One week before the official start of registration for the BIKE Transalp powered by Sigma on online-registration.com we are officially announcing the route for 2018. The 21st edition of what is probably the most famous mountain bike stage race for teams of two in the world starts on 15 July in Imst, Austria, and ends seven days later on 21 July in Arco, Italy, near Lake Garda.
The participants in the prestigious classic, including international professionals and hundreds of amateurs alike, have to cover a total of 503.54 kilometres and climb 18,004 metres on their ride over the main Alpine ridge.
Over the course of the week-long tour through the Massif Central of the Alps, the entourage will stop in Nauders, Livigno, Bormio, Ponte di Legno, Val di Sole and Valle del Chiese. As in the previous two decades, the race organisers have combined well-known passages with new delicacies for next year's MTB season highlight to create an overall package that is second to none.
"The route of the 21st edition is a challenge, but also an extravagant and exciting mix that you don't get everywhere," explains route manager Marc Schneider. After new trails on the Bergkastel in Nauders and the wonderful trail through the Valmora on the queen's stage to Livigno, the scenic and technical delights continue on the other days.
The endless freeride trails on Carosello 3000 and the Alta Via Camuna, a lonely mountain trail far above the tree line that leads to Passo Tonale on the stage into Val di Sole, are among the highlights of the 2018 route.
According to Schneider, "there are also a number of lonely nature trails, such as on the stage into the Chiese Valley or in the Val di Ledro on the last stage. The Via Claudia in the Inn Valley on the first stage from Imst to Nauders is also included. There is also plenty for the eyes: the panoramas around the Ortler, Adamello Group and Brenta are first class in the Alps."
In addition to a route that once again lives up to the Transalp legend, the 21st edition of the race also offers new deluxe bike support, which can be booked in addition. Other extra services include a return transfer to the start location and overnight accommodation in the Transalp Camp. The starting place costs 899 euros and 699 euros per person for U23 riders.
Registration opens in seven days: Online registration for the 21st BIKE Transalp powered by Sigma starts on 12 December 2017 at 12:00 noon on online-registration.com.
The 2018 route at a glance
From Imst to Arco, near Lake Garda, the participants not only get to experience the full splendour of the Alps during the week-long stage race, but also have to cover a total of 503.54 kilometres and climb 18,004 metres in altitude.
Stage 1: Imst - Nauders
15 July 2018 - 88.90 km; 2942 m elevation gain; to the stage overview
Stage 2: Nauders - Livigno
16 July 2018 - 101.82 km; 3512 m elevation gain; to the stage overview
Stage 3: Livigno - Bormio
17 July 2018 - 67.98 km; 2239 m elevation gain; to the stage overview
Stage 4: Bormio - Ponte di Legno
18 July 2018 - 57.66 km; 2393 m elevation gain; to the stage overview
Stage 5: Ponte di Legno - Val di Sole
19 July 2018 - 49.66 km; 1967 m elevation gain; to the stage overview
Stage 6: Val di Sole - Valle del Chiese
20 July 2018 - 78.96 km; 2772 m elevation gain; to the stage overview
Stage 7: Valle del Chiese - Arco
20 July 2018 - 58.56 km; 2179 m elevation gain; to the stage overview
BIKE Transalp on the Internet
You can find more news and background information about the mother of all mountain bike stage races on the website www.bike-transalp.de and the social media channels:
BIKE Transalp on facebook
BIKE Transalp on twitter
BIKE Transalp on instagram
BIKE Transalp on youtube
BIKE Transalp hashtags:
#BIKETransalp
#cantcopytheAlps
