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
Riva del Garda - a dream destination on Lake Garda
Like a Norwegian fjord, Lake Garda lies between almost vertical mountain walls. A spectacular scenery that has always made Lake Garda unique. This also applies to the capital Riva at its northern end. The town combines Mediterranean flair with the majestic backdrop of the Southern Alps. While the surrounding mountains are still covered in snow in spring, palm trees are already blowing in the wind on the lakeside promenade. You can stroll through the narrow streets of the historic old town and enjoy a cappuccino in one of the many street cafés. Simply marvellous! But Riva and its neighbouring towns of Torbole and Arco have also long since made a name for themselves as a sports destination. The region is recognised worldwide as a Mecca for windsurfers, climbers and cyclists. Both mountain bikers and racing cyclists will find challenging tours here, peppered with breathtaking panoramas.
And last but not least, the classic BIKE and TOUR Transalp stage races have always ended in Riva. Road cyclists should just avoid the busy riverside roads, which also lead through many tunnels. And the planned riverside cycle path is far from complete, except for sections between Riva and Limone. But don't worry, there are plenty of attractive alternatives.
Tour tip 1 - To Monte Bondone
Monte Bondone is Trento's local mountain - and is particularly famous among cyclists as the mountain finish of the Giro d'Italia. However, this difficult tour does not lead to the summit via the classic ascent from Trento, but from the south via Monte Velo. The tour starts between Riva and Torbole at the Sarca bridge, next to the Mecki bar. Roll in on the Ciclovia dei Laghi cycle path along the Sarca. In Arco, before the second bridge, turn right towards Bolognano. The ascent to Monte Velo (SP48) begins in the town, the top of the pass (1170 metres) is near the hamlet of Santa Barbara. Take the short descent to Ronzo, then turn left onto the SP88 towards Castellano. Keep left above the village and continue on the SP20 along the ridge. At Aldeno you join the SP25. This is where the ascent to Monte Bondone begins, via the towns of Covelo and Garniga Terme. Descent on the opposite side to Lasino (SP85). Turn left onto the SP84 to Drena and Dro. From Dro, take the Ciclovia dei Laghi cycle path back to Lake Garda.
- Tour dates: 105 kilometres and 2700 metres in altitude
Tour tip 2 - Bocca di Navene
Seen from Riva, the mighty wall of Monte Baldo on the eastern side of Lake Garda appears impregnable. However, its rear side facing the Adige Valley is spanned by a network of mountain roads. The tour climbs up to the Bocca di Navene, a saddle between the Altissimo and Baldo peaks. The Bocca offers one of the most spectacular views of Lake Garda. The route: From the Mecki-Bar to Torbole, through the centre and along the cycle route to Mori and on to the Adige Valley cycle path.
Follow the cycle path downstream to tour kilometre 30. Leave the cycle path to the right at Sabbionara/Avio (Adige bridge and barbecue station). The most beautiful ascent to Monte Baldo begins in Avio through the narrow rocky valley Valle dei Molini. At kilometre 43, turn left towards Monte Dossioli/Madonne della Neve (SP230). At the T-junction, turn right towards Brentonico (SP3) and Bocca di Navene. From now on, always follow the main route via Brentonico and down to Mori. There you rejoin the cycle route back to Torbole.
- Tour dates: 89 kilometres and 2000 metres in altitude
