Get Ready for the Šumava Cycle Race: Kicking Off This Saturday!

The cycling event known as the King of Sumava is a key part of the Author Marathon Tour 2025, held during the cycling season across the Czech Republic. This marathon is the largest cycling event in the nation and takes place in the stunning landscape of Šumava. The distances and levels of challenge for the three different routes (22, 53, 70, and 103 km) will be similar to what participants have experienced in past years.

In 2025, the Author King of Šumava continues to provide an engaging experience with three routes of varying lengths and difficulties (note that the 22 km option is exclusively for male and female students). The facilities for registration and finishing will still be hosted at the athletics stadium in Klatovy, and the race will kick off from Klatovy’s main square as usual. From that point, the riders will navigate the beautiful Šumava trails. Expect diverse routes, ample refreshments, great viewing spots for onlookers, and a rich program to enjoy. A nearly legendary highlight is the goulash served with beer for all racers at the finish line, followed by an entertaining open-air concert featuring three local bands in the evening.

What are the routes for this year’s race?

The longest course, measuring 103 km, will reach the summit of Worm (609 m), as well as visit significant sites like Podolsky Mill, Velhartice Castle, Puchverk, Keply, Zahrádek, Bradný, Chřepice, the former Suché Studánky, the mountain Bridge (1234 m), Prenet, Děpoltice, Malé Rovné, Úliště hill (690 m), with stops at Loreto and Luby before returning to the stadium. The shorter routes are adjusted from this main path: the 70 km route diverges from Bradný towards Horní Němčice and reconnects with the initial route at Úliště, while the 53 km path veers off before reaching Velhartice towards Nemilkov, circling around the Garden hill before heading to Horní Němčice and Úliště. Everyone will finish at the Klatovy stadium.

Refreshment stations will be located at Podolský Mlýn, Keplech, Bradný, Prenet, and Rovná this year. The stadium will offer a range of programs for spectators starting early in the day, featuring numerous stalls and an announcer providing commentary as competitors cross the finish line.

King of Šumava 2025: The Largest MTB Marathon in the Czech Republic

Take part in the King of Šumava 2025, the country’s biggest MTB marathon, held this Saturday, May 31. Experience breathtaking cycling routes of 22, 53, 70, and 103 kilometers, weaving through the scenic Šumava landscape.

This popular event attracts top cyclists and offers something for everyone—challenging courses, excellent spots for spectators, plentiful refreshments, and a lively evening concert under the stars.

The marathon finishes at the athletics stadium in Klatovy. The longest route takes riders past impressive highlights, including the hill Červ, the majestic Velhartice Castle, and the towering Můstek mountain.

Notable attractions along the way include:

• Velhartice Castle

• Šumava National Park

• The historic center of Klatovy