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 and the second section from Silian to Bruneck here is the third section of this new MTB Alpine crossing from Bruneck to St. Vigil.
Stage 3: from Bruneck to St. Vigil
- 38.2 kilometres
- 1918 vertical metres
- Journey time 4-6 hours
- Condition 4/5
- Driving technique 3/5
- Panorama 5/5
The racers of this year's BIKE Transalp will be thinking "wellness day" when they look at the data for this third stage. Just half as long as the other sections with less than 2000 metres of ascent - the fastest riders are likely to reach the finish line by lunchtime. But with plenty of lactate in their legs, as this supposedly easy lap contains the longest climb of the entire Transalp route.
Around the Kronplatz and flow on the Gassl Trail
Without warming up, you head straight uphill from the starting arch in Bruneck. 1400 metres in altitude in one go up to the summit of Kronplatz. Neatly draped in moderately ascending gravel bends. A climb that you could actually enjoy with its ever-growing super panorama, but in the tunnel vision of a racing cyclist, the motto here is: Make up as many places as possible to avoid getting stuck in a traffic jam on the long trail descent that follows. So no sign of wellness.
Unless, of course, you take a relaxed approach to the route. Then you can even get on the lift in Reischach and start the day with culture. The Lumen Museum of Mountain Photography and one of the Rein hold Messner exhibitions await you at the summit of the 2275 metre high Kronplatz. Or you can sit down for a moment in the alpine meadows and simply enjoy the bird's eye view to the south, where the rock towers of the Fanes National Park stretch into the horizon.
The descent on the Gassl Trail then awaits. Its wide flow bends first swing gently through the alpine meadows and later through sparse forest until they meet the road to the Furkel Pass after 900 metres of descent. There are still 400 metres of steep ascent to the pass, and after such a long descent it takes a while to find the right cranking rhythm again.
Especially as the route branches off onto a trail for the last 150 metres in altitude, which climbs so steeply towards the end of the pass that most people will probably push. A mean extra loop, but this way you won't cool down so quickly on the subsequent descent to St. Vigil.
"From the 2275 metre high Kronplatz, you probably have the most beautiful view over the Fanes National Park. As the route this year does not go through this Dolomite rocky backdrop, but around it, I advise even the race participants to enjoy the view briefly." Marc Schneider, route director 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). Beverage sponsor Bitburger will provide isotonic refreshment with a delicious 0.0%. Info and registration: www.bike-transalp.de
Information on retracing the third Transalp stage
The precinct
Kronplatz is the region's local mountain and is correspondingly popular. Nevertheless, route director Marc Schneider has included it twice in the route, because: Those who like long, flowing trails will love this mountain between the stage towns of Bruneck and St. Vigil. Thanks to the countless ascent and descent options, its visitors spread out quickly anyway. Riders who can afford a lift ticket can shorten this stage by 17 kilometres and 1200 metres in altitude. Of course, non-racers can also bypass the last, steep trail ascent to the Furkelpass on the more comfortable pass road. For the descent on the flowing Gassl Trail, all you need is a good sense of rhythm for bends. The surface remains free of rough obstacles right to the end. If you prefer something more challenging, simply choose one of the other bike park routes for the descent. Kronplatz has a total of 16 lines of varying degrees of difficulty.
Accommodation San Vigilio
The village of St. Vigil lies directly at the entrance to the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park and has often been a stage stop for the BIKE Transalp, as well as various tourist Alpine crossings. There is therefore a well-developed infrastructure with bike hotels and shops. www.sanvigilio.com
Cable cars Kronplatz
The ascent to Kronplatz is long, but the gradient is still pleasant thanks to the many gravel bends. But you can also save your energy with a clear conscience, as the bike park at Kronplatz makes it possible: a total of five lifts help you up to the summit. Two of them are located in Reischach. June to mid-October, ticket price for one ascent: 18 euros. Info: www.kronplatz.com and www.kronplatzbikepark.com
Refreshment tips
The summit of the Kronplatz is not only a bike park and panoramic wonder, but also home to two museums that are well worth a visit. Info: www.lumenmuseum.it and www.messner-mountain-museum.it. From the old town centre in Bruneck to the narrow streets of St. Vigil, there are also various places to stop for refreshments on the flanks of the Kronplatz and on the Furkelpass.
In the next part: Stage 5 - from St. Vigil to Kaltern. The GPS data for the entire Transalp route will be available to download from 4 July 2022.
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
