The 18th edition of the Craft BIKE Transalp powered by Sigma will kick off at 9 AM on the main street (Hauptstraße) in Ruhpolding, just in front of Cafe Heigermoser. About 500 teams of two will take up the challenge of crossing the main ridge of the Alps within seven days.
The first day of Transalp is typically tense, with the desire for a good stage result and start position on day 2 tempered only a little by the need to keep something in the legs for the end of the week.
The field consists of starters from 40 countries – including international pros as well as hundreds of amateurs. The 2015 route travels total distance of 611.27 km with 19,002 metres of climbing to reach the finish line in Riva del Garda, Italy.
The most racers, who are keen to meet this challenge, come from Germany (more than 300). But also Austria (76), Holland (66), Italy (64), Switzerland (55) and Belgium (54) are well-represented.
Athletes from Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mauritius, United Arab Emirates, Botswana, South Africa or New Zealand create some international flair while also underlining the importance of the Craft BIKE Transalp powered by Sigma in the scene.
The most teams of two will start in the Men’s category (more than 150) while about 15 duos are registered in the Women’s classification, more than 60 teams in the Mixed category, about 130 teams in the Masters category and some 40 teams in the Grand Masters classification.
While Centurion-Vaude are targeting a hat-trick of wins, it seems likely that the Topeak-Ergon duo, or Team Bulls team, will prevent that from happening. Sally Bigham and Christina Kohlmann are racing in the women’s category – and it’s highly likely this Topeak-Ergon pairing will take the women’s win.
We will have daily reports from the race, but tag @marathonmtb or #marathonmtb on social media to share your photos and experiences with us.
Stages Craft BIKE Transalp powered by SIGMA
19.07.15: 1. Stage: Ruhpolding – Saalfelden 101.88 km, 2,260 m
20.07.15: 2. Stage: Saalfelden – Mittersill 64.34 km, 2,405 m
21.07.15: 3. Stage: Mittersill – Sillian 118.29 km, 3,577 m
22.07.15: 4. Stage: Sillian – Alleghe 89.95 km, 2,538 m
23.07.15: 5. Stage: Alleghe – San Martino 73.28 km, 3,137 m
24.07.15: 6. Stage: San Martino – Levico Terme 88.78 km, 2,530 m
25.07.15: 7. Stage: Levico Terme – Riva del Garda 74.75 km, 2,555 m