The Altstadt.Kriterium Graz 2026: Tradition Meets Future!
So, are you ready for a real spectacle? The Altstadt.Kriterium Graz is returning in 2026 and promises to be a highlight for us cycling fans once again! Those who were there last year know how sensational the restart was when our beautiful Graz Old Town, our beloved UNESCO World Heritage Site, became the breathtaking stage for road cycling once more. This year, we continue with fresh energy, and the criterium will take place on Tuesday, July 28, as an official event of Cycling Austria, embedded in the Road Cycling League Austria 2026.
What Awaits Us in 2026
The Altstadt.Kriterium is back on track! It retains its traditional brand and the proven route but comes with a new philosophy. Look forward to two exciting races for women and men, which will be held as part of the Road Cycling League Austria. This league has been the heart of domestic cycling for years and continually delights us with varied routes and a total of eight race days. I particularly appreciate the practiced equality: There are equal numbers of races and equal prize money for women and men. A true career platform for talents – and a strong stage for Austrian cycling and its future, which has been economically restructured.
A Look Back: Numbers & Facts from the Old Town
The history of the Altstadt.Kriterium is rich in legends and exciting moments. Did you know that the "founding father" Heinz Bauer, whose WisoSport club was also the organizer, is celebrating his 81st birthday this year? A heartfelt thank you at this point!
Since 2025, our state cycling association, Cycling Austria Steiermark, has been the organizer, with Richard Stering as the event manager of the Altstadt.Kriterium. And the route? We know it very well! Since 2022, the original circuit has been used again, starting and finishing in the Stadtpark, in front of Café Promenade – just like it was between 1984 and 1999.
Here are a few more exciting details:
- The Portuguese Acácio da Silva is the record winner of the Altstadt, with several victories in the early 90s to this day. By the way, he also wore the yellow jersey at the Tour de France for four days and the Maglia Rosa at the Giro d’Italia, where he celebrated five stage wins. A true crowd favorite in Graz!
- There have already been 26 editions of the Graz Altstadt-Kriterium.
- On the original circuit, 70 laps were previously raced per event, while on the "new" course from the year 2000, 50 racing laps were held. During the comeback in 2025, the women raced 30 and the men 40 laps.
- Do you remember Lance Armstrong? In 2003, he won in the Graz Old Town, just 48 hours after his fifth Tour de France victory at the 100th anniversary! The race was even broadcast live on ORF at that time.
- The last Austrian to celebrate victory in the Altstadt was Bernhard Eisel in 2006.
The Winners of Recent Years
A look at the winners' list shows what big names have already been at the start:
- 2025: Loic Bettendorff (LUX) and Lydia Ventker (GER)
- Previous Winners (Selection): Harald Maier (AUT), Urs Freuler (SUI), Acacio da Silva (POR), Sean Kelly (IRL), Dietmar Hauer (AUT), Tony Rominger (SUI), Erik Zabel (GER), Mario Cipollini (ITA), Oscar Freire-Gomez (ESP), Jan Ullrich (GER), Bernhard Eisel (AUT), Geraint Thomas (UK), Lance Armstrong (USA), Robbie McEwen (AUS).
The Altstadt.Kriterium Graz is therefore not just a race, but a piece of cycling history that is continually being rewritten. Be there when the Graz Old Town vibrates again on July 28!
Stay Tuned!
We can hardly wait to see you on July 28 in the Graz Old Town! Hop on your bike, come by, and celebrate this cycling festival with us. Share your excitement and impressions with us under #bikegraz on Instagram and Bluesky!
