The TOUR Transalp adventure ended at the weekend in Riva del Garda on the northern shores of Lake Garda. The 400 or so participants in Europe's most spectacular road bike stage race crossed the finish line in Riva del Garda after seven days. Spectacular routes, stunning passes and famous stage towns accompanied the participants over the past few days. 788 kilometres, 16,600 metres in altitude and 15 passes are now in the legs of the finishers - something everyone can be proud of. Team Hackl powered by Jentschura won the men's race, while Team Plasmatreat-RTS Electronic won the women's race. The mixed category was won by the LeXXiSmartSuits duo.
The example of the mixed classification shows how hard-won a success sometimes is. Janine and Michael Meyer rode the TOUR Transalp together for the first time in 2007. In 2010 they were in the top 10 and in 2017 they finished in second place. Their goal was to win the mixed classification. However, Michael was repeatedly thwarted by injuries. The fact that it finally worked out this time is a source of incredible joy.
But the TOUR Transalp also offered unforgettable moments in fantastic weather away from these top sporting performances. From legendary Alpine passes and unique natural and cultural landscapes to experiencing your own limits. It is this overall package that makes the TOUR Transalp the most important stage race for hobby and amateur cyclists. "For us as a special interest publisher, it's about inspiring and passing on this enthusiasm. The TOUR Transalp 2024 has impressively demonstrated the fire that such an event can ignite in participants. Experiencing the topics that we convey in the magazines in real life is an important core element that we have been firmly anchoring for 20 years," explained Tim Ramms, Managing Director of Delius Klasing Verlag.
Overall results TTA 2024
Men's team:
- 1st place: Hackl powered by Jentschura (22:33:24.3)
Pammer Rene (AUT; 1993)
Oberngruber Christian (AUT; 1990) - 2nd place: Team Strassacker / radsport-news.com (23:22:52,5)
Mai Christoph (GER; 1993)
Kessler Nils (GER; 1989) - 3rd place: Team Plasmatreat-RTS Electronic 3
Pechtl Daniel (AUT; 1989)
Kössler Jakob (AUT; 1994)
Team Ladies:
- 1st place: Team Plasmatreat-RTS Electronic (30:05:39.6)
Lüdorff Svea (GER; 1996)
Schrader Lisa (GER; 1993) - 2nd place: Female Power Delta Bike (32:19:16.5)
Mergenthal Katja (GER; 1979)
Rinn Dagmar (GER; 1968) - 3rd place: Lustige Lussekatter (51:40:55.9)
Hanke Annkatrin (GER; 1990)
Kleidon Peggy (GER; 1975)
Team Mixed:
- 1st place: LeXXiSmartSuits (24:36:20.3)
Meyer Michael (GER; 1976)
Meyer Janine (GER; 1978) - 2nd place: Team Plasmatreat-RTS Electronic 8 (25:28:04.4)
Bier Maximillian (GER; 1991)
Scheffler Anna (GER; 1997 - 3rd place: Team Gerald & Annelotte (25:52:57.5)
Koudijs Gjis (NED; 1991)
Dijkman Annelotte (NED; 1989)
Team Masters:
- 1st place: Team Plasmatreat-RTS Electronic 1 (23:50:08.0)
Oberrauch Michael (ITA; 1981)
Gschnitzer Thomas (ITA; 1984) - 2nd place: Make watts not war #GFTbe (25:01:54.1)
Osselaer Gert (BEL; 1974)
Behets Jef (BEL; 1992) - 3rd place: Team Imnauer Apollo (25:33:40.6)
Brutsche Dirk (GER; 1974)
Leins Alexander (GER; 1981)
Team Grand Masters:
- 1st place: Kinepraktijk Meireleire (25:33:26.4)
Van Landeghem Hedwig (BEL; 1965)
Meireleire Wim (BEL; 1979) - 2nd place: Team Mafiah #2 (25:50:37.9)
Barry-Murphy Dermot (IRL; 1973)
Jablonski Kelly (CAN; 1973) - 3rd place: RSV 1895 Passau & Sempre in Movimento (26:48:57.4)
Spechter Achim (GER; 1968)
Illing Sebastian (GER; 1972)
Single Men:
- 1st place: Thele Fabian (GER; 1998) (23:26:26.3)
- 2nd place: Van Snick Bernd (BEL; 1989) (23:45:51)
- 3rd place: Van Droogenbroeck Glen (BEL; 1992) (23:48:47.0)
Single Women:
- 1st place: Bielstein Gloria (GER; 1998) (27:09:00.8)
- 2nd place: Stephan Ronja (GER; 1992) (27:48:06.9)
- 3rd place: Kustos Sarah (GER; 1995) (28:51:02.4)
Review of the stages of the TOUR Transalp 2024:
1st stage:
Fortunately, the weather forecast was wrong and the sun accompanied the first stage from start to finish. The first climb ensured that a large starting field became several small groups, allowing the participants to get to know each other better straight away. Fantastic views, good weather and a great atmosphere provided the necessary stamina. The timekeeping on the Sillianberg meant a break for the first time. The previous climb had used up the energy reserves. It was a good thing that the local residents were ready with showers and water.
