Austrian Extreme Bike Race (AEBR) is a self-supported ultra-distance cycling event that showcases the very best of the Austrian Alps. Starting and finishing in Graz, the route links legendary mountain passes, alpine lakes, and remote valleys in one of Europe’s most demanding endurance challenges. The event welcomes both unsupported and supported riders, as well as solo and pair categories.
The flagship route covers approximately 2,500 kilometres with an incredible 52,000 metres of elevation gain, while an 800 km Entree option with 18,000 metres of climbing offers a stepping stone into extreme ultra-distance racing. Riders tackle iconic climbs including the Großglockner High Alpine Road, Nockalmstraße, Gerlos Pass, Sölkpass, Obertauern, and countless lesser-known alpine roads and gravel sectors across Austria.
Austrian Extreme Bike Race follows a self-supported philosophy for its unsupported category. Riders are responsible for their own navigation, food, accommodation, and mechanical repairs, with no outside assistance permitted. The fixed route rewards careful pacing, efficient planning, and the determination to conquer one of Europe’s toughest mountain ultras.
With its relentless climbing, world-famous alpine passes, and spectacular scenery, Austrian Extreme Bike Race is a true test of endurance. It is an unforgettable journey through the heart of Austria, created for cyclists who dream of pushing their limits in the mountains.
Based on this event's terrain, difficulty and riding style.
Austrian Extreme Bike Race covers 2500 km with 52000 m of climbing along the way — a steadily rolling profile from start to finish.
A Gravel Bike is the right tool for Austrian Extreme Bike Race. Set it up with 45-50mm Tubeless rubber and gear it low — a 38-40T (1x) chainring and 10-51T cassette will keep you spinning on the steeper sections.
Austrian Extreme Bike Race carries an overall difficulty rating of Extreme. The terrain itself is rough, technical terrain for a good stretch of the route, the climbing is relentlessly mountainous, climbing almost the entire way, and conditions tend to run mild and generally comfortable.
Austrian Extreme Bike Race takes place on August 16, 2026. That puts it in summer, with long daylight hours, though heat can become a real factor.
Austrian Extreme Bike Race runs primarily on gravel, and we'd recommend 45-50mm Tubeless tires to handle it comfortably.