In total, the Maxxis BIKE Transalp route covers 17,527 metres in altitude and 496.97 kilometres. Seven stages, "fast and dirty, epic and enchanting, unexpected and exciting - this route proves that it is still possible to seek adventure in the mountains today," says Marc Schneider, arousing curiosity for 2023.
The 250 teams of two who set off on the first Transalp Challenge from Mittenwald to Riva in 1998 were also in for a huge adventure. The BIKE Transalp has retained this adventure factor to this day, as evidenced by the new route of the MTB Alpine crossing at race pace.
Brenta & Tremalzo: classic routes for the 25th BIKE Transalp anniversary
The 2023 route includes some of the most historic passes and crossings from 25 years of the BIKE Transalp: the Panzersperren on the Plamort with a view of the Ortler, the Alta Via Camuna, a dream trail somewhere between earth and sky, the Passo Bregn da l'Ors, where you can touch the mighty walls of the Brenta with your hands, and the Passo Tremalzo, a world star among the mountain bike classics on Lake Garda.
But even after 25 years, there is still plenty of new territory for marathon bikers to discover on the route across the Alps: 3-country enduro trails that didn't even exist when the Transalp was first organised, hidden trails in the Valle del Chiese that are only now being discovered by bikers, incredible panoramic trails high above Bormio, close to old Transalp routes, yet never ridden.
Click through the elevation profiles of the 7 stages:
The first stage from Nauders to Graun am Reschensee (part of the BIKE Transalp for the first time) offers a spicy mix of rough cart tracks, casual flow trail combinations and premium panoramas. The second stage starts prominently and mystically in front of the film set of the Netflix series "Curon", the church tower rising out of Lake Reschen. A large portion of brand new Transalp terrain awaits the participants on the way to Livigno. From there, they face a challenging 2200 metres in altitude and 65 kilometres to Bormio. "Beauty and the Beast" or "Heaven and Hell" is how the race director describes this third stage with ups and downs interspersed with single trails and great scenery.
The queen stage of the 2023 Transalp route: Over the Passo Gavia
The fourth stage to Malé is more than worthy of a royal stage; great things happen on it: great scenery, huge trails, honourable history. There is the 2621 metre high Passo Gavia, a legend of cycling, and a high alpine dream trail that is one of the most enchanting in Transalp history and refines not only the royal stage but also the anniversary edition with dignity. On stage five into the Valle del Chiese, there is another real obstacle to conquer on the way to Lake Garda: the Brenta. Its highest peak, the Cima Tosa, stretches 3173 metres up into the sky.
Day six of this stage race takes the marathon mountain bikers along wild, unknown paths away from the Tremalzo hype. Hardly anyone knows the Bocca Giumella or the Passo Giovo - perhaps because they are so wild, hidden and unspoilt. The Transalp starters are rewarded with a view of the bright turquoise of Lago di Ledro, the penultimate stage finish in Valle di Ledro (also new in 2023), before the spectacular finish in Riva del Garda on the last day. Why linger too long on the last day when the champagne corks have to pop twice on Lake Garda - for all finishers of the 25th edition and the many thousands of finishers of the 24 previous editions of the BIKE Transalp.
More articles about our BIKE Transalp 2023:
>> 25 years: Henri Lesewitz & Tino Zieger relive the anniversary of the BIKE Transalp in the blog <<
BIKE Transalp 2023: Info & registration
The 25th BIKE Transalp takes place from 9 - 15 July 2023 and costs from 1299 euros per person (U23 riders 1099 euros) for the basic package including race organisation, luggage and bike service, stage catering, medical care and much more. Further information about the MTB stage race, registration, detailed route information and news about the 2023 anniversary edition can also be found at https://bike-transalp.de/
