East Tyrol has been a strong partner of the TOUR Transalp in recent years and has everything you need for an exciting and attractive start to the race week. On the one hand, there are the two stage towns Lienz and Sillian, both centres of cycling enthusiasm in this region of Austria. And on the other side, the Lienz Dolomites in the south with the Tauern mountains and the Riesenferne Group in the north form an impressive backdrop for the starting stage. The traditional stage race for amateur cyclists uses a tried and tested route.
First stage of TOUR Transalp 2026
The starting stage of the TOUR Transalp 2026 leads from Lienz in Austria through the Defereggen Valley to the Staller Sattel at an altitude of 2,052 metres. The 35-kilometre climb offers 1,250 metres in altitude with a moderate gradient. After crossing the pass, the route leads to Italy, past the biathlon stadium in Antholz, where the 2026 Olympic biathlon competitions will take place. The route leads back to Austria via the Pustertal valley and side roads with little traffic. The last four kilometres to Sillian are flat.
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Second stage of the TOUR Transalp 2026
The second stage from Sillian to San Martino di Castrozza is given the highest difficulty level 5 out of 5. For the first time, the TOUR Transalp uses the Passo Staulanza and the Passo Duran - climbs that are among the most beautiful you can ride in the Dolomites. The route corresponds to the 19th edition. Giro d'Italia stage from 29 May 2026, but in the opposite direction. The celebrities of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, line the route: Three Peaks, Monte Cristallo, Hohe Gaisl, Antelao, Tofana, Civetta, Monte Pelmo and finally the peaks of the Dolomiti Bellunesi. The Passo Giau, with its remote location through the rocky towers of the Cinque Torri, is the sporting highlight. After the descent to Selva di Cadore, the Passo Staulanza follows with 450 metres of altitude difference between Civetta and Monte Pelmo. The final Passo Duran requires another 650 metres of ascent on a narrow mountain road after 2000 metres of ascent in the legs.
Info TTA 2026:
- Date: Sunday, 21 June to Saturday, 27 June 2026
- Stages: seven stages, optionally also three or four
- Distance: 726 kilometres, 16,423 metres in altitude
- Start: Lienz (Austria)
- Destination: Riva del Garda (Italy)
- Info: www.tour-transalp.de
Kristian Bauer
Editor
