasant: The route ran almost exclusively on quiet, little-used roads – a real highlight!

Through the night

Daytime temperatures: summery hot at around 30 degrees. The night came just in time. By now, I had arrived in Styria, on my way to the basecamp. There, the stamp and my dropbag with fresh provisions were waiting. After a short break of about 20 minutes, I headed back out into the darkness.

The night passed uneventfully – apart from a few curious wild animals on the road. Otherwise: peace, concentration, perseverance.

Sunrise at Lake Hallstatt

The new day greeted me with a magnificent panorama at Lake Hallstatt. I know the region around Bad Goisern very well from the Salzkammergut Trophy. In Hallstatt, I treated myself to two butter pretzels from the baker – a small reward for getting through the night.

Then came the longest climb of the race: the Lienbachsattel. Unfortunately, I had forgotten to fill up with water beforehand – a mistake I quickly felt in over 30-degree heat. The climb became a real challenge. Only later did I find a gas station to replenish my water supplies. The heat took its toll; I had to significantly reduce my pace.

The last kilometers

In the afternoon, the situation stabilized again. My performance returned, and as the sun set, my motivation increased. The last kilometers were mentally tough again – no big mountains left, but many small ramps that dragged on. It felt like I was barely moving forward.

But finally, Linz was reached. The last kilometers passed, emotions grew – what an experience! Shortly after 8 PM, I crossed the finish line. Exhausted, happy, fulfilled. The reception was warm – and well-deserved. With a riding time of 29 hours and 18 minutes, and 0 minutes of sleep, I finished the race in 10th place in the Race category with a very good result.

Thanks & Aftermath

A huge thank you to family and friends who followed me live via WhatsApp – day and night! You made me feel like I was never alone.

And then there was Jenny:
The next morning, she also reached the finish line – exhausted, overjoyed, and then secured 2nd place in the Adventure category and 3rd place overall! What an entry into the world of ultracycling. Congratulations, Jenny!

Race Across Austria 2025 – a race that stays with you.
Not just because of the vertical meters, the heat, or the views – but above all because of the people, the atmosphere, and the emotions. Thank you, RACA team. See you soon!