One year. That's about how long I took it easy on my bike rather than riding it. Injuries, breaks, rebuilding - many people are familiar with this, and yet it feels like something that only happens to you. The bike stood still. And with it, a part of me.
I know exactly what I was missing: a heart that beats fast. Taking a deep breath and still not having enough air. Not being able to do any more - and still keep going. Getting stronger. That sounds like masochism, and maybe it is a bit. But anyone who rides a road bike knows what I mean.
I have been pain-free for a few months now. Bit by bit, I feel stronger. I've completed the first 100 kilometres of gravel with 900 metres of elevation gain - and my body went along with it. It felt good.
And then I signed up for the 3-day challenge of the TOUR Transalp.
Is that a good idea? I have no idea. To be honest, I have self-doubts. Will my pace be enough? Several Alpine passes, three days in a row - I can't yet judge how that will feel. But I am curious. And this curiosity is currently driving me to the gym, on my smart bike and, with the first days of spring, outside again.
The time has come on 21 June 2026. Eight weeks to go.
What to expect
Stage 1 leads from Lienz to Sillian over the Staller Sattel - one of the most beautiful border crossings between East Tyrol and South Tyrol, which is only being ridden for the second time ever in Transalp history. Level 4 of 5.
Stage 2 is what racing cyclists mean when they say "the Dolomites are different": Sillian to Falcade, with Passo Cimabanche, Passo Giau, Passo Staulanza and Passo Duran. Four passes. Level 5 of 5. Passo Giau and Passo Duran are part of a Giro d'Italia stage beforehand. If that doesn't motivate you.
Stage 3 from Falcade to San Martino di Castrozza over the Passo Rolle is what you would call "recovery" after two days like this - at least for those who are riding the entire TOUR Transalp. For me, it's more of a "sprint to the finish".
Geographical classification: This is not a classic crossing of the Alps from north to south. It's more of a deep dive into the eastern Alps, a cross-section through East Tyrol and the Dolomites. If you google "crossing the Alps by road bike" and are looking for a real mountain adventure - this event is that, only with more passes per day and less romanticism.
Why I am doing this
Goals help. That may sound banal - but if you're sitting on the roll and asking yourself why you're actually doing this, then 21 June is the answer. Eight weeks to go.
It's not about being the fastest. It's about having a goal and gaining new experiences. I admit that I'm ambitious and competitive. But I know for sure that I will be slower than I used to be. Accepting that and growing from it, that's the challenge alongside all the metres in altitude.
Over the next few weeks, I'll be writing here about everything that goes into it: how I prepare, which bike I'll be riding, what ends up in my bag - and what happens when you tackle a 5/5 Dolomites day at the same time as countless other road cyclists.
Those who think for themselves: The application for 2026 is still open.
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
