The TOUR Transalp 2024, the legendary stage race for teams of two and solo starters, starts on 16 June. On the route from Lienz in East Tyrol to Riva on Lake Garda, there are 790 kilometres and 16,650 metres of altitude to conquer. The route leads through the most beautiful regions of the Alps and Dolomites, and the stage towns are also attractive destinations for a cycling holiday lasting several days.
TOUR Transalp 2024 - the most important facts in brief
- 16 to 22 June
- 7 stages from Lienz in East Tyrol to Riva del Garda on Lake Garda
- Registration is possible as a team of two or solo
- Info: event.delius-klasing.de/tour-transalp
Lavarone - sports centre in every season
The mountains of southern Trentino are characterised by several large plateaus at an altitude of around 1200 metres. One of these is that of Lavarone, in the triangle between Valsugana, Adige Valley and Val d'Astico. Curious: there is no village called Lavarone, but the municipality is made up of 19 so-called fractions scattered across the entire plain. The centrepiece is the small mountain lake Lago di Lavarone, which is ideal for swimming in summer and ice skating in winter. A special feature is the mountain village of Luserna, which is so remote that it has developed its own dialect, Cimbrian.
Tip: There is also a war museum in Luserna that is well worth a visit, where you can learn all about the region's chequered and painful history. Other landmarks of the plain are the numerous forts and fortresses perched on the rocky peaks and passes all around. Road cyclists will find themselves surrounded by a network of mountain roads. Countless unknown serpentine roads wind their way across the slopes, making every climber's heart beat faster. Once supply routes for the war front, today the scene of cycling marathons and mountain stages of the Giro d'Italia. The only disadvantage: if you set up your base camp in a village on the plateau, you have to plan for a few extra metres in altitude at the end of each tour.
Tour tip 1 - Path of the Kaiserjäger
The highlight of this tour is the final ascent on the Kaiserjägerweg, which leads back to the Lavarone plateau. The road was blasted into the rock during the First World War as a supply route. The climb is spectacular but also steep! So be sure to save some energy for the finale. The route: From Lago di Lavarone downhill via San Sebastiano to Folgaria. At the roundabout via Fondo Grande to Serrada. This is followed by a charming detour to the mountain village of Guardia (always follow the SP220). In Mezzomonte you join the main descent to Calliano in the Adige Valley. Before the village, turn right towards Besenello and at the end of the village follow the Adige Valley cycle path towards Trento. Leave it to the right in Mattarello and cycle via Vigolo Vattaro to Caldonazzo (Lago di Caldonazzo). The Kaiserjägerweg starts in the south of the town (SP133). At the end, the ascent leads to the SS349, which you follow to the right to Lago di Lavarone.
- Tour dates: 77 kilometres/2000 metres in altitude.
Tour tip 2 - Cima Valbona
The Cima Valbona on the southern edge of the Folgaria plateau was another theatre of war that is now an insider tip for racing cyclists. However, you should bring a little spirit of adventure with you, as the road surfaces on the climb up from Tonezza are quite poor in places. The route: From Lago di Lavarone on the SS349 over the Passo di Vezzena (1403 metres) to Asiago.
Shortly before Asiago in Camporovere, turn right towards Canove. There turn right onto the SP78 and via Rotzo into Val d'Astico. Directly opposite is the start of an old military road to Tonezza (not signposted!). The ascent is officially closed, so you drive on it at your own risk! Depending on the conditions (weather!), there may be short stretches over scree on the way. Normal route: Via Arsiero to Tonezza (SP136) and further uphill to Bocchetta degli Alpini. At the top of the pass, turn left towards Rif. Valbona (Folgaria per malga zonta). A further 280 metres in altitude follow. Final section: Passo Coé (1610 metres), Fondo Grande, Folgaria, San Sebastiano, Lago di Lavarone.
- Tour dates: 96 kilometres/2300 metres in altitude.
