PRESS RELEASE

Kitzbühel loves electric bikes

Guided electric bike tours in the mountains around Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel, 29. 06. 2012. Electric mobility is a major trend, and electric bikes have become a popular option with cyclists of all ages and levels. Kitzbühel began investing in the region's electric bike infrastructure in 2009 with the help of partner MOVELO. With 1200 kilometres of cycle routes and 800 kilometres of mountain bike trails covering an altitude of 18000 metres, the Kitzbühel region is a hub for dedicated cyclists. The electric bike is the perfect way for cyclists of all levels to explore the mountains around Kitzbühel. In summer 2012, Kitzbühel is launching a new electric bike campaign, introducing professionally guided electric mountain bike tours for beginners and advanced cyclists.

The easy way to explore the mountains

Cycling experts Rob Pearce and Beppo Hechenberger will lead groups of at least five people into the fascinating mountains around Kitzbühel. Tours will run twice a week in English and German. They will provide novices with the perfect introduction to Kitzbühel and its environs, while experienced cyclists can head into the mountains for a sporting challenge. A technical introduction is included. For mountain bikers and road racers, Kitzbühel offers a varied, interesting and challenging selection of routes. Electric mountain bikes enable even less experienced cyclists to complete long distances and cope with sharp inclines without too much effort. The pedalling motion is assisted by a small, quiet electric motor. Depending on the terrain and the input by the rider, distances of up to 80 kilometres can be covered comfortably. Experienced cyclists who like to push themselves to the limits will also find plenty to challenge them. Thanks to a range of programmes and settings, the bikes are suitable for both recreational and more challenging riding.

Kitzbühel began expanding its facilities for electric bikes in 2009. A number of hotels now rent out electric bikes to guests. There are three local sports shops which rent, sell and service bikes. And should you run out of power en route to one of the 80 excursion destinations around Kitzbühel, the battery can be recharged as easily as a mobile phone. For regular electric bikes there are five battery charging stations. Together with nine neighbouring tourist regions, Kitzbühel belongs to the biggest continuous e-bike region in the world, with 275 electric bikes and 75 rental and battery change stations available for mile after mile of cycling pleasure. http://www.kitzbuehel.com/de/aktivitaeten/sommer/radfahren-mountainbiken/e-bike

64th Tour of Austria – top performance without a motor in sight

On 2 July 2012, international cycling stars and over 1000 amateurs will take on the crowning stage of the 64th Tour of Austria in Kitzbühel. En route to the legendary Kitzbüheler Horn, the steepest hill cycling route in Austria, competitors need to give everything they've got until the very last yard – without the aid of a motor! At around 7 km long, with gradients of up to 22.3% and a total ascent of 876 m, it's a challenge even for hardened cyclists. In addition to the spectacular route to the top of the Horn, there are 13 other training routes providing an enjoyable challenge for all levels. Details of all tours can be found online at http://touren.kitzbuehel.com/ or in the Kitz Roadbike brochure http://www.kitzbuehel.com/static/cms/kitzbuehel/pdf/kitz-roadbike.pdf

About Kitzbühel:

Kitzbühel, the most legendary sports destination in the Alps, is located 95 km from Innsbruck and 125 km from Munich. In summer and autumn visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities in the unique, unspoiled landscape. With four golf courses in the town itself and another 30 within 100 km, the region has become the home of golf in the Alps. For walkers there are 1000 km of waymarked paths, the perfect way to explore the broad pastures and stunning mountain scenery with its typical grass-covered slopes and dramatic peaks. There are 23 routes for running and Nordic walking, covering a total of 170 km. From trail running to hill running and touring along the banks of the Kitzbüheler Ache, there are so many ways to discover Kitzbühel. Cyclists will love the 1200 km of cycling routes and 800 km of mountain bike trails. Kitzbühel is famed for the way it harmoniously blends the traditional and the modern. The town also attracts food lovers from all over the world: Kitzbühel has eight restaurants with a Gault Millau toque, the highest density of eateries boasting this prestigious accolade in the Tyrol region. International luxury hotels, exclusive shopping and numerous events complement the excellent sports facilities.

www.kitzbuehel.com

Further information:
Kitzbühel Tourismus
Claudia Waldbrunner
Hinterstadt 18 × 6370 Kitzbühel, Austria
T +43 (0) 5356 66660 - 50
F +43 (0) 5356 66660 - 77
× www.kitzbuehel.com

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