Description
Where the Tour of Austria has already stopped several times, hobby cyclists can measure themselves against the pros! The 30 km long route starting from Waidhofen/Ybbs going up to the well-known pilgrimage basilica Sonntagberg (675m).
After a short photo break, the route continues on the tracks of the pros over the scenic panoramic ridge trail to St. Leonhard am Walde, then accompanied by beautiful landscape rapidly descends back into the Ybbstal city of Waidhofen an der Ybbs.
Despite the short distance, the attractive route offers some tough climbs and magnificent views.
By the way - the pros ride the route several times in a row and cover the last 3 km in the sprint for the stage win in under 9 minutes!
Starting point of the tour
Town square, Waidhofen/Ybbs
Destination point of the tour
Town square, Waidhofen/Ybbs
Route description On the tracks of the Tour of Austria - panoramic ridge trail Sonntagberg
From the start in Waidhofen, you first ride flat along the Ybbstal cycle path downstream towards Amstetten. At the end of Böhlerwerk, turn slightly right onto the B121 and follow it for a little over 2 km. After the long straight, turn right into the village of Rosenau and sharply right in the middle of the main square towards the basilica. Attention - immediately after the curve, the road rises with a 16% gradient for 300 m -> shift gears before the curve!
Another short flat section before the 3 km long climb to the pilgrimage basilica begins next to the residential area. The first half of the climb, with a constant 10% gradient on a long straight with little shade, is already challenging; only after curve 3 does the road flatten out for a few meters. This short recovery should be used well - the last kilometer stands before you with up to 16% gradient and often direct sunlight - but the basilica is already close enough to touch. It gets really tough on the last 300 m over cobblestones, directly past the entrance to the church and no less steep!
At the small forecourt of the basilica, you enjoy a wonderful view of the Ybbstal Alps and the Alpine foothills and practically ride through the basilica and over a short steep feeder road onto the panoramic ridge trail towards St. Leonhard am Walde.
This trail runs for 10 km along the ridge and offers continuously breathtaking views in all directions. It goes constantly up and down - longer gentler climbs alternate with short steep ramps; especially the short descent after the Doppl fire station should be tackled with caution. The last kilometer to the small village of St. Leonhard is steep again - from there you follow an almost 10 km long descent down into the Urtal and further back to Waidhofen. At the starting point, the circle of this wonderful route closes.
Directions
A1 motorway exit Amstetten West, B121 Ybbstal federal road 25 km to Waidhofen/Ybbs.
Parking
Parking garage Schlosscenter, directly opposite the Parkbad/Schlosshotel
ÖBB from Amstetten to Waidhofen/Ybbs main station. From there only 1 km to the start point.
