Ischgl Ironbike 2026: Two days of full-throttle riding, elevation gain and mountain biking action in the Silvretta

For two days, everything in Ischgl revolves around speed, endurance and top sporting performances against the spectacular backdrop of the Silvretta. For more than three decades, the Ischgl Ironbike has been one of the most prestigious and long-established mountain bike events in the Alps.

From 7 to 8 August 2026, athletes and spectators can look forward to a varied race programme featuring marathon events at various levels of difficulty, a thrilling short-track race right in the heart of the town centre, and exciting junior competitions. A true Ironbike regular will be adding further prestige to the high-calibre field of competitors: Daniel Federspiel will be taking part again in 2026. The Ischgl Ironbike has always stood for challenging racing, scenic diversity and a vibrant mountain biking tradition. Year after year, the event brings together ambitious amateur athletes, international elite riders and promising young talents in Ischgl. The routes take riders along technically demanding trails, steep climbs and high-alpine sections around Ischgl. Depending on the distance chosen, they demand endurance, precision, tactical skill and total concentration from the participants.

Daniel Federspiel is aiming for victory once again

More than 700 registered participants from 20 countries are expected in Ischgl over the event weekend – including 117 sports-mad children and teenagers who will be putting their skills to the test as young racers. One of them has big plans once again this year: Daniel Federspiel. For this exceptional Tyrolean athlete, the Ischgl Ironbike has long since become a sporting passion.

“It’s hard to believe, but this is my 23rd time taking part. I’ll be competing in the Short Track and the Marathon. I’ve had a brilliant run in the Short Track, which I hope won’t come to an end this year: I’ve finished first in every race I’ve entered! Saturday’s Marathon course is brutally tough and has been altered yet again. I’m really looking forward to it,” explains Federspiel.

“Feder” faces stiff competition from, amongst others, his Tyrolean compatriot Philip Handl. The German Sascha Weber also has a genuine chance of securing a top placing. Weber finished third at the Gravel World Cup in Monaco and came seventh at the Wörthersee.

In the women’s event, Italy’s Claudia Peretti is one of the main favourites. She won this year’s HERO Südtirol Dolomites, a Marathon World Cup event, and has already won several European Championship medals in the long-distance event.

As a highlight of the Alpine cycling summer, the Ischgl Ironbike combines top sporting performances with stunning natural scenery and a varied programme of supporting events. The event is supported by Simplon, the region’s official cycling partner, Cuore, Volksbank Tirol and other partners and sponsors of the Paznaun–Ischgl Tourist Board.

Programme Overview

Friday, 7 August 2026 – Kids & Juniors Trophy and Short Track

The first day of the event is all about technology, speed and targeted support for young talent. From 1 pm, the stage will initially belong to the youngest participants. In the Kids & Juniors Trophy presented by Volksbank Tirol, children and teenagers will compete in age-appropriate categories. In a professional setting, they can gain their first racing experience, demonstrate their skills and experience a real competitive atmosphere.

Later in the afternoon, the short track event – one of the weekend’s most crowd-pleasing competitions – takes place. On a compact circuit right in the centre of Ischgl, the women will compete first, followed by the men. Short race distances, high intensity and tactical manoeuvres define the character of this spectacular format.

The close proximity to the audience creates a special atmosphere: spectators get to see the riders up close as they battle it out on the circuit for every position, every second and the day’s victory. The prize-giving ceremonies for the races then take place on the event stage.

Total prize money for short track: 5,400 euros.

Saturday, 8 August 2026 – Ironbike Marathon

The second day of the event marks the sporting highlight of the Ischgl Ironbike. In 2026, the Ironbike Marathon will feature revised routes across all four distances. The Light, Medium, Hard and Extreme categories have all been redesigned and promise even more variety, sporting challenge and an exceptional alpine experience.

The Extreme route remains the undisputed highlight of the event. It takes riders through high-altitude alpine sections around Ischgl and down to Samnaun, presenting even experienced marathon riders with the toughest physical and technical challenges. Steep climbs, exposed sections and long, demanding descents define the unique character of this route.

In addition, the programme for the Light distance is being expanded. For the first time, a separate gravel classification has been introduced. This specifically opens up the Ironbike Marathon to gravel enthusiasts and creates a new, attractive link between classic mountain biking and the modern discipline of gravel riding.

An overview of marathon routes

EXTREME: 83.5 kilometres | 3,360 metres of elevation gain
HARD: 65.5 kilometres | 2,620 metres of elevation gain
MEDIUM: 53.5 kilometres | 1,960 metres of elevation gain
LIGHT & LIGHT GRAVEL: 30.0 kilometres | 730 metres of elevation gain

Total prize money: Marathon 28,600 euros.

During the races, the Expo Area remains open all day and serves as a central meeting point for athletes, support staff and spectators. The prize-giving ceremonies for the individual marathon categories take place throughout the afternoon. The festivities conclude with the presentation of awards to the winners of the more challenging distances.

Total prize money for the Ironbike Marathon: 34,000 euros.

Combined standings: Silvretta MTB King, Queen, Prince and Princess 2026

The Ischgl Ironbike forms part of the Silvretta MTB Combined Classification. This comprises two race series and takes into account different performance and route levels. By combining the results from both events, the classification recognises those riders who demonstrate consistency, endurance and versatility throughout the entire race series.

The awards are presented in the following categories:

Silvretta MTB Queen for the combination of M³ Extrem and Ischgl Ironbike Hard in the professional and amateur categories.

Silvretta MTB King for the combination of the M³ Extrem and Ischgl Ironbike Extreme in the professional and amateur categories.

Silvretta MTB Princess for the combination of M² Challenging and Ischgl Ironbike Medium.

Silvretta MTB Prince for the combination of M² Challenging and Ischgl Ironbike Hard.

The overall ranking is determined by the combined total time from both events.

About the Ischgl Ironbike

The Ischgl Ironbike has been held for more than 30 years and is one of Europe’s most long-established mountain bike events. With its varied race programme, impressive Alpine backdrop and close ties to the host location, the event combines sporting excellence with an extraordinary experience and international appeal.

Whether you’re an ambitious amateur, an international elite rider, a young up-and-coming talent or an enthusiastic spectator, the Ischgl Ironbike brings together the full spectrum of mountain biking and turns Ischgl into the meeting place for the international cycling scene for two days.