The Transalp mountain bike stage race is on again from 5th-11th of July 2020, with a new route from Nauders in Austria to Riva del Garda in Italy. The 23rd edition of the MAXXIS BIKE Transalp shows that the spirit of discovery is not yet exhausted. The 2020 course runs on less frequented and rugged paths that trace a demanding route across the Alps. Up to 1000 participants from more than 35 nations are expected to enter and take up the challenge of crossing the Alps in seven stages – in teams or solo. The entire race covers 577 kilometres and 18,940 metres of climbing.
A fresh Transalp adventure
The first BIKE Transalp in 1998 had been a journey into the unknown, an exploring tour across the Alps. 22 years later it is not easy to find unspoiled and less used tracks, but it’s not impossible.
“The 2020 Transalp route offers evidence that the discovery spirit in the Alps is still rewarded”, says race manager Marc Schneider about a course that is wild and at the same time wonderful.
From Nauders in Tyrol the route leads through Livigno into the Ortler and Adamello Group. In front of the scenery of the massive mountains and glaciers, Transalp meanders over numerous passes, such as the Passo dell’Alpe (2461 m), the Forcella di Montozzo (2613 m) and the Mortirolo (1852 m). Not a passage of smooth trails, but old and rumbled cart paths.
The race continues with three new stage locations in Italy – Santa Caterina Valfurva, Aprica and Peio – and accordingly new sections that have never been part of the BIKE Transalp before. Even the forest trails are getting rougher now. In the valley of Peio in the Stelvio National Park more than half way is done, before you move on to Molveno, Valle del Chiese at Lake Idro and finally to Riva del Garda. But although the BIKE Transalp gets closer to the mountain bike Mecca around Lake Garda, there can still be found some less frequented, but not less fantastic tracks.
The 2020 course goes original ways, without giving up on classic dream routes. Perhaps the best example is the crowning final of the BIKE Transalp from Passo Tremalzo over Passo Rocchetta, Pregasina and the old Ponale road, down to Riva – a breathtaking last descent before the hard-won finish at Lake Garda.
No matter if you start in a team or solo, amateur rider or ambitious for the podium, as a father-and-son-duo or with your best mate: For most of the participants the BIKE Transalp is an unforgettable adventure, for which they train hard for months or even years. It is about breaking your limits, fighting your way from stage to stage, suffering together and cheering together, always surrounded by the impressive landscape of the Alps.
The entry fee for the race is 899 euros, including benefits like professional time keeping, roadway support, free catering on the route and at the finish, rescue team, bike wash, technical service, luggage transport and finisher jersey. So for seven days, participants can feel like real pros and just focus on one thing: mountain biking. Riders under 23 pay just 699 euros, including overnight stays in the Transalp Camp.
More details? Head to the Transalp website.