Gravel-Transalp adventure: Monika Sattler in a TOUR interview about her new book

Monika Sattler's six-day gravel adventure begins in summer 2022 in Graun on Lake Reschen in Italy. Her route will take her along beautiful trails and scenic panoramic routes in Austria and Switzerland and back to Lake Garda in Italy. Exactly 402 kilometres and 10,440 metres in altitude are the key figures for her first Alpine crossing on the gravel route.

Sattler rides the Vuelta route

As a former professional cyclist, the 37-year-old has already impressively demonstrated her skills on the bike several times and attracted a great deal of international attention. In 2018, she was the first woman to ride the 3300 kilometre long Vuelta a Espana-Route on the same day as the male professionals - a record she still holds today.

After Monika Sattler was infected with the gravel virus in the USA a few years ago, she is realising her dream in 2022 with a Gravelbike over the Alps - an endeavour that many cyclists currently have at the top of their imaginary to-do list.

Monika Sattler in a TOUR interview

TOUR: Dear Monika Sattler, many mountain bikers and road cyclists ride across the Alps every year alone, in small groups or in professionally organised stage races. You have the "Gravel-Transalp adventure" and have now written a book about it. Why did you want to ride solo across the Alps on a gravel bike?

Monika Sattler: I love to gravel - to be in nature, on quiet paths, with few cars and other stressful influences. I also love the mountains (last year I cycled all 124 Swiss passes in 26 days). So it makes sense to explore the Alps on a gravel bike. I decided to ride it alone, as the connection to the environment is much stronger. You notice more and therefore have a stronger connection to nature and the events around you.

TOUR: What is your conclusion after six stages (from Graun to Lake Garda) and 402 kilometres?

Saddler: Hammer! Even better than I expected. Some of the sections were very remote with unique views of the mountains. Every climb was worth it as you could enjoy incredible views from the top. The majority of the route was on remote paths, so you could completely immerse yourself in nature without any distractions. The significant change in nature and terrain from day one to day six was also very impressive. At the beginning you are travelling on remote paths in the mountains, at the end on cycle paths by the lake. Simply fantastic. It never got boring. There was always something to look at.

TOUR: What was particularly important to you when planning the route in advance?

Saddler: It is important to go into the mountains prepared. The weather can change quickly and the temperature can vary greatly throughout the day. That's why I had my Polartec equipment, which is designed for all weathers.

TOUR: What were your highlights on the tour and what were the biggest challenges?

Saddler: It's difficult to pick out a highlight, as every day had something special. I really enjoyed the day from Livigno to the dam at Lago di Cancano. The views were amazing in every direction. The biggest challenge was actually the end. Knowing that it's over now. You've spent the last six days immersed in a completely different world and suddenly you're back in civilisation.

TOUR: A transalp with a gravel bike or in the saddle of a classic mountain bike or road bike differs first and foremost in the route, of course. In your opinion, what are the clear advantages of a gravel Transalp?

Saddler: Gravel cycling takes the best of the mountain bike and road bike worlds. You are travelling on paths with little traffic, but you are still travelling relatively quickly and it is not as technically demanding as mountain biking.

TOUR: What tips and advice - also with regard to preparation and planning - can you give cyclists who still have the gravel transalp adventure ahead of them?

Saddler: It would be good to have a few gravel kilometres under your belt before the Gravel-Transalp and to have familiarised yourself with the equipment. That way you can fully enjoy the six days. Although you can ride the route quickly, I would recommend experiencing the Gravel Transalp with open eyes and simply stopping here and there to take in the views and nature.

Brief information about Monika Sattler

Monika Sattler (37) is a successful entrepreneur, author, mental coach and international keynote speaker. She has lived and worked in five countries and studied International Security at the renowned Georgetown University. Today she lives in Bern, Switzerland. Based on her self-developed Thrive Pyramid, she has more than 15 years of experience helping individuals, teams and leaders to define and achieve bold goals.

Through her cycling challenges, she wants to demonstrate what it takes to achieve big goals. In 2018, she was the first woman to ride the Vuelta a Espana on the same day as the male pros, just a few hours earlier. In September 2022, Monika Sattler cycled all 124 Swiss mountain passes in 26 days. She was accompanied by a film crew and the documentary is due to be broadcast on television in May 2023.

In March 2023, her book "Gravel-Transalp adventure" (Delius Klasing, 29.90 euros) has been published.

Monika Sattler recently spoke to author and globetrotter Timm Kruse about her current book and other exciting projects in the adventure podcast "Miles & Lines". You can listen to the episode wherever podcasts are available or directly at www.delius-klasing.de/podcast

You can find out more about Monika Sattler at: www.monikasattler.com