This year I did the Jeantex Trans Alp again.  It was the twelfth edition and is considered the “mother” of all mountain bike stage races.  Mountain bikers from 40 nations participated this year, from all over Europe, Australia, Iceland, Israel, South Korea and Costa Rica to mention a few countries.  The race this year was scheduled to start in Mittenwald and end in Riva del Garda – over 8 stages with 635km and more than 22,000 vertical meters of climbing – in other words, a ton of climbing (see below.)  I started without a partner, and hence was not in any specific category. 

Stage 1

I arrived in Mittenwald in freezing temperatures and blankets of rain – the mountain tops were white with snow and could not help but wonder how the hell we are going to get over the mountains alive…  Despite the rain, the town was abuzz with activity and all the riders were ready to go (wet, but ready.)  Then came the news – the first stage was cancelled and with German precision buses were arranged to take all the riders to Reith im Alpbachtal for the start of Stage 2 the next day.  I was on the first bus to Reith and arrived in some more rain.  It seemed like it will never stop raining.  I spend the day in the hotel looking at the rain…  Not extremely exciting, but hoping that the rain will stop to give us a chance to ride the following day.

Stage 2

The days stage has been shortened from 87km to 53km – cutting out Geiseljoch – a 2300m peak that was completely covered in snow.  So, after much anticipation, we left Reith and was on our way to Mayrhofen.  Since the distance was shortened, it was a really fast start and the winning team came in at 2h11min.  I struggled and could not really get any rhythm going and finished in 3h05min.  

Stage 3

I felt better today and was riding with the third group most of the way.  The day started out with a long climb and a 3km hike-a-bike near the top of the first climb (through snow and rocks…)  We also crossed the border from Austria to Italy.  It is also this border that is the border from cold to hot – it is truly amazing that once you are on the southern side of the Alps, the weather gets significantly better.  We were also going to 500 m asl.  All in all a good day.  

Stage 4

We were staying in Süd Tirol, going from Brixen to St. Christina.  Brixen is a very nice town, but St. Christina is absolutely breathtaking.  It is in the heart of the Dolomite’s and a very up market ski resort in the winter.  Prices in town reflected the “up market” side of things – for a small Apfel Schorle I paid €8 – normally it will cost €2.50…  Needless to say, I did not buy much while there.  The riding was also spectacular, we passed a small ski town called Covara and always had the Dolomite’s in sight – very nice ride for anyone interested in seeing the Dolomite’s.  It was also the day with the most climbing – almost 3,700 vm and I was pretty tired at the end of the day. 

Stage 5

Another big day – 82km with 3300 vm.  The big climb of the day was an uninterrupted climb of 1,700 vm and for me it truly felt like it was never going to end.  My back was giving me problems and all in all it was a very hard day.  On the positive side, the views were incredible.  Truly a good route for anyone wanting to see the Dolomite’s. 

Stage 6

The end is in sight – today we are heading to Kaltern, one of my favourite places in the world.  Lots of vineyards, orchards and stunning views.  Lots of single track and of course more climbing.  A long day with 77km and 3200 vm.  I finished the day not feeling very strong, but the end is in sight now… 

Stage 7

I stayed in a very nice hotel outside of Kaltern called Tramin.  To my surprise, this town gave birth to the wine Gewürztraminer, and in fact, the hotel where I stayed was one of the original farms where the wine was cultivated.  With this in my head, I started the first climb (1,400 vm) – the upside is that there are spectacular views from the top of Graunerjoch into the valley where I could make out the town of Tramin.  The day ended with a very steep climb of 600 vm to the town of Andalo.  I was very happy to finish since my back was truly killing me by now. 

Stage 8

The final day!  All that is laying between Andalo and Riva is a 1,500 vm mountain and then an insanely steep single track doen to the valley in which Riva lies.  It was good fun to try and ride most of the steep single track with many people going over their handle bars in the process (no serious injuries.)  The last 30 km was pretty quick and in no time I arrived in Riva – what a great feeling and privilege to have been able to do the Trans Alp again.  Hopefully I will be able to do it again in the future!