The highlight video for the BIKE Transalp 2021
Blue skies, smiling sunshine, summery bathing temperatures and the atmosphere at its best: the conditions for the arrival of the finishers of this year's BIKE Transalp were optimal. After seven exhausting days, 572 kilometres and 18800 metres of altitude difference, the mood of saying goodbye and the joy of arriving were close together.
From Nauders to Riva, over 600 mountain bikers spent many hours together in the saddle and created shared memories. The weather was always kind to the athletes. The same cannot be said of the route. Not too much was promised. This year's event was more pristine and rougher than ever. The stages were characterised by tricky trails and technical descents, long and steep climbs, lonely paths and rustic trails. Nevertheless, these hardships never dampened the good mood.
Manuel Pliem and David Schöggl from the Pure HUMANPWR KTM 1 team rode into the yellow leader's jersey on day one in a frenzy of speed. Despite a bad day on the second stage, they wore the popular colour all the way to Riva. Second place in the overall classification went to Roel Verhoeven and Tim Smeenge from Team KMC. Third place went to Jan-Frederik Finoulst and Lennard Heidenreich from the Maxxis Velomotion team.
The individual starters' race remained exciting right up to the final stage. Giulio Valfre and Marek Sülzle fought a cinematic duel that was not only about performance but also about breakdowns. The two riders swapped the defect devil in two consecutive days, so that the losses levelled out again. The duel was ultimately won by Marek Sülzle, who secured overall victory as a solo rider. Giulio Valfre consolidated his second place with his stage win on the final stage. Third place in the overall standings went to Jens Schuhmann.
Naima Diesner took the overall solo women's title with a lead of over two hours. Second place went to Katrin Benz and third place to Olena Novikova. In the women's team classification, Danièle Trosch and Lorenza Menapace were delighted with their overall victory in the 23rd BIKE Transalp. Carina Mohr and Conny Bucher were no less happy about their second place, as were Imke Wiedermann and Anna Schmitt behind them on the podium.
Thomas Braun and Claudia Jedelhauser were awarded the winner's jersey in the mixed category in Riva. Second place went to Sabine Compassi and David Gaillard. Julian Biefang and Kathrin Brands were delighted with third place.
After last year's cancellation due to the coronavirus, the more than 600 participants and their supporters as well as the organisers and all the helpers are happy about the successful 23rd edition of the legendary MTB stage race across the Alps. A year's break did nothing to diminish the fascination of the BIKE Transalp. On the contrary: due to the long break, the mood and joy of all participants was almost boundless. And thanks to a comprehensive hygiene concept and the intensive work of everyone involved, many mountain bikers were able to experience an exciting and safe bike adventure.
