On September 7, 2025, the podium at the fifth Kitzbüheler Radmarathon was fiercely contested once again: defending champion Jack Burke and Janine Meyer secured overall victory once more – both setting new course records on the legendary Kitzbüheler Horn.
The fifth edition of the Kitzbüheler Radmarathon (KRM) began with a milestone: for the first time in the event’s history, all 1,500 spots were sold out, with athletes from 26 nations lining up at the start. And the records kept coming: under perfect conditions, riders not only beat their personal bests, but also set new course records.
Canada’s Jack Burke successfully defended his title, claiming victory in an impressive 6:13:45, ahead of last year’s runner-up Jonas Holzknecht (6:16:07) and local hero Patrick Hagenaars (6:20:07). On the women’s side, Janine Meyer proved unbeatable, crossing the line as the fastest woman in 6:43:18, followed by her teammates Julia Jedelhauser (6:52:33) and Lisa Stein (7:02:40).
The race kicked off at 6:30 a.m. in Kitzbühel’s historic Vorderstadt with a neutral start. Once the riders passed the town sign, the pace accelerated immediately, and the leading group reached the first major climb, Pass Thurn, in record time. On the following ascents – Gerlos Pass, Kerschbaumer Sattel, and Angerberg – the frontrunners battled each other in a relentless power struggle.
The excitement lasted all the way to the final climb up the Kitzbüheler Horn. Jack Burke managed to pull away and seal another victory:
“It’s incredible to win again on the Kitzbüheler Horn. During the last kilometer I was almost blind – I only saw my legs and then heard the crowd cheering. It was an amazing feeling. I wanted to post a strong time, and that goal was rewarded with another win.”
Shortly after, Janine Meyer crossed the finish line, once again securing her spot at the top of the women’s podium. With her outstanding performance, she proved she could measure up to the men:
“I’m really happy to have won again and to take home my third gondola.” With this, she also holds the record for the most honorary gondolas, followed by Jack Burke.
The Kitzbüheler Radmarathon once again showed that it is a race for cycling enthusiasts of all ages. The youngest female competitor was just 17, as was the youngest male. At the other end of the spectrum, the oldest woman on the course was 62, while the oldest man was still riding strong at 75.
“We’ve made it,” concluded organizers Marina Janda and Franz Steinberger. “We’re sold out for the first time – with new records, many familiar faces, and lots of emotions. We’re grateful and proud.”
