SaarschleifenBike Marathon

The Saarschleife — Postcard motif and insider tip at the same time

When the Saar river makes an almost 180-degree turn near Mettlach in the Merzig-Wadern district, one of Germany's most famous natural motifs is created: the Saarschleife. From the Cloef viewpoint near Orscholz, it looks like a postcard. From the mountain bike saddle, it looks completely different again — and that's exactly what makes the SaarschleifenBike Marathon unique: Once a year, trails are opened that are otherwise closed, through forests, over high ridges, and along the steep slopes of the loop.

Three routes, one experience

The marathon offers three distances, carefully tailored to skill and experience:

• Kleine Schleife — Sport Track: approx. 35 km, approx. 869 meters of altitude — the entry-level option for amateur riders and ambitious touring cyclists
• Mittlere Schleife — Marathon: approx. 52 km, approx. 1,381 meters of altitude — the reference distance for many licensed racers
• Große Schleife — Ultra Marathon: approx. 97 km, approx. 2,600 meters of altitude — challenging, with five technical trail segments

E-bike classes are offered on the 35 km and 50 km routes. A club membership is not required; amateur and licensed riders are welcome. Company teams automatically participate in the Ursapharm Corporate Championship.

The atmosphere — Volksfest with marathon character

Mettlach itself is a small town, characterized by the headquarters of Villeroy & Boch. On marathon weekend, the town transforms into an MTB capital with start and finish areas, an expo area, refreshment stops along the route, and thousands of spectators. Main sponsors are Ursapharm, Bitburger, and several regional players from the Saarschleifenland. The event is considered „Saarland's largest marathon“ — referring not to runners, but to cyclists.

More than just a race

A whole sports weekend is created around it: In some years, it's combined with the SaarschleifenRun (trail running), along with pasta parties, an expo with brands and trail rider talks, and meetings with professionals. Those who have participated once almost certainly return — many participants are regulars from France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and neighboring Rhineland-Palatinate.

Experience the Saarschleifenland

For those who don't approach the weekend solely from a sporting perspective: a tourist paradise opens up around Mettlach. Cloef viewpoint, Saarschleife Treetop Path, the Victors Saarschleife Premium Resort, canoe tours on the Saar, hiking trails on the Traumschleifen (dream loops), the industrial and ceramic heritage of Villeroy & Boch. Accompanying persons have plenty to do while participants are breaking a sweat.