The route of the 24. Maxxis BIKE Transalp is brand new and almost too good to just reel off at race pace. That's why we present the stages individually for you to follow. After the First stage from Lienz to Sillian here is the second section of this new MTB Alpine crossing from Sillian to Bruneck.
Stage 2: from Sillian to Bruneck
- 72 kilometres
- 2513 metres altitude
- Journey time 6-7 hours
- Condition 5/5
- Driving technique 3/5
- Panorama 5/5
Easy, you might think with "only" 2513 metres in altitude. In fact, this stage is one of the easier sections of this year's BIKE Transalp. The elevation profile also promises 45 kilometres of easy ups and downs through the Hochpustertal valley with only one real hammer at the end: the 1400 metres of predominantly steep ascent to Kronplatz. In reality, however, the "easy ups and downs" between Sillian and Olang hide plenty of ramps that will cause early lactate peaks, especially at race pace.
Over the Furkelpass up to Kronplatz
However, if you follow the route without a stopwatch, the scenic and technical highlights of this stage will distract you from the exertions. And there are two shortcuts that you can take without a race number with a clear conscience. From Sillian, the route continues along the Drau and at the foot of the 2434 metre-high Helm across the border to South Tyrol. After a few kilometres, the route switches to the shady side of the valley and climbs through the forests of the Drei Zinnen Nature Park to the source of the Drau. The striking rocks of the Fanes Nature Park soon come into view on the left. They form a guard of honour until things get serious shortly after the Olang reservoir: The final ascent over the Furkel Pass to the 2275 metre high Kronplatz is imminent. Only short sections follow the pass road. The last 500 metres in altitude are tackled on forest paths up the steep mountain flanks.
Or you can choose one of the two shortcuts mentioned above and simply buy a lift ticket in Olang for the whole ascent, or at the Furkelpass for the last 500 metres in altitude. However you reach this summit - you should enjoy the 360-degree panorama for a moment and perhaps sink into the saddle. Afterwards, the famous downhill switchbacks of the Herrnsteig await. After the 1300 metre-long orgy of bends, with short gravel interruptions, it's a relaxed ride down to the old town of Bruneck.
"How often have we had to leave Plan de Corones/Kronplatz with its super views to the left because its trails simply couldn't be logically integrated into the route? But this time we're coming from the east and will take the opportunity to celebrate St. Vigil's local mountain twice." Marc Schneider, route manager of the BIKE Transalp
Registration
The 24th BIKE Transalp will take place from 3-9 July 2022 and costs the basic package including race management, luggage and bike service, stage catering, medical care and much more. 999 euros per person (U23 riders 749 euros). Information and registration: www.bike-transalp.de
Information on retracing the second Transalp stage
The precinct
Sillian is located in Alta Pusteria, at the foot of the Carnic main ridge and just before the border with South Tyrol. The town is one of the starting points of the famous Stoneman Dolomiti circuit and hosted the 2019 E-MTB World Championships. On 3 July, the finish arch of the BIKE Transalp will be spanned in front of numerous spectators in Sillian before the field of participants is released with a great roar the next morning for the second stage towards Bruneck. Info: www.pustertal.org
Return journey to Lienz
If you only want to follow the original Transalp route for two days, you can take the bus or train from Bruneck back to Lienz (3 hours/12-17 euros). By car: 75 km/1 hour.
Bikepark Kronplatz
On the second day of this year's BIKE Transalp, riders can also use the cable car to save a few metres in altitude. Kronplatz has a bike park and various lifts in summer. For example, you can save 1300 metres in altitude in Olang and 500 metres in altitude on the Furkelpass. Once at the top, a total of 16 downhill runs await. On the Herrnsteig alone, you can choose from a variety of options. Info: www.kronplatz.com
Refreshment tips
In the Puster Valley itself, the route leads through various villages, each with various places to stop for refreshments. However, the best views for a break can be found on the mountain flanks of the Kronplatz. On the way to the Furkelpass, for example, you pass the rustic Trattes mountain inn, where you can enjoy a good meal or spend the night. Info: www.trattes.it
If you need a break on the long Herrnsteig descent, it's best to stop off at the Herzlalm sun terrace. Bike park visitors also like to stop here. Or you can save your hunger and thirst for the hairpin bends down to Bruneck. The fourth largest town in South Tyrol has a very pretty old town centre with ice cream parlours, bars and plenty of restaurants.
The drinks sponsor provides isotonic refreshment Bitburger with a delicious 0.0%.
In the next part: Stage 3 - from Bruneck to St. Vigil. The GPS data for the entire Transalp route will be available to download from 4 July 2022.
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
