TOUR: What is the best way to prepare for the Transalp? What does training look like, what are particularly helpful training sessions? Regeneration or nutrition - what is important in preparation?
Cathi Rossmann: My absolute regeneration tip for tired legs after long tours is yoga and extensive stretching. I don't follow a specific training or nutrition plan myself in preparation for the TOUR Transalp. I try to cycle as much as possible in my free time and take on as many mountains as possible during training. During the Transalp I can only give a tip: There is the possibility to book a relaxing massage there.
TOUR: What does a good pacing strategy look like? How important is nutrition and mental condition in order not to break down and to be able to perform as consistently as possible over all stages?
Cathi Rossmann: Pacing and nutrition strategies are very individual. Everyone has to develop a good sense of pace for themselves and, if necessary, ride with a power meter, with data that is known from performance diagnostics and corresponds to their own training experience. A race nutrition plan should also be developed individually: Which foods are tolerated and at what time? In general, you should test everything beforehand under race-like conditions. No experiments when it counts!
Mentally, it is important to divide the race into intermediate segments and not to see the big picture right from the start, as this can easily be overwhelming. For example, you can mentally shimmy from pass to pass or from aid station to aid station within the stages.
TOUR: What are your personal goals? How did it go last year, what do you want to keep, what do you want to do differently? What are you particularly looking forward to on the route, what do you have the most respect for?
Cathi Rossmann: My goal is to defend my title in the women's individual classification. Last year, the entire Transalp actually went very well. I only had to deal with stomach problems on one day. I will approach the race in the same way as last year, which means riding each stage in such a way that I still have "energy" left in my body for the next day. And of course the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the breathtaking mountain panorama despite the race. I'm most pleased that the Transalp is travelling through the Dolomites this year. But I have a healthy respect for every stage.
TOUR: What material do you think is ideal for the TOUR Transalp and what is important for you?
Cathi Rossmann: The bike should of course be in very good and well-maintained condition before a 7-stage race - new tyres are a must. For Alpine races, it's also important to have the right gearing for the climbs with sufficiently small gears and very well adjusted and freshly serviced brakes. For me, a particularly light setup is very important this year. Weight is particularly important uphill.
TOUR: Which bike will you be riding at the start? What makes it the ideal road bike for the TOUR Transalp?
Cathi Rossmann: I will be racing on the Specialized Tarmac SL 7 Pro. The bike is very aerodynamic and I feel very comfortable on it, especially on demanding descents. My gear ratio is 48/35 at the front and 10/33 at the rear. For the wheels this year, I opted for the Alpinist CLX II wheelset from Roval. The wheels are very light, but at the same time offer excellent aerodynamics for fast descents and riding on flat terrain.
