In the slipstream of the pros

Gratwein-Strassengel has been holding an international circuit race for professional road cyclists for more than 20 years. The classic of the UCI Europe Tour in the 1.2 category of multi-day events demands a lot from the riders: 9 laps over 185 km, 3,000 metres in altitude and 2 mountains classifications – anything but a gentle bike ride! Even those who want to complete just one round will need to exert themselves. The good news is that ordinary mortals don`t have to race against the clock, nor against any opponents. Instead, take your time and enjoy the beautiful views of the Koralm and the Gleinalpe, and see historic sites such as the pilgrimage church Maria Strassengel, Plankenwarth Castle and Rein Abbey. Starting on the main square in Strassengel, ascend along Plankenwartherstrasse at a 14 % slope up to the first mountains classification, the dreaded Luttengraben (top athletes climb it in just under seven minutes). Passing Plankenwarth Castle, the L332 continues to St. Oswald. The climbs and descents along several ridges reward you with panoramic views of the Koralm and Gleinalm mountain ranges. From the centre of St. Oswald (Nah & Frisch shop) the route leads you to the right down in the direction of Gratwein. During the descent to Schirning you can rest your legs! Follow Oswalder Strasse (the L336) until you reach the Reiner Teiche (ponds). Here you turn left into Teichhütterweg and ride along the paved road along the banks of the Annateiche (fish ponds). When you reach Greithstraße turn right. Now it's time to take a deep breath for the second mountain classification, the Klosterriegel. The arduous climb is rewarded with a beautiful summit view of the oldest Cistercian monastery in the world, Rein Abbey. After the hilltop you can take it easy for a bit, and, after the zebra crossing, take the second turn right into Reiner Strasse (Landesgutweg) in the direction of Gratwein. If you are now in need of refreshments, you will find plenty of opportunities to stop in Gratwein. At the roundabout on the far end of Gratwein, turn right and follow Judendorfer Strasse in the direction of Strassengel. At the petrol station in Strassengel, turn right and pedal for all you´re worth in the final spurt. On the main square in Strassengel the tour ends, or at least the first round of it does. The pros go round another eight times and take about four and a half hours for all nine laps!

Zweirad Janger in Gratwein is a bicycle shop with competent staff, should you need repairs, spare parts, a service or even a new bike.

From leisurely riding along the Murradweg cycle path to more strenuous summit tours – OberGraz makes it easy for you to get on your bike. Cyclists without a car can arrive comfortably in the region by train. The well-frequented S1 train connection between Graz and Bruck/Mur makes OberGraz easily accessible by public transport. (Gratwein–Gratkorn railway station)

There is public parking on the main square in Gratwein-Strassengel.

Bett+Bike establishments near the route: Lammer inn, hotel and restaurant Fischerwirt, Schusterbauer inn