Racing took the riders into the testing Olympic Circuit for six laps and seven climbs of Igls.
The 2018 UCI Road World Championships concluded on Sunday, September 30, 2018, with the elite men’s road race bringing the curtain down on a week of epic racing in Tirol. 275,000 spectators coming from around the world to watch the UCI Road World Championships were having a great time in Tirol. Here’s a look back at all the action from the final event at the 2018 Worlds.
Scenic start: The elite men’s course departed Kufstein, towered by the fortress of the same name.
Thousands of fans cheered up riders at the elite men’s road race in Kufstein.
The world’s best riders were rolling out of Kufstein’s picturesque historic old town border under sunny autumn skies.
Racing first took the riders across Lower Inntal Valley, past grazing cows and farmsteads.
The first key spot and the first climb of the race: Gnadenwald was a sharp introduction at 2.8km and an average of 10.1%.
Fans waving Hungarian flags in Tirol.
The Fan Zone above Ambras Castle.
The fans have packed the roads at the key spot in Aldrans/Igls, the highest elevation along the Olympic Circuit.
Racing took the riders into the testing Olympic Circuit for six laps and seven climbs of Igls.
Fans from Norway
The fast sweeping descent off the climb from Igls down to Innsbruck.
The peloton on the descent to Innsbruck, towered by Bergisel Ski Jump.
Riding next to the Triumphal Arch of Innsbruck.
The city’s natural skyscrapers, craggy Nordkette Mountain Range, are rising high above Innsbruck.
Usually, Innsbruck’s lively main artery, Maria-Theresien-Street, is exclusively open to pedestrians and streetcars.
Riding through Innsbruck’s historic city center, cheered up by spectators from all over the world.
The sun shined in a flawless blue sky above the Alps during almost all of the 12 races.
Riding beneath the „Golden Roof“, the landmark of Innsbruck – the late Gothic oriel is adorned with 2,657 fire-gilt copper tiles.
Crossing the bridge over the Inn River en route to Hötting, the northern district of Innsbruck.
These fans were here for Eritrea.
Welcome to Hell: After completing the final lap of the Olympic Circuit, riders turned off to the savage final climb up Höttinger Gasse.
275,000 enthusiastic spectators watched the elite men’s road race in Tirol.
The fantastic crowd awaited the world’s best riders at „Höll“, which aptly translates to Hell in English.
The final and toughest test of the day: The savage final climb to „Höll“.
Fans were up watching the race via live stream along the course.
The most daunting feature for those gunning for the rainbow jersey was the 3.2-kilometer long „Höll“ climb, averaging 11.5% but maxing out at a ridiculous 28%.
The leaders heading into the foot of the dreaded „Höll“ climb, cheered up by legendary Didi Senft, the Tour Devil, and devilish creatures from Tirol called „Krampus“.
Alejandro Valverde won a dramatic sprint finish to end his long wait for victory in the elite men’s World Championship road race in Innsbruck.
The veteran finally made the top step of the podium: The 38-year-old Spaniard was crowned World Road Race Champion on Sunday.
Dazzling lights and beautiful cityscapes: Ines Mayerl loves the exciting, fast-paced big city life. But no matter how far she may travel, she always returns home to escape to the mountains, to discover stylish, new cafés in Innsbruck and to hit the slopes.
Many people come to Tirol in winter with a specific sport in mind, be it skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, biathlon or ski touring. But what if you put them all together? Our author set out in a quest to broaden his horizon by challenging an Innsbruck local to a mini Winter Olympics – five sports in four days. Who will win?
Free Falling – Four Teenagers on their First Ski Holiday
8 min reading time
Longing for the mountains? Regular winter guests and experienced skiers can easily forget just how spectacular the Tirolean Alps are for people who know pistes and gondolas only from TV (or YouTube). We joined four Danish teenagers on their first ever ski trip.
Alpine Adventures: 12 Unforgettable Skiing Experiences in Tirol
8 min reading time
Skiing is a great sport for lots of reasons. Some skiers like staying fit on the slopes, while others search for the ultimate adrenaline kick. Families enjoy spending time together in the fresh air, foodies complete a few runs in the morning before settling down to a long lunch. We have put together twelve unforgettable skiing experiences in Tirol, with something for everyone.
The 5 Exercise Workout At-Home: Get in Shape for Skiing & Snowboarding
8 min reading time
The notion of getting in shape for the ski season is hardly new. Physiotherapists Bettina Sandner and Florian Gastl, our contributing editors for this guest blog post, offer an innovative twist to a timeworn concept. These five exercises are a great way to get a ski-specific workout in your own home. It makes ski fitness so much fun; you’ll forget you’re working out! What’s more, they will take the guesswork out of your ski and snowboard conditioning program: Take a cue from the experts and learn all about super sets and injury prevention.
Ski Resort Review – What people think of the Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser ski area
2 min reading time
Want to know what the Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental ski area in the Tirol region of Austria is really like? British journalist and filmer Chris Moran visited in his series of the chairlift chat the Tirolean ski Resort and spoke to visitors and locals on the chairlifts, in the bars and on the slopes to get their take on it.
Exploring new routes in a sheer rockface, climbing as many mountains as possible, enjoying the thrill of a high-speed descent – there are lots of ways to do Tirol. Visitors keen to go back to the roots and discover the region like the early alpine pioneers hundreds of years ago should have a go at mountaineering "by fair means". This means no cable cars, gondolas or ski lifts to shorten the approach – just 100% leg power. Our team set off to climb the Watzespitze, the highest peak on the Kaunergrat ridge, by fair means. Let's see how they got on.
Our author used to love hiking, but since an accident she has had a fear of the mountains. Now she's keen to get back on the trails – and rediscover part of her old self.
Hiking is a sport open to everyone, but after a long walk in the mountains you may well find yourself with tired legs. That’s why good cardiovascular fitness as well as strong muscles are important. These also help keep you safe when negotiating rough terrain and make walking and hiking a more relaxing and pleasant experience.
As varied as the rich flora and fauna of Tirol, it can be interesting to consider the various inclinations and preferences that make us all unique, especially outdoorsmen. People approach hiking differently and people hike for all manner of different reasons, but I have started to notice some broad groups that account for most hiking styles. There are those seeking solitude and there are those who want to push the limits. There are those who want to capture pictures of that perfect moment and there are those who want nothing more than enjoying delectable dishes served on quaint on-mountain eateries. Naturally, there are many exceptions but I’ve found these seem to capture most hikers I’ve come across. What do you think?
“Mountains are mute masters who make silent pupils,” wrote Goethe. In reality, however, there is no outdoor activity that lends itself to a good old chat quite like hiking in the mountains. Two years ago, our author set off along the Stubai HighTrail with his 18-year-old son for a bonding session unlike any other.
