Stefan Riebenbauer: A triathlete masters the challenge of 742 km

Stefan Riebenbauer: A triathlete masters the challenge of 742 km

Stefan Riebenbauer, an experienced triathlete and sports director of the bike and triathlon teams Lower Austria Ost from Fischamend, has once again faced an impressive challenge with great determination. After participating in the Ironman in Carinthia in 2022, the 46-year-old has been focusing on cycling in the past few months. This summer he ventured on two ultra bike races, which impressively demonstrates his commitment and love for this sport.

In the first half of the year, Riebenbauer with his teammates Dieter Bankel, Emanuel Führer and Phillip Zolles took part in the 24 -hour Ultra Team Rad Challenge in Kaindorf (Styria). Despite adverse weather conditions with heavy rain, the team mastered a remarkable route of 733.9 kilometers and over 7585 meters of altitude. A sign that the group was well prepared for the challenges that were waiting for them.

an ultra challenging race

The absolute highlight of his cycling year was the prestigious race "Race Across Austria 2024". Riebenbauer opted for the "Raca 700" route, which led from Luftenberg an der Donau, near Linz to the Seebergsattel in south of Austria. "I thought I would take a sniff in once," said Riebenbauer in a conversation and added that the race took place in the hottest time of the year. The challenge also grew, as the participants had to carry out special equipment and the route could only be left for breaks.

The heat was an enormous challenge for the Riebenbauer and the other participants. In particular, the crossing of the Sunday mountain in the blazing sun demanded everything from him, and regular drinking became the top priority. The dawn at Lake Hallstatt was a moment of calm and beauty when the light fog hovered in the air and the city reflected in the water. "It was a really nice sight," said Riebenbauer.

After the exhausting tour to the Seebergsattel, which marks the border with Slovenia, he made his way back again. In a total of 53:17 hours, the enthusiastic cyclist covered a distance of 742.88 kilometers and impressive 11,194 meters of altitude. While his net time was 36:55 hours, he reached seventh place among 16 participants. For him, however, the whole thing was not just a placement. "The placement was not important to me, I just wanted to make it. It was a great experience and a mental and physical challenge," he said.

A special problem appeared after about 600 kilometers: "With my seat meat, I had problems after 600 km," said Riebenbauer. Despite this painful challenge, he was considering participating in the even more challenging route over 1000 kilometers in the coming year, which would lead him in addition to the northernmost point in Austria, Haugschlag. This shows not only his will, but also his remarkable determination to constantly face new challenges and to expand its limits. More details on this exciting sports event are in a report on www.noen.at find.