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Liveblog - That was the BIKE Transalp 2023The chronology of the pain to read

Henri Lesewitz

 · 17.07.2023

Liveblog - That was the BIKE Transalp 2023: The chronology of the pain to readPhoto: Igor Schifris
The Maxxis BIKE Transalp - the mother of all stage marathons - celebrated its 25th edition this year. Almost 600 riders from all over the world battled, cheered, resigned and celebrated their way across the Alps from 9 to 15 July. 500 kilometres and 17,500 metres in altitude were on the agenda during these epic 7 days. We were there on our MTBs and reported on the BIKE Transalp in our live blog.

It sounded as daring as an expedition to a distant planet. When BIKE founder and Transalp pioneer Uli Stanciu announced his idea of a mountain bike race across the Alps in autumn 1997, everyone thought he was crazy. The premiere in July 1998 sparked a huge boom. The BIKE Transalp with its two-man team mode became the model for numerous races all over the world. Cape Epic, Brazil Ride, 4 Islands, everything carries the Transalp DNA. Now the 25th anniversary of the myth-enshrouded original. And it was quite something - and not just in terms of the weather...

The live blog for the Maxxis BIKE Transalp 2023

As with the first BIKE Transalp 25 years ago, BIKE editor-in-chief Henri Lesewitz will of course once again be in the thick of the action instead of just being there. He will be reporting on the stages here in the live blog, showing his personal highlights and blogging from the saddle, so to speak, for all those who can't join the ride themselves.

In addition to BIKE editor-in-chief Henri Lesewitz (left), here at last year's Maxxis BIKE Transalp, Transalp legend Karl Platt, who has already won seven times, will also be at the start again.Photo: Henri LesewitzIn addition to BIKE editor-in-chief Henri Lesewitz (left), here at last year's Maxxis BIKE Transalp, Transalp legend Karl Platt, who has already won seven times, will also be at the start again.

BIKE Transalp 2023: Tough climbs, monumental panorama

Course director Marc Schneider has gone the extra mile for the anniversary edition of the BIKE Transalp. All seven stages offer the perfect mix of long, sweat-inducing climbs, short cross-country sections and technical descents, often on trails. All surrounded by monumental panoramas. The first highlight awaits right after the start in Nauders. The Plamort plateau, which crowns the first ascent, offers views as far as the mighty Ortler massif. Classic Transalp bikers traditionally stop here for extended photo sessions. Hardly anyone has time for this during the BIKE Transalp. Not the pros, because at this anniversary event they are not only fighting for the traditional leading jerseys in the colours yellow (men) and light blue (women), but also for UCI points.

The 500-kilometre route takes bold turns from Nauders on the Reschen Pass to Riva on Lake Garda, regularly scratching the clouds along the way. | Graphic: OrganiserThe 500-kilometre route takes bold turns from Nauders on the Reschen Pass to Riva on Lake Garda, regularly scratching the clouds along the way. | Graphic: Organiser

The special thing about the Maxxis Bike Transalp 2023: Everyone rides the race in their own way. While some are fighting for a place without a second of standing time, others are all about the challenge. There are always hours between the fastest riders of the day and the last places. This will also be the case at the anniversary edition. This year's route will demand everything from the riders. There are hardly any passages to shake out your legs. Every stage has to be fought for with sweat, lactate and an iron will. Lake Reschen. Livigno. Bormio. Malé. Valle del Chiese. And then the grand finale over two days. Up to the legendary Tremalzo Pass and down to Lake Ledro, where, on the seventh day, the route takes you once again into the mountains and from there to the shores of Lake Garda.

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More articles about our BIKE Transalp 2023:

>> The route for the anniversary Transalp - all information & tips for following <<

>> More information about the BIKE Transalp on the event website www.bike-transalp.de <<

Pure adventure: In July 1998, 250 teams of two ventured out on the eight stages of the BIKE Transalp Challenge, as the race was still called at the time. It was initially advertised as a non-stop race. However, fear of accidents led to it being turned into a stage race at short notice.Photo: Heinz EndlerPure adventure: In July 1998, 250 teams of two ventured out on the eight stages of the BIKE Transalp Challenge, as the race was still called at the time. It was initially advertised as a non-stop race. However, fear of accidents led to it being turned into a stage race at short notice.Relaxed full throttle: The BIKE Transalp 2023 is underway!Photo: Henri LesewitzRelaxed full throttle: The BIKE Transalp 2023 is underway!
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