Transalp clock ticks
The tenth annual TransAlp race starts Saturday in Mittenwald, Germany. As one of the races that...
The tenth annual TransAlp race starts Saturday in Mittenwald, Germany. As one of the races that helped define the genre of multi-day mountain bike stage events, the TransAlp will draw 600 teams, all headed for Riva del Garda, Italy. Racers will cover 628km and 20,836m of climbing.
Favorites going into the race are the so far unbeaten German-Austrian duo Team Bulls including Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm. If they win this one, they will make it three so far this year, adding to wins at the Cape Epic and Trans Germany.
Platt and Sahm will be challenged by another GermanAustrian pair Andi Strobel and Silvio Wieltschnig from Team Fiat-Rotwild. "Since we didn't start last year, we really want to bring it once more this year," said Strobel.
On the women's side, reigning champions Sandra and Peggy Klose of team Zwilingscraft are the favorites for the victory. Their strongest opponents could be the Germany's Kerstin Brachtendorf with her French teammate Danièle Troesch, racing as Team Fiat-Rotwild. They led TransGermany until Brachtendorf had to quit the race due to stomach problems.
In the mixed category, look for Germany's Carsten Bresser who is again teamed up with Canadian teammate and three-time World Champion Alison Sydor on Rocky Mountain/Haywood.
This year's route is identical to the track used in 1998. The race will visit Reith im Alpbachtal, Mayrhofen, Brixen, San Vigilio Marebbe-Enneberg, Arabba, Predazzo/Val di Fiemme, and Folgaria along the way.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets
After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59
Join now for unlimited access
Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1