Top preparation thanks to the training camp. From May 9th to 12th, the first KRM Training Camp with former professional cyclist and Tour de France winner Andy Schleck took place at Schlosshotel Lebenberg powered by Harisch Hotels. Amidst the breathtaking backdrop of Kitzbühel, 11 athletes participated in this unforgettable event. Since 2023, Andy Schleck has been the KRM Europe Ambassador and himself participated in the last edition. Interested individuals had the opportunity to gain valuable tips and tricks from the former pro. During the camp, the 216-kilometer route was divided into two stages.
Route check in dream weather. The weather presented itself at its best as participants started on the first day at Schwarzsee in Kitzbühel. The route initially led towards Pass Thurn, then through Pinzgau towards Gerlos via the old Gerlos Bundesstraße. After a rapid descent, implementing the tips on riding technique they had learned, they proceeded through Zillertal. There, Thomas Rohregger, winner of the Österreich Rundfahrt, joined the group for a short stretch. Accompanied by two experts, the group faced the Kerschbaumer Sattel, a challenging part of the KRM route, as the last challenge of the day.
On the second day, the route check started in Brixlegg, from where they immediately headed to the “Brandenberg Loop”. In perfect weather, they rode through Kufsteiner Land and Brixental towards Kitzbühel. Coach Schleck provided valuable information to the participants, including practicing drafting and changing lead roles. The day’s finale was the ascent to Kitzbüheler Horn. Kitzbüheler Horn rightly claims to be Austria’s steepest cycling mountain and is also internationally recognized as one of the toughest climbs, as Schleck explained and summarized the camp: “It’s about exploring the route together, getting tips and tricks on how to behave properly in the mountains, for example. Our goal is not to turn participants into Tour de France winners, but to have a good time together and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Kitzbühel.” Goal achieved!
Mayor Klaus Winkler was pleased with the ideal conditions and personally motivated the participants: “I am responsible for the weather – I succeeded in providing perfect sunshine this weekend, and it will be the same on September 8th. I wish all participants the best. From the perspective of a hobby cyclist, it’s a unique experience to ride with such a successful and likeable athlete. The tips you receive here and the stories he has to tell are something you can’t experience in cycling otherwise.”
Also enthusiastic about the training initiative is the managing director of Kitzbühel Tourism, Viktoria Veider-Walser: “May offers the perfect opportunity to test sections of the Kitzbühel Radmarathon. Together with ex-pro Andy Schleck, the best tactics for the Radmarathon were developed, tips and tricks for preparation were shared, and kilometers were diligently collected. We are already looking forward to the Kitzbühel Radmarathon 2024, which will take place on September 8th this year.”
