Graz River Days: pure excitement at the new Time Trial SUP race
Who are the fastest paddlers in Europe? This question will be answered on Saturday evening at the Graz River Days 2025. As part of the new Time Trial Pro Longdistance race format, participants will paddle over 10 kilometers for prize money totalling 2,000 euros – 1,000 euros each for the fastest woman and the fastest man.
The start is at 18:00 on Saturday. In contrast to classic mass starts, the athletes start the race at one-minute intervals. The course leads downstream through the heart of the Styrian capital. The so-called “seeding” system provides additional excitement: the supposedly slower paddlers start first, which keeps the race open until the last participant. Drafting is allowed, so tactical skill is required.
Among the men, top German athlete Normen Weber is the clear favorite. The winner of the prestigious Lake Rocks Speedrace will be up against a strong field from Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary in Graz. There is a particularly high density of world-class athletes in the masters class – numerous top ten finishers from past world championships are at the start.
The women’s field is international, but without a clear favorite – an open race in which surprises are possible. Decisions are not made directly at the finish line, but only after all the times have been evaluated. This means: nerves of steel right to the end.
Three days of SUP action on the Mur
The Graz River Days are more than just a single race: From June 27 to 29, the area around the Seifenfabrik will be transformed into a festival for water sports fans. A 6 km ISUP Downriver Funrace opens the event on Friday – a current ride without buoys, ideal for beginners.
This is followed on Sunday by a tech race in a knockout system, where agility and tactics are required. Both races also count towards the overall standings of the SUP Alps Trophy 2025, which is bigger than ever this year with seven stages. The Styrian national championship will also be held in Graz at the same time.
Festival atmosphere meets top-class sport
In addition to the races, the weekend offers an extensive supporting program: SUP yoga, kayak taster courses, rafting, raft trips and the Dragon Boat Business Cup provide variety. On the meadow, a DJ and a public viewing zone will provide that European Championship feeling. An experienced team led by Normen Weber and Gerd Weisner will take care of the timekeeping, while Rudy van Haven will moderate the event.
The Graz River Days thus set an example for innovative water sports in Austria – with a new race format, an international starting field and festival flair in the middle of the city.