From cypress hills to alpine meadows: This is the 4th stage of the TOUR Transalp 2023

Stage 4: From Pederobba to Folgaria

And another day full of surprises, where you can't even begin to guess at the start what it will look like at the finish. At the foot of Monte Grappa, the Prosecco vines and cypress trees thrive in the sun, ventilated by a Mediterranean breeze. On Alpe Cimbra, the cows stand on the plateau in the fresh mountain air and graze the herbs from the pastures so that the cheese made from their milk also tastes like something. The stage is atypical for a Transalp stage because it initially avoids the big mountains, plays anti-clockwise with the foot of Monte Grappa and only small hills, its foothills, are in the way.

Only when the previous day's route has been crossed at Caupo and Fonzaso and the Brenta river is reached soon afterwards does the first and only major climb await. Coming from the Valsugana, the river squeezes through its narrowest point at Primlano until it flows into the wide plain at Bassano del Grappa. The Scale di Primolano leads down to its banks, a few round bends that are fun if you tackle them with vigour. Now the climb begins via Enego up to Foza, on the wide plateau, 1000 metres above the surrounding valleys. This is the area of the Sette Communi, the seven municipalities with the main town of Asiago, where remnants of an old German dialect can still be found. This can still be read on the place name signs, for example, when "Vüsche" is written next to Foza, or "Sleghe" next to Asiago, the place names in dialect. And you start to wonder which verbs are used today in connection with these names.

Now you have climbed the plateau, the vast green that stretches far to the west and then merges into the Alpe Cimbra high above the Adige Valley with the villages of Luserna, Lavarone and Folgaria. This translates as the Alp of the Cimbri. The name refers to the migration of the Germanic tribe, parts of which settled in the region a long time ago. A lot of history has been written up here. Around 100 years ago, a darker period was added, as the First World War left its mark. This period is clearly documented by the fortresses on the panoramic hills. The Transalp route passes one of them, the Forte Verle on the Passo Vezzena. The landscape is now completely different to that of the Dolomites or Monte Grappa. Coppiced alpine pastures, dotted with forests and a few brown fields also make for a welcome change. A week on the Transalp doesn't just mean staring at big mountains. It's the change that makes it so appealing. On this stage, this is again particularly pronounced.

You can stop off here

For the first 40 to 50 kilometres, there is always a bar at the side of the road. After around 60 kilometres, the ascent to the plateau takes you through Enego, a larger town with bars, restaurants and supermarkets. The main square in Foza, after the long climb, is lined with bars and restaurants where you can sit outside and watch the hustle and bustle. In Gallio and especially in Asiago, the main town on the plateau, you can't go hungry. The Hotel Vezzena (hotelvezzena.com) or the Ristorante Al Verle (ristorante-al-verle.business.site) at Passo Vezzena are quieter and offer a more scenic experience. You can get an espresso before the last pass at the Bar Al Cornetto in Carbonare. At the finish in Folgaria, the choice of restaurants is immense. Gourmets can have their taste buds tantalised by John Caffé (www.johncaffe.it) right at the finish line of the Transalp.

Abbreviations/variants for the 4th stage of the TOUR Transalp 2023

A slightly shorter option leads along the southern flank of Monte Grappe to Bassono del Grappa, whose historic old town is well worth a visit. Now along the banks of the River Brenta to Valstagna and then the extravagant climb up to Foza. This is probably the only road that really deserves to be called a serpentine, because the road winds between the hairpin bends.

These are the 7 stages of the TOUR Transalp 2023

• Stage 1: Lienz - Sillian
• Stage 2: Sillian - Primiero / San Martino di Castrozza
• Stage 3: Primiero / San Martino di Castrozza - Pederobba
• Stage 4: Pederobba - Folgaria
• Stage 5: Folgaria - Kaltern
• Stage 6: Kaltern - Valle dei Laghi
• Stage 7: Valle dei Laghi - Arco

>> TOUR Transalp 2023: More info about the route

The 4th stage of the TOUR Transalp 2023 as a short trip:

If you want to return to Pederobba on the same day, you will need a taxi. The website alpecimbra.it lists a number of taxi companies under "Getting there".

The stage as part of a round tour (2 to 4 days)

For a multi-day trip, it's worth following in the footsteps of previous Transalp stages in the opposite direction. From Folgaria over the Passo Coé and the Valico di Valbona to Melignon and on the small, spectacular mountain road down to Arsiero. Now on the other side of the valley via equally spectacular hairpin bends up to Rotzo and via Roana on to Asiago. Continue on the previous day's route to Foza, but now down the wild hairpin bends in the steep rock to Valstagna and on to Bassano del Grappa. There are several options from Bassano to Pederobba: 1. directly at the foot of Monte Grappa via Crespano del Grappa and Possagno to Pederobba. 2. include Monte Grappa once again, e.g. with an ascent from Romano d'Ezzelino and a descent to Semonzo. 3. play with the cypress hills in the foothills of the Alps and perhaps visit the historic centre of Asolo on a hill. Depending on the variant, an overnight stay in Bassano del Grappa may be an option.

Do not miss

The Alpe Cimbra is a vast farming area where many delicacies are produced. In addition to speck, cheese is one of the region's specialities. The "Vezzena" is even named after a pass on the route. Tasting it is almost a must.

Cycling and events

On 23 May, the Giro d'Italia passes the Alpe Cimbra. On 10 and 11 June, the MTB marathon classic 100 Km dei Forti starts in Lavarone (100kmdeiforti.it/en/). The "Triathlon Cross & Sprint" will also take place in Lavarone from 2 to 3 September.

Info

All information on accommodation, services and sporting activities can be found on the tourism association's website: alpecimbra.it.

The 4th stage from Pederobba to Folgaria, 141.85 km and 2672 metres in altitude. Elevation profile and GPS data will be available for download from 18 June: If you are still thinking about switching from Touri to Race mode, you can find all the details about the race at www.tour-transalp.de.