The first ascent to the Leber is tricky, if you exploit yourself right at the beginning of the race, you might be too exhausted for continous parts. Some ascents are pretty steep. At the World Championships there will be a lot of international competitors - the race will get faster and therefore rough and brutal. The World Championships in Austria are my personal goal for 2009.

Alban Lakata (European Champion 2008, National Champion 2008 at the "pre-worlds" in Stattegg)

The course is insane! It's just great!

Maria Osl (National Champion 2008 at the "pre-worlds" in Stattegg)

Some smaller groups will be formed pretty early and in the end even a damage could decide about the finishing. It will be a typical knock out race. Knowing the course is an advantage for sure.

Lukas Buchli (National Champion, 6th at the Marathon-WCh 2008)

The course offers everything a marathon should have. Just a very complete rider is able to win. The one, who manages the steep ascents best will be in front at the end. The Suisse riders are favorites, especially Sauser and moreover Paulissen and Lakata. But there exist some others, who are able to be ahead.

Thomas Stoll (Vice-European Champion 2006)

Meter per meter the track is getting harder! At the ascent to the Schöckl the race will be restarted and a preliminary decision will be made. But even the first rider on the top of the Schöckl is not winning for sure, because damages are presumably while going downhill.

Urs Huber (3rd at the Marathon-WCh 2008)