Europe's most popular road cycling stage race for amateurs is entering the 18th round in 2021 from June 20 to 26: The TOUR Transalp leads in seven spectacular stages across the Alps. For the first time, the race starts in Bruneck in South Tyrol and ends in Arco in Italy after 781 kilometres, 17,790 metres of altitude and 18 passes. In order to offer the maximum of adventure and at the same time safety for all participants in these uncertain times, there are new concepts, which are constantly adapted to the current development. In addition, the cancellation rules have been changed with regard to Covid-19, so a free cancellation is still possible up to the 1 May 2021.
In 2020, the TOUR Transalp had to pause due to Covid-19. At this point, the organizers are very confident that the popular stage race can take place in June 2021 with some adjustments. "We are all experiencing that regulations and rules concerning the pandemic can also change at relatively short notice," says Transalp project manager Jan Leschinski. "That's why we are constantly updating all measures in compliance with the legal requirements and in close coordination with the local authorities." The new cancellation rules offer participants more flexibility. A full refund of the entry fee is possible without giving reasons until May 1, 2021. Those who cannot participate at the race due to Covid-19 or the effects of the pandemic will also get their money back beyond this deadline.
Seven days of pushing your limits, cheering and suffering with other cycling enthusiasts from more than 30 nations –surrounded by the spectacular mountain scenery of the Alps: Up to 1,000 sportsmen and women embark on the TOUR Transalp adventure every year, in teams or as individual riders. New and picturesque stage locations, famous passes, but also less-known roads await the participants in 2021. Race director Marc Schneider has revised the route originally planned for 2020: "Those who go on a discovery tour in the Dolomites aside from the world-famous passes will be surprised by the varied and exciting routes, winding through the Alps."
From Bruneck in the South Tyrolean Pustertal Valley, the route goes to San Vigilio, continues via four new stage towns, San Martino di Castrozza, Possagno, Asolo and Lavarone, on to Kaltern am See and finally to Arco, north of Lake Garda.
From the start in Bruneck, the route climbs up to Tesselberg on a remote road high above the South Tyrolean town. There is also still something new to discover at Monte Grappa, because never before has the Transalp led up this new, panoramic side route. Also new is the climb to the large plateau between Monte Grappa and Trento in the Adige Valley, leading with magnificent panoramas from Primolano up to Foza. Exciting announced by the winding descent over the Scale di Primolano to the valley floor of the river Brenta, which here passes the narrowest point between Valsugana and Bassano del Grappa. The following crossing over the plateau and finally over the Passo Vezzena to Lavarone is also new and beautiful to ride. Despite the first TOUR Transalp crossing in 2016, the Passo San Boldo with its hairpin bends carved into the rock as tunnels remains an insider tip.
But of course, the TOUR Transalp doesn’t only run through the quiet corners of the Alps. Well-known alpine passes are also on the program: the steep Furkelpass, Dolomite panorama crackers like the Passo Valparola, Falzarego, Rolle and Valles, the unique Manghenpass as well as climbing highlights like the Forcella Aurine and the Passo Cereda south of the Pale di San Martino. A great mix of tough climbs, winding descents and passages where there is also time to enjoy the view.
The entry fee is 999 euros (riders under 23 years pay 799 euros) and includes a large service package: professional timekeeping, luggage service, rescue team, catering on the course and at the finish, chill-out area, technical bike service, finisher's jersey, medal and much more. 150 organizers and helpers ensure that the participants can feel like professional cyclists for seven days.
More details about the route, including all altitude profiles, can be found under: https://tour-transalp.de/en/