SiLi Fichtelgebirge Mountain Bike Marathon Training Plan & Preparation

Course & Elevation

The 50-kilometre Marathon is the full-distance event at Warmensteinach, a single loop through the forest tracks and trails of the Fichtelgebirge. The climbing starts almost from the gun: a first rise of nearly 1.8 kilometres and a second, steeper ramp of around 7 percent lift you to roughly 760 metres within the opening minutes. From there the elevation is spread across eight climbs over the whole course, adding up to just under 970 metres of gain on loose forest and gravel ground.

Two ramps stand out. Around kilometre 26 a short, steep pitch averages over 9 percent, and the decisive climb arrives at kilometre 40, running for almost two kilometres at an average of 8.5 percent and briefly kicking up to 16 percent. Whoever still has legs here makes the difference. After the final high point a long descent drops from about 830 to 560 metres and demands sure handling on the way down. The loop finishes slightly lower than it starts and asks for a blend of endurance, climbing strength and bike-handling across the full distance.

Pacing Strategy

This course is a chain of short climbs and descents – only about 15 percent is flat, the rest constantly rises or falls. Ration your effort so you ride the many 60- to 100-metre ramps in the upper aerobic range and force only the steepest pitches. The early rises around kilometre 3 and the category-4 ramp at kilometre 26 (up to 12 percent) tempt hard accelerations too soon – that is the trap.

The race is decided on the long final climb from kilometre 40: 1.9 kilometres averaging 8.5 percent with pitches to 16.5 percent, ridden on legs that already carry 950 metres of climbing. Hold a deliberate reserve for it, and use the technical descents – the course even loses a little net height – for active recovery rather than braking everywhere.

12-Week Preparation

Over the full distance, expect an effort of roughly two and a half to three and a half hours depending on fitness and trail conditions. The demand is not steady but undulating: eight climbs alternate with descents, so you repeatedly lift the intensity or get out of the saddle and recover in between. Those swings across nearly 970 metres of climbing cost more than holding a constant pace on the road.

The race is decided in the final third. The long climb at kilometre 40, almost two kilometres at gradients up to 16 percent, arrives on tired legs and settles the result. The long descent that follows then asks for handling skill just as concentration fades.

In training, prioritise long off-road rides with the climbing loaded toward the end so you practise going uphill under fatigue. Repeat short, steep ramps on loose forest and gravel surfaces to build the power you need on the climbs and traction at the rear wheel. Build sessions with several climbs back to back rather than one long ascent, matching the rolling profile. Finally, practise technical descents when already tired, because the closing drop demands confidence exactly when your strength is running low.