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
San Zenone - In the forecourt of Monte Grappa
The name of San Zenone degli Ezzelini, which is the full name of the town, refers to the once powerful Ezzelini family, who played a major political role in the region in the Middle Ages. The small municipality lies on the northern edge of the Po Valley, in the eastern neighbourhood of the far more famous town of Bassano del Grappa. And this is what makes the town special. While the streets of Bassano are bustling with tourists every day, San Zeno is tranquil and unspoilt. In other words, typically Italian. The bell tower, which was rebuilt using stones from the old castle, is a reminder of the Ezzelini era. And the Madonna del Monte monastery, which is enthroned on a hill to the north of San Zeno.
The shrine is not only a destination for believers, but also a good vantage point for racing cyclists who want to get an overview of the surrounding area. This much can be revealed: The touring options are excellent. San Zeno's location in the Po Valley may seem boring at first glance. But the plain here is by no means completely flat. The hilly landscape looks as if the Alps have tried to rise up one last time. Nice try - in the true sense of the word! This means that racing cyclists are spoilt for choice: there are easy leisurely routes to the south, gentle vineyards to the east or the steep ramps of the Monte Grappa massif to the north. In general, the entire southern edge of the Venetian Alps is a marvellous area for climbers. These include insider tips such as the Malga Mariech above Valdobbiadene or the Passo San Boldo with its curious helical tunnels.
Tour tip 1 - Through the vineyards to the Piave
The northern edge of the Po Valley between Bassano and the River Piave is particularly attractive. A varied landscape with hills up to 500 metres high stretches out here in the foothills of the Alps. The basic version of this tour has 51 kilometres and 760 metres in altitudebut can be extended eastwards at will. The route: From San Zeno, head north on the Via Fontanelle. Below the Madonna del Monte monastery, you meet the BI-12 (Pedemontana Alpina) cycle route, which you follow to the right for the next 14 kilometres. In Maser, turn left and climb up to Forcella Mostaccin (200 metres in altitude). After the descent, turn right onto Via la Valle and after a few kilometres take a sharp right towards Cornuda.
At the junction at kilometre 28, you can extend the loop as you wish: turn right to Cornuda, rejoin the BI-12 cycle route there and make another loop eastwards through the Montello hills. Original route: Turn left towards Feltre and after two kilometres in Onigo turn left onto Via Boschi (unsignposted secondary route). Continue straight on towards Castelcies. Shortly after Castelcies, turn left (Bocca di Serra, Monfumo, Casonetto, Pagnano). From Pagnano, take the BI-12 cycle route back to San Zeno.
Tour tip 2 - Steep ramps on the Kriegsberg
While the western part of Monte Grappa between Feltre and Bassano enjoys cult status in the mountain biking scene, its eastern ridge is still an insider tip. The roads there are no less steep, but there is almost no car traffic! This tour with 61 kilometres and 1500 metres in altitude leads to the Salto della Capra, which is considered one of the most difficult climbs in Veneto. The route: From San Zeno northwards, past the Madonna del Monte monastery to Crespano del Grappa. Continue towards Possagno, at kilometre 8 turn left onto the secondary road (Fietta town sign). At the roundabout, turn left towards San Liberale and follow this road uphill.
Caution: At the fork at Sant Andrea (kilometre 10.5), stay steeply uphill on the right! At Salto della Capra you come to a fantastic panoramic road. The passage to the left to Monte Grappa is possible at your own risk, but unsafe due to roadworks! The descent to Pederobba (Via Monfenera) is also not easy to find. From Pederobba, take the side roads to Cornuda. There you join the BI-12 cycle route (Pedemontana Alpina), which you follow back to San Zeno.
