One of the defining figures of Austrian road cycling passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 81 after a long illness. Together with Rudolf Mitteregger, Wolfgang Steinmayr shaped Austrian cycling throughout the 1970s. Their memorable duels at the Tour of Austria remain unforgettable, with the Tyrolean rider still holding the record for the most overall victories, having won the race four times.
Raised in Hall in Tirol, the trained chef was among the top amateur cyclists nearly 50 years ago. He particularly excelled in the mountains, winning the title of “Glockner King” in 1972 and 1975, and competed in the Olympic Games in both 1972 and 1976.
Steinmayr was also highly successful away from cycling. In 1970, he founded an insurance company that went on to insure renowned events such as the Hahnenkamm Race and the Bergisel Ski Jumping. In 2010, he handed over the family business to his son Christian.
“With Wolfgang, Austrian sport has lost a man who achieved outstanding success with great passion and dedication, while also building a successful professional career. As an ambassador for cycling, he leaves behind a tremendous void, and it pains us that he is no longer with us,” said Harald J. Mayer, President of Cycling Austria.
In six weeks, the 75th edition of the Tour of Austria will begin in Graz. Steinmayr had contributed to the event and supported a special classification introduced by organizer Thomas Pupp and Cycling Austria: an additional intermediate sprint on all five stages. This classification will now be renamed the “Cycling Austria – Tour 75 – Wolfgang Steinmayr Special Classification” in honor of the late cycling legend.
