- 300 registered riders mean a new entry record in the history of the hillclimb classic
- Eight nations were on the grid, among them Austria, Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic
- With six women on the entry list, another all-time high was reached
The FUCHS Silkolene Motorcycle Hillclimb from Landshaag to St. Martin im Mühlkreis is considered the fastest hillclimb in Europe. The event, organised by MSC Rottenegg, counted this year towards the FIM Europe Hillclimb European Championship, the Historic Hillclimb European Championship as well as the Austrian Motorcycle Hillclimb Championship. While the race itself and the podium results have been covered elsewhere, a look at the framework figures shows why this edition holds a special place in the club’s history.
300 entries as the new benchmark
With exactly 300 registered riders, MSC Rottenegg crossed a threshold that seemed out of reach just a year ago. In 2025, 260 riders had been on the entry list. The jump of 40 competitors equals a plus of a good 15 percent over the previous year. Unofficially, the organisers also speak of a spectator turnout that once again exceeded the previous year’s attendance record. Parking areas were at capacity already in the early morning hours, and FF Landshaag handled the logistics around the rush.
The 3,620-metre stretch of the L1507 regional road between Landshaag and St. Martin turns into a race track once a year. The first edition took place in 1979, which means the event is approaching the 50-year mark. The 46th edition is scheduled for April 2027.
Eight nations in the paddock
The international grid was made up of riders and teams from eight nations. Alongside the numerous Austrian local heroes, riders from Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland were on the grid. The international diversity is also reflected in the results: Frenchman Simon Romieu won the 250 GP class ahead of Italian Guido Testoni and Belgian Bernard Depierreux. Swiss 250 GP veteran Rolf Haller described the event as a motorsport season highlight that only happens a little too early in the year.
What stood out this year was the absence of several well-known foreign guests. Italians Maurizio Bottalico and Stefano Bonetti, who had finished second and fourth overall in 2025, are focusing exclusively on international road races such as the North West 200, the TT and the Macau Grand Prix in 2026.
Eleven riders below 1:15 minutes
Eleven riders stayed below the 1:15 minute mark on race Sunday. Thomas Altenhuber topped the list with 1:11.339 minutes, followed by Markus Mitterbauer with 1:11.704 minutes and Salvatore Sallustro with 1:12.203 minutes. Gabriele Peticca ran 1:12.823 minutes, Thomas Altendorfer 1:13.423 minutes, Manuel Schleindlhuber 1:13.430 minutes and his brother Harald Schleindlhuber 1:13.602 minutes. Alexander Kastenhuber was the fastest Supersport rider with 1:13.723 minutes. Mario Grunwald came in at 1:14.107 minutes, Emanuel Reisinger at 1:14.419 minutes and Mario Gastinger at 1:14.913 minutes.
No one managed to join the Landshaag record list of riders under 1:12 minutes this year. The low asphalt temperatures prevented any of the four active riders with sub-1:12 personal bests, namely David Datzer, Thomas Altenhuber, Markus Mitterbauer and Manuel Schleindlhuber, from improving their personal records. Alongside the four active riders, the historical list of the 13 riders with sub-1:12 times also includes Maurizio Bottalico, Andreas Gangl, four-time Landshaag overall winner Wolfgang Gammer, Thomas Berghammer, Christian Zaiser, Stefano Bonetti, Christian Wiesinger-Mayr, Jean-Luc David and Thomas Ecker.
David Datzer’s course record from 2025 with 1:08.795 minutes, corresponding to an average speed of 189.43 km/h, remained untouched. The extra prize money put up by the organiser for a new record therefore stays in the MSC Rottenegg coffers.
Six women: a new all-time high
The women’s standings were stronger than ever in 2026. Seven female riders took the start, of whom six were listed in the official entry list. Czech rider Kristyna “Kiki” Jakesch took home the fastest woman’s trophy with a personal best of 1:27.340 minutes. She has been coached by David Datzer as her riding trainer since last year. Behind Jakesch, Nicole Furruther lined up with 1:28.548 minutes and Magdalena Gamperl with 1:30.811 minutes. Julie “Juju” Orlando came in at 1:35.208 minutes, Manuela Voglreiter at 1:38.852 minutes, Karina Taibl at 1:48.393 minutes and Petra Fischer at 1:51.110 minutes.
Last year’s fastest woman, Svenja “Svenschi” Wurm, was unable to start this year due to injury and followed the action on Sunday from the spectator areas on crutches.
Johann Karl ends the 125cc era
A historic turning point came in the up-to-125cc class. Johann Karl, 15-time Landshaag class winner in this category, has put his 125 aside and has been competing in the up-to-500cc class since 2026. Riding his FTR, he took the new category straight away. The now-vacant 125cc class win went to Wilhelm Eßsl.
The event also offered several links to international road racing series. Upcoming Manx Grand Prix debutants Thomas “Uccio” Altendorfer and Moritz Klaus were on the grid, as were Sallustro as an MGP participant in recent years and Datzer as an active TT rider. All four also have IRRC experience. Further riders from the IRRC scene such as Thomas Altenhuber, Daniel Wiesinger, Markus Mitterbauer, Dominik Haslinger and Landshaag newcomer Leos “Magda” Hlavacek rounded out the grid with a road racing background.
Sidecars and classics
Six sidecar outfits were entered. The duo Franz Kapeller and Markus Billich, both with experience in the IDM and the International Sidecar Trophy, set the fastest time with 1:48.448 minutes. Second place went to Gerald Pointner and Jürgen Samhaber.
On the sidelines, former Landshaag course record holder Andreas “Gangolf” Gangl was also present. He followed the action as a spectator this year. Alongside the Austrian national anthem, the New Wave classic “Major Tom” by German musician Peter Schilling was heard particularly often over the PA system during the race weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many participants did the Landshaag hillclimb 2026 have?
With 300 entries, the 2026 Landshaag hillclimb set a new participant record in the event’s history. The previous year had 260 starters. Among the registered riders were six women, which is also an all-time high.
Which nations competed at the Landshaag hillclimb 2026?
Eight nations were on the grid at the 2026 Landshaag hillclimb: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland. The international diversity is also reflected in the class results, for example in Frenchman Simon Romieu’s win in the 250 GP class.
How long is the Landshaag hillclimb course?
The race track on the L1507 regional road between Landshaag and St. Martin im Mühlkreis is 3,620 metres long. The course record stands at 1:08.795 minutes, set by David Datzer in 2025, corresponding to an average speed of 189.43 km/h.
How long has the Landshaag hillclimb been running?
The Landshaag hillclimb was first held in 1979. The 45th edition took place in 2026, and the 46th is already scheduled for April 2027. The event is therefore approaching its 50-year milestone.
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