On Sunday, the starting signal was given in Lienz for the multi-day road cycling race across the Alps. The 22nd edition of the TOUR Transalp takes participants from all over the world from East Tyrol in Austria to Lake Garda over seven days. The route combines classic climbs with mountain passes that have not been used before.
The first stages of the TOUR Transalp in the heat
The opening stage covered 114 kilometres and 2,000 metres of elevation gain, starting in Lienz and passing over the Staller Sattel to Sillian. Among the starters was two-time Olympic snowboard champion Benjamin Karl, who competed on a road bike in his native Austria. The second stage proved far more demanding, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees: 135 kilometres and 3,600 metres of elevation gain to Falcade. The stage destination in the Dolomites was back on the route after a 14-year hiatus and is situated in a high valley at the foot of the Passo Valles and the Pale di San Martino.
TOUR Transalp in the Dolomites
On the second stage, the peloton crossed the Passo Staulanza and the Passo Duran for the first time in the history of the TTA. These two climbs are among the most scenic roads in the Dolomites. From Falcade, the route will continue over the coming days to San Martino di Castrozza, Possagno and Semonzo on Monte Grappa, as well as to Lavarone. The riders will reach the finish on 27 June in Riva del Garda on Lake Garda.
Further stages
Stage 3: Falcade → San Martino di Castrozza
A short but intense mountain stage of under 50 km, with 1,800 metres of elevation gain and the highest elevation-to-distance ratio of the entire tour. Passing over the Passo Valles and Passo Rolle, the stage ends with a view of the Pale di San Martino.
Stage 4: San Martino → Possagno
The route takes riders over the Passo Croce d'Aune to Monte Grappa – the tour’s last true Alpine pass. The southern slopes offer panoramic views all the way to the Adriatic Sea. In Possagno, the Tempio Canova awaits riders as a cultural highlight.
Stage 5: Possagno → Semonzo
For the first time, a new east-west route across Monte Grappa is being used, which passes through renovated rock tunnels and tight hairpin bends. The opening section of the stage through the Prosecco hills of Valdobbiadene combines vineyards with Alpine panoramas.
Stage 6: Semonzo → Lavarone
This stage crosses the Sette Communi plateau, featuring a spectacular climb through the Valstagna. The region is culturally distinctive: Old German dialects and bilingual place-names bear witness to its historical roots.
Stage 7 (Final): Lavarone → Riva del Garda
The final stage takes the riders over three mountain passes, climbing 1,800 metres in altitude, to the finish at Lake Garda. After the final climb at the Passo Santa Barbara, the Alpine crossing ends at the harbour in Riva del Garda.
Information on the Transalp 2026 Tour:
- Dates: Sunday 21 June to Saturday 27 June 2026
- Stages: seven stages, or optionally three or four
- Distance: 726 kilometres, 16,423 metres of elevation gain
- Start: Lienz (Austria)
- Destination: Riva del Garda (Italy)
- TOUR Transalp website: www.tour-transalp.de
Kristian Bauer
Editor
