Registrations are about to open, and the Transalp Race Organisers have revealed the route for next year’s route crossing the European Alps.
The 21st edition of the world’s classic paired mountain bike stage race kicks of in Imst, Austria on July 15 and finishes in Arco, Italy seven days later on July 21.
In total, the participants of this prestigious classic – including international pros as well as hundreds of amateurs alike – will have to pedal a total of 503.54 kilometres and conquer 18,004 metres of climbing while crossing the main ridge of the Alps.
What do we think the best stage races are?
During the one week trip through the Massive Central the field will stop in Nauders, Livigno, Bormio, Ponte di Legno, Val di Sole as well as Valle del Chiese.
Photo: Oliver Krauss.
And like in the previous years, Race Organisers have again put together a package of famous passages and brand new single tracks which has no equal.
“The route of the 21st edition is a challenge, but also an extravagant and thrilling mix which you don’t get elsewhere,” says Race Director Marc Schneider.
What bike should you take to Transalp?
After things have kicked off with new trails at Nauder’s Bergkastel and the beautiful singletrack through the Valmora featured on the queen’s stage to Livigno, the scenic and technical delectation continues on the next days.
The trail through the Val Mora might be one of the best pieces of natural singletrack you will ride.
Besides the freeride trails at Carosello 3000 the well-known Alta Via Camuna, an isolated mountain path high above the alpine tree line leading to Passo Tonale during the stage to Val di Sole, is also one of the 2018 highlights.
Above that, Schneider explains that there are also “some more secret nature tracks to be ridden during the stage into the Chiese Valley or in the valley of di Ledro which we will pass on the final day. In addition, the Via Claudia in the Inn Valley which racers will tackle on the opening day is also worth mentioning.”
Besides that, the route offers even more scenic-wise: “The panorama views you get at Ortler, Adamello Alps or Brenta are a class of their own.”
Push yourself and you push your team – how to make your team work out!
While the 21st ever race edition therefore offers once again a route which is a credit to the Transalp myth, participants can look forward to a new Deluxe Bike Support which can be booked additionally.
The return transfer to the start or accommodation in the Transalp camp are also available as add-ons. The entry fee per person is € 899, U23 riders have to pay € 699.
Participants of the 2018 BIKE Transalp powered by Sigma will pedal a total of 503.54 km from Imst to Lake Garda while also mastering 18,004 metres of climbing.
Need more details? Hit the website.
A closer look at the Transalp stages
Stage 1: Imst – Nauders; 88.90 km; 2,942 m; stage overview
Stage 2: Nauders – Livigno: 101.82 km; 3,512 m; stage overview
Stage 3: Livigno – Bormio: 67.98 km; 2,230 m; stage overview
Stage 4: Bormio – Ponte di Legno: 57.66 km; 2,393 m; stage overview
Stage 5: Ponte di Legno – Val di Sole: 49.66 km; 1,967 m; stage overview
Stage 6: Val di Sole – Valle del Chiese: 78.96 km; 2,772 m; stage overview
Stage 7: Valle del Chiese – Arco: 58.56 km; 2,179 m; stage overview