Österreich Rundfahrt announces route

The Österreich Rundfahrt is moving up in the world, having received an extra day from the UCI. The race will be run over eight stages this year, from July 8 to 15, and a total of 1,246 kilometres.

The famed climbs, Kitzbüheler Horn and the Gr0ßglockner are once again part of the race, in consecutive stages. A 25 kilometre time trial in the next to last stage is expected to decide the final rankings.

The race will feature a new jersey this year. The T-Mobile sprint tricot will be awarded to the rider who earns the most points through intermediate sprints and stage finishes.

Eighteen teams of eight riders each will participate, including not only ProTour teams, but also four Austrian teams. "We have numerous requests from top teams, including Discovery, T-Mobile, Quick-Step, Liquigas and many more," said race director Ursual Riha. "In the near future we have to choose how many ProTour and Professional Continental teams will start."

Austrian Professional Continental teams Volksbank and Elk Haus are already assured of starting places.

Österreich Rundfahrt:
Stage 1 - July 8: Mayrhofen i. Zillertal - Mayrhofen i. Zillertal, 131 km
Stage 2 - July 9: Mayrhofen i. Zillertal - Salzburg, 198 km
Stage 3 - July 10: Salzburg - Kitzbüheler Horn (Alpenhaus), 185 km
Stage 4 - July 11: Kitzbühel - Prägraten am Großvenediger, 182 km
Stage 5 - July 12: Lienz - Wolfsberg, 205 km
Stage 6 - July 13: Wolfsberg - Semmering, 191 km
Stage 7 - July 14: Podersdorf am Meusiedler See, time trial, 25 km
Stage 8 - July 15: Podersdorf am Neusiedler - Vienna, 129 km