27. World Games of Mountainbiking.
The MA 21 marathon distance is the entry point into the World Games of Mountainbiking and the only distance open to the Rookies category: across roughly 21 kilometres, a single compact climb of almost eight kilometres delivers nearly all of the course's 780 metres of ascent.
No date has been announced for the next edition yet. The course, elevation and route profile are from the most recent edition.
World Games of Mountainbiking: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
Like every marathon distance, the MA 21 starts together in the centre of Hinterglemm and runs as a loop through the Pinzgau grass mountains. After a few flat opening kilometres to warm up, the course's only real climb begins at kilometre 3: almost eight kilometres long, averaging about 8.5 per cent, it carries you to the loop's high point by kilometre 11.
From there the character flips. The remaining course runs mostly downhill back to the valley, broken only by short counter-climbs. The surface alternates between forest roads and easier MTB trails, fitting for the World Games' entry-level distance: demanding enough for a first race experience, without the technical extremes of the longer courses.
| Start | Length | Ø | Max. | Gain | Cat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km 3.5 | 7.6 km | 9 % | 16.9 % | +688 m | Cat. 1 |
| km 13.4 | 0.9 km | 3.7 % | 12.1 % | +34 m | — |
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 World Games of Mountainbiking.
Sit in early
The MA 21 is essentially a one-decision race: the climb between kilometre 3 and 11. Since it accounts for almost the entire elevation total of the loop, your pacing there determines the rest of the day.
Ration your effort
Anyone who gets swept along by the field at the start instead of riding their own tempo feels it right here. Ride the climb evenly rather than overcooking the first steep metres, since the second half continues at a similar gradient.
Race the finale
Once you crest it, the long descent back to the valley is where you can save matches and focus on clean, controlled riding rather than outright speed.
Training plan for World Games of Mountainbiking: 12-week build
Build endurance
Plan for one to two hours in the saddle on the MA 21, depending on your pace. The demand is clearly defined: one long, evenly steep climb followed by a mostly descending second half.
Train the climbs
This is not a race of constant surges but a single extended threshold effort.
Ride race-specific
Train sustained climbs of 20 to 40 minutes at a gradient around 8 per cent, since that is exactly the load that decides the MA 21. Riders who only practise short, punchy ramps underestimate the endurance component of this one long climb.
Arrive fresh
Add descending sessions on forest roads and easier trail terrain so you can ride the second half of the course relaxed and technically confident downhill, instead of losing time to over-cautious braking.
Courses
Download the World Games of Mountainbiking course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
Let YOUB adapt your plan for 27. World Games of Mountainbiking 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 27. World Games of Mountainbiking.
How long is World Games of Mountainbiking?
World Games of Mountainbiking is 21 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 World Games of Mountainbiking have?
World Games of Mountainbiking has around 780 m of elevation gain over 21 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of World Games of Mountainbiking?
World Games of Mountainbiking is classified as Mountainous, averaging 41 vertical metres per kilometre. 5% of the route is flat, 19% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 28% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does World Games of Mountainbiking have?
The hardest climb of World Games of Mountainbiking starts at kilometre 3.5, runs for 7.6 km at an average of 9% and gains 688 metres. Cycling-convention rating: Cat. 1. 2 climbs are mapped in total.
Is World Games of Mountainbiking a loop course?
Yes, World Games of Mountainbiking is laid out as a loop: start and finish are in the same place.
Is there a GPX file for the World Games of Mountainbiking course?
Yes. The World Games of Mountainbiking 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 World Games of Mountainbiking?
Preparation for World Games of Mountainbiking should account for 21 km, 780 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 World Games of Mountainbiking?
The pacing strategy for World Games of Mountainbiking should reflect 21 km, 780 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 27. World Games of Mountainbiking next take place?
No date has been announced for the next edition yet. The most recent one was held on September 12, 2026.
Where does 27. World Games of Mountainbiking take place?
27. World Games of Mountainbiking takes place in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria.
Which distances does World Games of Mountainbiking offer?
World Games of Mountainbiking offers 6 distances — Marathon MA 21: 21 km; Marathon MA 31: 31 km; Marathon MA 42: 42 km; Marathon MA 58: 58 km; Marathon MA 80: 80 km; E-Marathon (E-MTB): 42 km.
How do I register for World Games of Mountainbiking?
Registration runs through the organiser: saalbach.com. YOUB shows you the course, elevation profile and training plan for your preparation.
