Five of the best cycling climbs near Innsbruck

 When you think of cycling destinations, the city of Innsbruck might not necessarily be at the top of your list, with it renowned for its winter sports rather than the two wheeled variety.


But come summer, once the roads are clear of snow, the city is the perfect place to be based if you want to try your hand at some challenging Alpine climbs without the crowds you’d find in nearby France and Italy.


Don’t just take our word for it though. Innsbruck has real race pedigree. The Tour of Austria often passes through the area during the week-long race, while the city is hosting the UCI Road World Championships this September.


The region features a number of challenging ascents that will really test the legs. Here, we’ve taken a look at five of the best to pit yourself against:


 


Climb to Igls

This year’s UCI Road World Championship course features three climbs, and the key one will be the ascent from the south of Innsbruck up to Igles. The 448m climb will feature seven times in the Elite Men’s race, and therefore contributes significantly to the route’s 4,670m of climbing.


At 6.9km long and with an average elevation of six per cent, it’s a climb that can be enjoyed (unless your name is Peter Sagan and you’re on the hunt for a fourth consecutive world title). Gently rising out of Innsbruck, a couple of switchbacks after the first kilometre are the first testing parts of the ascent. After these, the road continues up to Aldrans and Lans before summiting just past the Olympia Eiskanal bobsleigh track.


To your right will be views back down into the valley of Innsbruck, and with it a speedy descent to the village of Igls – the perfect spot for a post-climb coffee.


Kuhtai

Head out west along the Inn valley and you’ll soon find yourself faced with Kuhtai. The mountain pass is one of the most famous of the region – featuring heavily in the Tour of Austria and as the first of four climbs in the Otztal Bike Marathon – and is closed to heavy duty vehicles, ensuring a nicer ride.


The road from Oetz up to the summit is 17.45km of pure climbing heaven. The conifer-laden asphalt at the foot makes way for a snow-lined path towards the top, but be sure to take an extra layer with the temperature plummeting as the elevation rises.


Expect switchbacks and punchy peaks along the way, with the average seven per cent gradient belying its hors categorie status. Stop to admire the lakes at the top before continuing east and tackling the white knuckle descent back towards the centre of Innsbruck.

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