ALB EXTREM.
Alb-easy is the entry loop of ALB EXTREM: 113 kilometres across the Swabian Alb with close to 2,000 metres of climbing, "easy" only compared to the event's bigger siblings. Five full-size Alb climbs demand solid base endurance and the ability to climb repeatedly.
No date has been announced for the next edition yet. The course, elevation and route profile are from the most recent edition.
ALB EXTREM: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
The Alb-easy loop covers 113 kilometres through the rise and fall of the Swabian Alb, a circuit that honestly reflects the landscape's character: about a quarter flat, the rest a steady alternation of climbs and descents.
The climbing starts early: at kilometre 2.2 the first ascent works up the Alb escarpment for three kilometres at six percent, and at kilometre 15.7 follows the longest climb of the loop: 3.8 kilometres at 7.2 percent and 270 metres of gain, ramps up to 13 percent included.
The middle section rolls easier before the final third gets serious again: at kilometres 76.2 and 87.8 two climbs of around 185 metres at six-and-a-half to seven-and-a-half percent await, and at kilometre 105.7 a last ascent at close to five percent stands in the finale. The descents are quick but not extreme, typical Alb escarpment terrain. ALB EXTREM is a long-standing Radtourenfahrt in late June; there is no official timing, but the field rides with sporting intent.
| Start | Length | Ø | Max. | Gain | Cat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km 2.2 | 3 km | 6 % | 9.6 % | +177 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 15.7 | 3.8 km | 7.2 % | 13.4 % | +270 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 27.5 | 1.5 km | 5.8 % | 8.6 % | +86 m | Cat. 4 |
| km 73.9 | 1 km | 7.6 % | 11.6 % | +76 m | — |
| km 76.2 | 2.5 km | 7.4 % | 11.6 % | +187 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 87.8 | 2.8 km | 6.5 % | 9.5 % | +185 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 91.8 | 1.6 km | 5.8 % | 9.7 % | +89 m | Cat. 4 |
| km 105.7 | 2.6 km | 4.8 % | 8.1 % | +122 m | Cat. 4 |
Climb categories follow the road-cycling convention and rate the terrain itself (length and gradient) regardless of sport: Cat. 4 marks the easiest rated climbs, Cat. 1 the hardest, and HC (hors catégorie, “beyond categorization”) is reserved for the most brutal ascents. Short climbs below the Cat. 4 threshold stay unrated.
How to pace ALB EXTREM.
Sit in early
On the Alb-easy loop the 2,000 metres of climbing split into five clearly defined ascents, and the two hardest come early. The climb at kilometre 15.7 with 270 metres of gain and 13-percent ramps is the longest effort of the day: ride it like a KOM sprint on fresh legs and you feel it twice at kilometre 76.
Ration your effort
Ride the first two climbs deliberately one notch below what would be possible, and use the rolling middle section to eat and drink in the group. The decisive part, in terms of your personal goal, is the final third: the double test at kilometres 76.2 and 87.8 hits tired legs, and there your pacing shows.
Race the finale
The classic RTF trap is the group game: fast groups form on the flat links between climbs and their pace seduces. Better to drop back to a fitting group than to roll along above your sustainable power; over five climbs the Alb collects on every excess. The last ascent at kilometre 105.7 is shallower than the rest; if you can still push there, you got it right.
Training plan for ALB EXTREM: 12-week build
Build endurance
Plan four to six hours of riding for the Alb-easy loop depending on level. The character is classic low-mountain-range cycling: five climbs of two to four kilometres at five to seven percent, connected by rolling and flat sections.
Train the climbs
The base is rides of three to four hours, progressed over eight weeks, ideally in hilly terrain with 1,000 to 1,500 metres of climbing. The Alb's climbs are efforts of eight to 15 minutes. Train exactly that duration with threshold climbing intervals: three to four efforts of ten to 15 minutes uphill, descents as recovery.
Ride race-specific
Because the hardest climbs of the final third come after more than 75 kilometres, climbing on pre-fatigued legs belongs in the programme: place the climbs deliberately in the second half of longer rides.
Arrive fresh
If you plan to ride in groups, practise drafting and steady pulls; an RTF lives on group dynamics, and mastering them saves real energy on the linking sections. In race week: reduce volume, two short activations, and prepare fuelling for four to six hours.
Courses
Download the ALB EXTREM course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
Let YOUB adapt your plan for ALB EXTREM dynamically
Ben connects your goal, the course, current load, recovery, and calendar. Your plan stays pointed at race day even when real life is not perfectly plannable.
Everything about ALB EXTREM.
How long is ALB EXTREM?
ALB EXTREM is 113 km long. That distance shapes how much aerobic endurance, pace durability, and race-specific work belong in the training plan.
How much elevation gain does ALB EXTREM have?
ALB EXTREM has around 1,950 m of elevation gain over 113 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of ALB EXTREM?
ALB EXTREM is classified as Rolling, averaging 16.1 vertical metres per kilometre. 24% of the route is flat, 32% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 5% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does ALB EXTREM have?
The hardest climb of ALB EXTREM starts at kilometre 15.7, runs for 3.8 km at an average of 7.2% and gains 270 metres. Cycling-convention rating: Cat. 3. 8 climbs are mapped in total.
Is ALB EXTREM a loop course?
Yes, ALB EXTREM is laid out as a loop: start and finish are in the same place.
Is there a GPX file for the ALB EXTREM course?
Yes. The ALB EXTREM course is on this page as a free GPX download — ready to import into Garmin, Wahoo, Komoot, Strava or any other app that reads GPX.
How should I prepare for ALB EXTREM?
Preparation for ALB EXTREM should account for 113 km, 1,950 m of elevation gain, current training load, and available training time. An adaptive plan helps place key sessions without ignoring recovery and real life.
What pacing strategy works for ALB EXTREM?
The pacing strategy for ALB EXTREM should reflect 113 km, 1,950 m of elevation gain, and your current fitness. Start controlled and keep margin for sections where the profile or fatigue makes target pace harder.
When does ALB EXTREM next take place?
No date has been announced for the next edition yet. The most recent one was held on June 28, 2026.
Where does ALB EXTREM take place?
ALB EXTREM takes place in Ottenbach, Germany.
Which distances does ALB EXTREM offer?
ALB EXTREM offers 5 distances — Alb-easy: 113 km; Radtouristik (RTF): 174 km; Marathon: 212 km; XL-Marathon: 266 km; Ultramarathon: 305 km.
How do I register for ALB EXTREM?
Registration runs through the organiser: albextrem.de. YOUB shows you the course, elevation profile and training plan for your preparation.
