Backyard Gravel Kärnten
📍 Kärnten · Koroška · Carinzia, Austria
gravelmtb
Date
18–20 September 2026
Distance
200 km · 325 km
Elevation
7,500 m
Difficulty
mtbgravelbeginner friendly
Salzkammergut Trophy
Salzkammergut, Austria · 18 July 2026
Difficulty: 5/5 — Brutal
The Salzkammergut Trophy is renowned as Austria's and Europe's toughest mountain bike marathon, offering a range of distances from a moderate 22km to an extreme 201.9km with 7,020m of climbing. Set in the stunning mountain scenery of Salzkammergut, it caters to various skill levels, including a dedicated gravel event.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 22km · 37km · 55km · 57km · 75km · 119km · 201.9km
- Elevation
- 7,020 m
- Surface
- singletrack, dirt, gravel
- Typical W/kg
- 2.3–4.5
Rider fit
Who it's for
This event is for cyclists of all abilities, from enthusiastic beginners looking for a scenic challenge on shorter routes to elite endurance athletes seeking to conquer one of Europe's most demanding MTB marathons.
Who will struggle
Riders unprepared for significant and sustained climbing, technical descents, or the mental fortitude required for ultra-endurance events will find the longer distances exceptionally challenging, especially the 201.9km route with its high dropout rate.
Training focus
Training should prioritize climbing strength, technical bike handling skills for varied terrain, and long-duration endurance for the more extreme distances, while even shorter courses will benefit from consistent hill training.
Are you ready for this race?
Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.
FAQs
What are the available distances for the Salzkammergut Trophy?+
The Salzkammergut Trophy offers a wide range of distances, including 22km, 37km, 55km, 57km (All-Mountain), 75km, 119km, and the extreme 201.9km route. There are also specific events like Gravel and Junior Trophy.
How difficult is the Salzkammergut Trophy, especially the longest route?+
The longest route, at 201.9km with 7,020m of elevation, is considered the toughest MTB marathon in Europe, known for its extreme demands and a dropout rate between 30 and 50 percent. Even shorter distances present significant challenges.
Is the race suitable for beginners?+
Yes, the Salzkammergut Trophy aims to attract newcomers to mountain biking. The shortest routes feature moderate time limits and numerous aid stations, making them suitable for beginners looking to experience the event.
What kind of terrain can riders expect?+
Participants can expect varied mountain bike terrain, primarily singletrack and dirt roads, characteristic of an MTB marathon. There is also a dedicated Gravel event, suggesting mixed gravel surfaces.
When is the next Salzkammergut Trophy taking place?+
The next Salzkammergut Trophy is scheduled for 18 July 2026.
Are there any team categories or special awards?+
Yes, there is a 'Slow Motion Wertung' where teams with the longest combined times from all their riders win prizes, encouraging participation and enjoyment over speed. There are also prize draws for all participants.