Karl Platt: MTB legend rides again

From 3 to 9 July 2022, hundreds of cyclists will once again take on the MAXXIS BIKE Transalp adventure. Among them: mountain bike legend Karl Platt. Together with the ex-professional, the participants will spend a week performing at their best and experiencing unique panoramas. With the Explorer Days, those interested can first get a taste of adventure. The drinks sponsor provides isotonic refreshment Bitburger with a delicious 0.0%.

He is known as "Mr BIKE Transalp". With 17 participations in the legendary mountain bike stage race - including six victories and countless podium places - Karl Platt, initiator and rider of Team BULLS, is one of the old hands among the Transalpers. After ending his career and taking a break from the Transalp for several years, the former pro has been bitten by the bug again.

"Sometimes it's good to take a break when you've been doing something for a long time," explains Platt. "That's why I'm particularly looking forward to the upcoming BIKE Transalp again this year." In 2022, the multiple German champion will start in the Masters category. He will be able to enjoy the seven days even more. But: "I may have spat out the knife between my teeth, but you always ride as fast as you can with your race number on your handlebars and back," laughs "Mr BIKE Transalp".

For Karl Platt and all the other participants in this year's MAXXIS BIKE Transalp, there are 566 kilometres and 18,400 metres of altitude to cover between the starting point in Lienz and the finish in Riva del Garda: an enormous feat of strength. But it will be rewarded with unforgettable panoramas, a unique sense of community and great emotions.

These are also the reasons that have fuelled Karl Platt's passion for the BIKE Transalp. "The BIKE Transalp is the mother of stage races and nothing compares to it. Crossing the Alps by bike in a week: that's what the BIKE Transalp did for the first time and it's still the same today," says Platt, explaining his fascination with the popular race.

While this year's route will once again focus on something new - including starting in East Tyrol for the first time and merging the towns of Kaltern and San Martino di Castrozza into one stage - there will also be a return to the old.

Distributed for the last time in 2016, this year's fastest runners can once again look forward to some tantalising prize money. The organisers are making a contingent of 20,000 euros available. This will be distributed to the first-placed teams in the various categories on a staggered basis. Here you will find a detailed list of the distribution >>

Explorer Days for a taster

The BIKE Transalp is a physical and mental challenge. For a whole week, the athletes are required to make strenuous efforts and an iron will. They are rewarded with unforgettable impressions amidst the overwhelming Alpine landscape and the many competitors.

If you want to get a taste of the BIKE Transalp before taking on a whole week, you can take advantage of the Explorer Days and take part in one or two stages outside the classification to gain your first experience of crossing the Alps by mountain bike. All information about the Explorer Days can be found at: https://bike-transalp.de/teilnehmer/explorer-days/

Save 200 euros with the discount for last-minute travellers

For all those who want to experience the complete MAXXIS BIKE Transalp 2022 package, there is an attractive special for all last-minute registrants. BIKE Transalp sponsor MAXXIS will cover part of the entry fee for the first 25 new registrations.

If you book quickly enough, the starting place will cost just €799 per person instead of €999. To benefit from this advantage, simply enter the code MAXXIS-SpecialBT2022 when booking on www.datasport.com can be entered.

All information about the race and the detailed route description including elevation profiles can be found at https://bike-transalp.de/
Information on registering for the legendary stage race can be found at: https://bike-transalp.de/teilnehmer/anmeldeinfo/