ASSA ABLOY Albstadt-Bike-Marathon

Mountain Bike Marathon on the Swabian Jura

Albstadt is located in the highlands of the Swabian Jura in the Zollernalb district (AGS 08417) — over 750 meters high, with the classic Jura topography of steep slopes, plateaus, and valleys. It is precisely this topography that makes the region a German mountain bike hotspot. The Albstadt-Bike-Marathon has been the highlight of the MTB calendar here since 1996, is part of the German MTB marathon scene, and is considered one of the toughest one-day marathons in Germany.

30th Edition in the Anniversary Year 2026

In 2026, the 30th edition will take place on the weekend of July 10 and 11. The organizer has been the Ski Club Onstmettingen e.V. since the beginning — a traditional sports club in the Albstadt district of Onstmettingen, which has long supplemented its main sport (cross-country skiing) with mountain biking. Start and finish area: the Mazmann festival grounds in Albstadt-Ebingen — a permanently established MTB center with a pasta party, bike wash, medical tent, and media center.

Main Race and Distances

Program 2026:

• Friday, July 10 — 5:00 PM: Sparkassen-Kids-Cup — Children's MTB race with age-appropriate courses around the festival grounds. Classic family highlight.
• Saturday, July 11 — Marathon Day: The main marathon race over 82 kilometers and 2,000 meters of elevation gain is the premier discipline — professional, licensed, and amateur riders on the same course through high forests, over gravel descents, and steep climbs.
• Short Course (45 km): Also on Saturday, the "small" distance with around 1,100 meters of elevation gain — challenging, but achievable within 3 to 4 hours.
• E-MTB Fun Race: Separate category for electrically assisted mountain bikes — the discipline is growing rapidly and is firmly established in 2026.

Route Through the Alb Foothills

The route leads from the Eyach Valley up to the Jura plateau with its vast forests, down into the gorges of the Eyach and Schmiecha Valleys, and over the ridges of the Zollernalb district. Route highlights: the climb to the Heersberg with a view of the Swabian Jura, the technical trail section in the Eyach Valley, and the demanding Final Climb up to Ebingen just before the finish line.

Atmosphere and Significance

The Albstadt-Bike-Marathon is part of a year-round MTB tradition in Albstadt — the city also hosts the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup race in Onstmettingen (Bullentrail). The marathon weekend attracts over 2,000 participants from Germany, Switzerland, France, Austria, and beyond. A pasta party, live music at the festival grounds, and a mountain bike fair complete the program. If you want to experience mountain bike sport in its authentic Swabian form — Albstadt is the place.