In 2023, the OG of mountain bike stage races, Transalp, turns 25. To celebrate this milestone the race from 9-15 July will be listed as a UCI S1 event. This means riders who take part in the men’s and women’s categories can achieve ranking points.
Race director Marc Schneider considers the step to list the BIKE Transalp in the UCI calendar again
after 2013 to be very important: “The chance to collect UCI points makes it even more interesting for ambitious marathon riders and professionals to take part. They are the multipliers who are networked in the international bike marathon scene and share their experiences with others. In addition, a prominent start list is the best advertisement for the event, because it underlines the appreciation of the athletes for this race.”
READ: Why Transalp is my favourite mountain bike race.
Transalp was first run in 1998, with a traditional 8-day route across the Alps from southern Germany to northern Italy. Since 2014 the route has been modified to 7 days, and each year new routes are created – as there are countless ways to cross the alps. Originally raced only in pairs, Transalp can now be raced solo as well.
READ: The dynamics of paired racing.
Each year, the route covers around 500 kilometres and 18,000 metres of climbing, which is more moderate than the 700km and 21000m that earlier editions covered. Details of the 2023 BIKE Transalp route cannot be revealed yet. But it is certain that race director Marc Schneider will develop a route with many highlights as well as new trails and challenges for a complete adventure. Early bird registration is open until November 29 2022, and you can save 150 Euros!
If you have never raced Transalp but always wanted to, or enjoyed your time there in the past – perhaps the 25th anniversary in 2023 is the perfect time to revisit, and rub shoulders with the top UCI ranked riders?