1st Place for Team Plasmatreat-RTS Electronic
In perfect conditions on Sunday, Team Plasmatreat – RTS Electronic was crowned the winner of the team classification at the 44th Ötztaler Cycle Marathon. After days of uncertainty — just days before, there was a threat of freezing temperatures and heavy rain — Tyrol showed its best side with bright sunshine, ideal temperatures, and thousands of spectators along the route, turning the traditional race into a cycling festival.
At 227 kilometers long with over 5,500 meters of elevation gain and featuring the legendary Alpine passes of Kühtai, Brenner, Jaufen, and Timmelsjoch, the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon is one of the world's toughest amateur races. Year after year, it attracts around 4,000 participants from over 30 nations, and for many, it is considered the "knighting" of endurance cycling.
A team under pressure — and with a big heart
The Plasmatreat team's success was by no means a foregone conclusion. Just one week before the start, rider Max Bier withdrew for personal reasons. Even worse, Maximilian Kirschner, who had finished seventh in the Kufsteinerland Cycling Marathon a week earlier, withdrew due to a Coronavirus infection. Dominik Schranz also withdrew due to a cold. Losing three of last year's top 40 riders was a bitter blow.
"We were nervous, but I had great confidence in my riders. They know the Ötztaler; they've finished it several times before, and I knew they could do it," said team manager David Buske.
Strong performances on the mountain
Thomas Gschnitzer delivered an especially impressive performance on his “home turf,” launching a bold attack on the Brenner Pass and forming a group of three that built up a lead of up to four minutes. "Thomas shaped the race with his inimitable calm, even though it was clear that maintaining that lead to the finish would be difficult. It was important for us to see our jersey on TV, which also drew attention to our charity concept, 'Der Weg nach Hause' (The Way Home)," emphasized Buske.
The other riders also delivered:
1. Daniel Pechtl shone with his clever riding style. "I wasn't overtaken once on the Timmelsjoch," he proudly said at the finish line. His consistent performance was key to the team's ranking.
2. Michael Oberrauch, a long-standing source of success, confirmed his class once again. He kept up with the pack and remained calm when securing places on the Jaufen and Timmelsjoch.
3. Jakob Kössler and Patrick Lechner surpassed themselves. Together, they made up 16 places on the final climbs and crossed the finish line in Sölden in 79th and 80th place, which was a decisive factor in the team's triumph.
The women of the team also made their mark. Anna Scheffler used the Ötztaler as a trial run for the Bundesliga final at Riderman. She rode a controlled race and finished in 21st place. "I haven't been able to train as much this year, but I'm very satisfied. My focus was clearly on the Bundesliga, and yet it was a great day," Scheffler said.
Team Plasmatreat – RTS Electronic rankings
1. Thomas Gschnitzer — 17th place
2. Daniel Pechtl — 37th place
3. Michael Oberrauch — 67th place
4. Jakob Kössler – 79th place
5. Patrick Lechner — 80th place
6. Anna Scheffler — 21st place in the women's race
A meaningful victory
At Jaufen, I thought, "This isn't going to work." Fortunately, I was proven wrong. It was a victory we really wanted. It's something we've been focusing on since the beginning of the year," Buske said after crossing the finish line.
The team donated the €500 prize money directly to the Bethel Children's and Youth Hospice. "We know what we're doing it for. We always carry these children and young people's butterflies with us, symbolically," Buske continued.
With this victory, the Plasmatreat–RTS Electronic team adds another chapter to its young but already successful history and sends a strong signal to the cycling world.
