Before it gets #echtsteil (“truly steep”) for the 5th time on September 7, 2025, in the legendary “Gamsstadt,” the coveted KRM winner gondolas were officially handed over to the overall winners of the 2023 and 2024 editions on August 6. KRM matador Jack Burke gladly accepted his.
For the second time, the handover of the KRM winner gondolas took place this week at the mountain station of the KitzSki Hornbahn on the Kitzbüheler Horn. This “trophy,” unique in the world of cycling, was presented in a festive ceremony to the KRM champions. Honored were the fastest riders of the 2023 and 2024 editions, who conquered 216 km and 4,600 meters of elevation gain: in 2023, Eva Schien & Paul Verbnjak, and in 2024, Janine Meyer & Jack Burke.
In attendance was last year’s winner and current record holder Jack Burke: “It’s an incredible feeling to have your own gondola. That’s so cool. Also the atmosphere in which it’s awarded – it makes you feel special and it motivates me to give everything again this year.” Paul Verbnjak, who was signed as a professional rider with Lidl-Trek after his KRM victory in 2023, as well as female honorees Eva Schien and Janine Meyer, were unable to attend due to professional commitments. Meyer commented: “Unfortunately, I cannot be at the gondola celebration. But I feel very honored to have already received my second honorary gondola. In a few weeks we’ll see each other at the KRM, and I’m looking forward to seeing my gondola in person.” Schien added: “I like to think back to my victory at the Kitzbüheler Radmarathon 2023. It was a very demanding race. All the more beautiful it was to be the first woman to cross the finish line. The gondola dedication is a great honor for me and a special recognition of this achievement – and probably the reason why I will never forget this race.”
“We are delighted that the athletes appreciate this special honor so much that they even compete specifically to win it, as was the case with last year’s winner Jack Burke. A big thank you goes to KitzSki, who make this possible,” said KRM organizers Marina Janda and Franz Steinberger. “Cycling is deeply rooted in Kitzbühel, and the Kitzbüheler Radmarathon contributes to that,” said Ludwig Görzendorfer of Kitzbühel Tourism. “In the fifth year, we are drawing a first conclusion: registrations are increasing year after year, and finishing times are getting faster and faster. This is a wonderful development – exactly as it should be,” added Mayor Klaus Winkler. “We were particularly impressed by the performances of the women – Janine Meyer was more than 40 minutes faster in her second victory. That is truly remarkable,” praised KitzSki board member Anton Bodner. Christian Wörister, also on the KitzSki board, added: “We are very happy to be a partner of this event and know how important it is that participants and fans can safely travel up and down by gondola. We are pleased to support this, for example, with extended operating hours of the Hornbahn.” “I get goosebumps every time – when the first but also the very last rider crosses the finish line. We are already looking forward to welcoming everyone who needs refreshment after the race,” concluded Franz Reisch, head of the Alpenhaus at the Kitzbüheler Horn.
About us:
On September 7, 2025, the 5th edition of the Kitzbüheler Radmarathon will take place in Kitzbühel. With two finish options – KRM Classic and KRM Kitz – this cycling marathon is a true test of endurance for cyclists who want not only a sporting challenge but also to enjoy the unique landscape around Kitzbühel. Covering 216 kilometers and 4,600 meters of elevation gain, the KRM Classic – finishing at Austria’s most famous and steepest cycling mountain, the Kitzbüheler Horn – is the ultimate discipline of the KRM. For those who want to work their way up to it, the KRM Kitz with 209 kilometers and 3,800 meters of elevation gain offers a fantastic alternative, finishing in the beautiful Vorderstadt of Kitzbühel to the applause of spectators. Registration is open: https://entry.racetime.pro/event/1162
