Maxxis BIKE Transalp 2024 - the highlights of stage 3: Nauders - Lake Reschen

Most participants say it's the sense of community that makes them so enthusiastic about this race. Of course, the suffering on such a 3000 metre altitude stage is simply a bonding experience. But the guys and girls at the refreshment stations also keep motivating the participants with encouraging words. Several times a day, the rescue team rattles past on motorbikes - always on hand should anyone need medical assistance. From time to time, top photographer Markus Greber scurries through the field of riders on his e-MTB to capture the participants' most epic stage moments. Pictures that perfectly document the hardship, but also the incredible beauty of this race for those at home.

And then there are the eight stage towns, which do everything they can to give the international field of participants a great welcome. While the racers are tucking into the buffet of local specialities behind the finish arch and washing their bikes, their luggage is already being transported to their accommodation in the background, the evening pasta party is being organised and the bike park is being opened with security to keep the bikes safe overnight. The next morning, the volunteers from these locations are on hand again to send the racers off to the next stage to rapturous applause - and they give their all again in terms of the scenery. Here is stage 3: from Nauders to Graun on Lake Reschen!

Stage 3: From Nauders to Graun on Lake Reschen

• Length: 50.5 kilometres
• Uphill: 2081 metres in altitude
• Difficulty: medium - difficult

Two countries, the main Alpine ridge passage, super panoramic views of King Ortler, six exciting trail descents and a crystal-clear lake at the end where you can throw yourself in to flush the lactate from 2000 metres of altitude back out of your legs. Quite a day's programme, considering that the start and finish of this stage are not even 12 kilometres apart. But the border region around the Reschen Pass with its iconic three-country enduro trails easily makes this variety possible on a single stage. The starting shot is fired in Nauders directly on the lakeshore, then the route climbs 800 metres in altitude to Bergkastel via panoramic trails and winds its way over the Stieralm to the famous Plamort plateau. Even the professional teams stop here to take a selfie with King Ortler. Afterwards, the Reschner Alm and Schöneben peaks have to be climbed in order to reach the finish arch in Graun with maximum trail yield.

The BIKE Transalp 2024 starts on Sunday, the 14 July, in Ehrwald and ends on 20 July in Arco on Lake Garda.
The route measures a total of 520 kilometres / 17,215 metres in altitude / 7 stages.
All information on the two starter packages from 1499 euros can be found here

Stage location: Nauders am Reschenpass

The small village on the Reschen Pass has always stood out from the rest of Tyrol. Once with the legendary Snowdownhill, two exciting neighbours and 58 kilometres of the finest enduro trails.

Anyone who has ever cycled south on the Via Claudia will know Nauders as a strategically favourable place to stay overnight with nice accommodation and delicious Tyrolean cuisine. Well refuelled, you can get back in the saddle here the next morning and continue south along the cycle path down the Vinschgau Valley.

The local bike organisers found this annoying. Always have been. After all, those who only use Nauders as a transit point on a tarmac route cannot even begin to imagine the trail potential of the region. So it was clear that an offer had to be created that would attract bikers to the Reschen Pass. But not with flow trails, everyone agreed. They already existed in various Tyrolean ski resorts at the time. So the idea was born to create a world of its own for mountain bikers. One that was completely different from other regions: the 3-country enduro trails. A large trail circuit that stretches across both sides of the valley. Five lifts help you uphill, while downhill you have to deal with trails of various levels of difficulty. At the beginning, you really had to be able to cope with the predominantly natural forest trails. Roots, steps and steep sections - if it says Enduro on it, it's Enduro inside.

But they have not been idle in the following years. 30 trails now adorn the mountain flanks above the Reschen Pass. These include paths that wind their way through the alpine meadows far above the tree line and are equipped with many small jumps. Above them, it is as easy as a feather to take off into the open Ortler panorama. These are trails that are also great fun at race pace, which is why Transalp route manager Marc Schneider has once again incorporated as many of these descents as possible into this year's route. Of course, participants can't rely on the cable car service on the climbs. For this reason, a sporty 50 kilometres and 2000 metres of altitude gain are accumulated on this stage without any major movement. Only the next day will the route continue from Graun into the Swiss Engadin.

This year, another lift will be integrated into the 3-country enduro trail circuit for our new Hofratstrail. Unfortunately, this won't help the participants of the BIKE Transalp, who will have to pedal up themselves. - Harry Ploner, hotelier and bike icon from Nauders

Incidentally, the neighbours are the other big highlight of Nauders. Straight ahead, you roll down into the South Tyrolean trail mecca of Vinschgau. Epic all-day trips such as the Goldsee Trail and Madritschjoch are possible here by shuttle. You can also turn west into the Swiss Val Müstair to finally tackle the super descent from Piz Umbrail. The legendary Val d'Uina can also be experienced in comfort with an overnight stay at the Sesvenna hut. From top to bottom. So, if you have already registered for the Maxxis BIKE Transalp - Nauders is the perfect place for a training weekend!

Info Nauders

The region Nauders is located on the north side of the Reschen Pass in Tyrol. The village itself offers a total of 58 kilometres of trails with lifts. In addition, the neighbouring top areas await within a day tour or shuttle distance: Vinschgau on the South Tyrolean side and Val Müstair on the Swiss side. The GPS data for the tours and all information about the 3-country enduro area: www.3-laenderendurotrails.com

Events: In addition to the Maxxis BIKE Transalp, Nauders also organises two other events:

• Father & Son Days (mums and daughters can also take part in this fun weekend!) Date: 2.8 - 4.8.
• 3-Länder Enduro Race: Race event for advanced riders. Date: 30 August - 1 September, nauders.com

Maxxis BIKE Transalp 2024 in Nauders

Finish in Nauders: Monday, 15 July 2024
Start of the 3rd stage: Tuesday, 16 July 2024, 8 am

The GPS data for the entire route of the Maxxis BIKE Transalp 2024 will be available for download on 15 July 2024.