The new route of the 24. Maxxis BIKE Transalp is not only fun at racing speed. We present the seven stages and their individual scenic highlights. Also for those who want to take more time from Lienz to Lake Garda and ride them without a race number. This time: Stage 5 - from the Kalterer vineyards into Val Venegia to San Martino.
Stage 5: from Kaltern to San Martino di Castrozza
- 93.63 kilometres
- 2543 metres altitude
- Journey time 8-9 hours
- Condition 5/5
- Driving technique 2/5
- Panorama 5/5
A long, hard climb is always followed by a long, beautiful descent - a saying that is actually always true on a Transalp, just not on this stage. Two thirds of the route, i.e. 65 kilometrestoday it's only about uphill.
Why? Because the route sets course for the Dolomites again and therefore climbs from Lake Kaltern, 216 metres below, up to the Baita Segantini at 2174 metres above sea level. So right into the centre of the rock tower spectacle of the Pale di San Martino.
With the anticipation of this scenic highlight the long ride there should be a little less painful: passing Lake Kaltern, the route leads through the Adige Valley and then eastwards on a historic, disused railway line through the Trudener Horn National Park.
Picturesque view: the first Dolomite peaks
The first summit of the day is reached at Passo San Lugano. The only problem is that the descent doesn't last 400 metres, so it's only just a momentum booster for the 25-kilometre-long trail through Val di Fiemme that follows. But at the end, this path winds picturesquely through alpine meadows, and the first Dolomite towers are already pointing skywards.
Shortly after Valle Verde, it will become clear who has managed their strength well, as the gradients now increase at the same rate as the terrain. Panorama. At first, the gravel track of Dolomite pebbles winds its way through the Paneveggio forest, then the trees recede and the hairpin bends wind their way up the mountain flank directly at the foot of the Pale di San Martino.
Reward after over 2500 metres of altitude
Even if your legs are burning now: Finally there's some movement in the altimeter! Once you reach the picturesque Segantini hut, it's not just the fantastic scenerybut also the only long Departure of the dayover the Passo Rolle down to San Martino di Castrozza.
Attention: The climbs on this stage are long and flat. Easy, you might think. But uphills that don't want to end can wear you down in the long run and make it difficult to find a rhythm. And the trails and long descents - we'll make up for that on the next stage. I promise!
"It's the stage with the biggest difference in altitude: from 216 to 2174 metres above sea level. It doesn't get really steep on the entire route. However, you should definitely be smart about your fitness on these long, gentle climbs!" Marc Schneider, course 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). Drinks sponsor Bitburger will provide isotonic refreshment with a tasty 0.0%. Info and registration: www.bike-transalp.de
Information on following the fifth Transalp stage
The stage location
By the time the race participants push into the alleyways of San Martino di Castrozza on 7 July 2022, they will perhaps have forgotten the exertions of this uphill stage, because they were still able to experience a 700-metre descent to the finish line at the end. They may have focussed on the trail and not the panorama. Which is a shame, because this outermost corner of Trentino with the Pala Group behind it is a real scenic highlight. Highlight.
It is also worth making a longer stop here to take the cable car up to the High plateau of the Pala Group to ride. The view from up there is gigantic, the overnight stay in the Rifugio Rosetta a rustic experience and the descent on the nature trail to Canale d'Agordo an adventure. For more flowing trails, head south to the bike park at Malga Tognola.
Cable car
On the fifth stage from Kaltern to San Martino di Castrozza, there is unfortunately no lift that could reduce the daily metres in altitude to holiday level. However, there is a regular shuttle service between the Fiemme and Fassa valleys. Shuttle buswhich also zooms up to the entrance to Val Venegia. Information about the "Fiemme Fassa Bike Express": www.visitfiemme.it
Refreshment tips
Just a few kilometres after the start, you should actually make your first stop in Montan at an excellent Ice cream parlour stop here. As the stage then runs up the entire Val di Fiemme (Fiemme Valley), you will pass various inns in the villages with Trentino specialities. Perhaps the most beautiful stop is at the Capanna Cervino on the Rolle Pass, because after that it's all downhill to San Martino.
Accommodation
San Martino di Castrozza is located at an altitude of 1487 metres in the Primiero Valley and offers countless Overnight accommodation. Simply because the Pala rocks are also a climbing paradise. Only around 15 August (Ferragosto holiday in Italy) could there be a shortage of free beds. Info: www.sanmartino.com
In the next part: Stage 6 - from San Martino to Lavarone. The GPS data for the entire Transalp route will be available to download from 4 July 2022.
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
