Almost 5,000 competitors from all over the world took part in the gruelling Oetztaler Cycle Marathon on Saturday (28th August) - Germany's Bernd Horentz and Laila Orenos of Italy won the men's and women's events respectively.

The Oetztaler Cycling Marathon can push the fittest to the limit.

A fierce 238-kilometre course, that starts and finishes in Solden; winds through four steep alpine passes and see's the cyclists climb 5,500 metres in altitude; and it all has to be completed in one day.

Depending on physical ability, the gruelling endurance race can take up to 14 hours to complete.

The highest ski resort in Austria, the Kuhtai, proved difficult for nearly everyone and the leading pack were able to break away early on.

But the climb that really hurt is the Jaufenpass, a high mountain pass in the Italian Alps.

Germany's Bernd Horentz, and compatriot Jorg Ludewig were able to break away and battle it out for top spot.

It was close, even through the last few kilometres, but at the age of 48, it was Horentz who crossed the line first in a time of six hours, 57 minutes and four seconds.

Ludewig finished just behind his fellow countryman in a time of 06:57:42.

In the women's race, Laila Orenos was a cut above the field.

The Italian retained her title in a time of 07:42.29 hours, a new course record.

The Italians dominated the women's event with Simona Parente finishing second.

Austria's Daniela Pintarelli came home third, nearly 10 minutes behind the race winner.

During the race, every cyclist burns between 5000 and 8000 calories!

Over 12,000 energy bars are consumed and 11,000 bananas.