2nd stage:
Italy, the Dolomites and the best weather. The second day was a pure delight for every cycling enthusiast. Every kilometre was rewarded with an even more beautiful panorama. Nevertheless, the climbs and descents were not to be underestimated. In total, there were 2346 metres of altitude to overcome. In the meantime, however, the right groups had come together and together they went uphill and downhill. In Moena, it was time for pasta, footbaths and a good dose of sleep to get the legs fit again.
3rd stage:
On the third day, the Dolomites once again awaited the teams and individual starters with pleasant climbs and beautiful descents. The climbs also allowed more time to enjoy the views and the course. Leila Künzel, triathlon coach from Germany, said enthusiastically at the finish: "It's unbelievable what the TOUR Transalp organises here. The refreshment stations are just great!"
4th stage:
The royal stage of this year's TOUR Transalp lived up to its name. But it wasn't just the kilometres and metres in altitude that were remarkable, but also the views and the route. It was not without reason that the Giro d'Italia was a guest here. The highlight was Monte Grappa. It got warmer with every metre towards the valley. This even made the descent a sweat-inducing affair.
Stage 5:
The fifth stage began in oppressive heat and was flat for the first 23 kilometres until the ascent to the Asiago plateau. Every metre up to the plateau brought an even bigger smile to the participants' faces. Narrow hairpin bends winding up the mountain offered breathtaking views. The plateau offered a completely new scenery: wide fields, magnificent views and cooler temperatures made this section very pleasant. The descent towards Valdastico continued at a fast pace. The last climb challenged the participants once again, but watermelons, cake and a good portion of water over the head at the last aid station made this section a pleasure too.
Stage 6:
Ciao mountains, hello vines! The sixth stage offered plenty of variety. From Lavarone, the route led to Kaltern am See. The route started after 15 kilometres with one of the most challenging descents of this year's TOUR Transalp - the Kaiserjägerweg. Sharp bends and narrow roads demanded full attention. However, this stage was not only challenging for the participants. Cars driving into a ditch and roadworks that had started the day before did not make it easy for the race organisers.
7th stage:
The last stage of the TOUR Transalp 2024 was a short route from Kaltern am See to Riva del Garda on Lake Garda. From the very first second, we were pedalling hard. The thought of jumping into Lake Garda and a few scoops of gelato motivated everyone to use up their last reserves. Lago di Molveno was just a small foretaste of what was to follow. The timekeeping at Passo Del Ballino was not used for a longer break, as on the other days, because the imminent view of Lake Garda attracted the participants like a magnet. The finish line directly on the lake shore led through an avenue, at the end of which friends, family and the entire TOUR Transalp team welcomed everyone.
The next TOUR Transalp will take place from 15 - 21 June 2025.
Read up on the TOUR Transalp in the blog
Kristian Bauer
Editor
