Maxxis BIKE Transalp 2024: These will be the highlights of stage 4 - Graun to Bormio

Who would do that? After a long to very long race day in the saddle, spending the night in the BIKE Transalp Camp, i.e. in a dormitory? In a gym, cot to cot with a snorer who no longer smells fresh or someone who has to go out several times a night? The surprising answer is: many! For the majority of participants, this simplest form of accommodation is simply part of the cult event. But they also know that these camps are usually located strategically and centrally in the stage towns, they offer a top breakfast, the panniers are delivered to the bunk every day and the whole thing costs just 200 euros for eight nights.

Your own motorhome offers a little more privacy. The stage towns often offer the most beautiful pitches. Directly on the lakeshore or in particularly cosy meadows. Although you will need a driver to take the motorhome to the next stage location, volunteers for a week's camping holiday in a dream Alpine setting are usually found quickly. Just like the new friendships that quickly develop within the caravan camps.

But of course there are also racers who treat themselves to the luxury of a guesthouse or hotel after the race. The Host agency takes care of the bookings, the shuttle service and the luggage transport to the respective accommodation in the stage towns. All details can be found at www.bike-transalp.de

• BIKE Transalp Camp: 8 nights in gyms or similar incl. breakfast and bag service cost 200 euros
• Camping option: A list of all campsites around the stage locations can be found at: www.bike-transalp.de
• The "Silver" package offers all accommodation in guesthouses and hotels up to 3-star standard.
• The "Gold" package always includes hotels of 3-star plus standard or higher.

The Silver and Gold accommodation packages can be booked with host-events.com

Stage 4: From Lake Reschen to Bormio

• Length: 90.38 kilometres
• Uphill: 2611 metres in altitude
• Landscape: magnificent
• Difficulty: difficult

The fourth stage starts very photogenically right on the shore of Lake Reschen. The famous Graun church tower rises out of the water in the background, while King Ortler glistens in the morning sun to the south. Today we are travelling around this massif. But not on the classic, simple Via Claudia cycle path, but on the trails that wind their way around 600 kilometres: On the trails that run 600 metres above it through the western flank of the Upper Vinschgau Valley and thus lead down to Latsch in a much more fun way. Then it's time to find your rhythm, because the longest climb of the day is looming. 1200 metres in altitude, but a very entertaining climb over the Swiss border into Val Müstair and up to the 2235-metre-high Döss Radond.

By now, the racers will be pulling out their mobile phone cameras again: For the last 40 kilometres, you speed along trails and paths through the famous Val Mora with its lakes, old towers and larch forests. A short climb at the end and then into the historic streets of Bormio.

The BIKE Transalp 2024 starts on Sunday 14 July in Ehrwald and ends on 20 July in Arco on Lake Garda. Total: 520 kilometres / 17,215 metres in altitude / 7 stages. All information about registration: bike-transalp.de

Stage finish in Bormio: The trail star of Lombardy

Three thousand metre peaks with glacier summits, pizza in the piazza, thermal springs for relaxation - and: extremely trail-rich side valleys in all directions. Bormio is one of the top alpine spots!

The participants of the Maxxis BIKE Transalp will hardly be able to believe their luck as they approach Bormio: The downhill trail winds more than smoothly through the larch-covered valley flanks of the Valdidentro. Several kilometres long and with an eagle's eye view of the roofs of Bormio and the glaciated three thousand metre peaks around it. You can already see that this Italian town must have even more trail potential. And it does. After all, the Stelvio National Park, Gavia Pass and Val Müstair are all around here. Livigno and the Swiss National Park are not far away either. All strongholds with trail classics from the very beginning.

For a long time, people were surprised that the Lombardy ski region didn't make more of its gigantic trail network, especially as there is also a corresponding cable car infrastructure. But now the time has come: in 2021, a trail tour has been signposted that leads once around Bormio, climbing across the talc trenches that radiate from the town like the spokes of a wheel. Not only does it cover a total of 140 kilometres, but of course also a lot of altitude metres, glacier panoramas and: trails. That's why it's better to take a few days for this "Bormio 360 Adventure Trail". There are plenty of places to stay along the way. Even in simple guesthouses you can relax in whirlpools with thermal water. So if you are still looking for a suitable training spot for the BIKE Transalp or a private crossing of the Alps - Bormio's new adventure trail is the perfect place to combine altitude training, fitness, riding technique and riding fun.

And while you're here, don't forget to take a trip to Santa Caterina, a 15-minute drive to the south. The town lies 300 metres higher, right at the foot of the Giro d'Italia classic Gaviapass, opening up further trail adventures in a high alpine setting. For example, the cult Romantica and Ponti Tibetani trails, which start at the Rifugio A. Berni mountain hut. These mountain trails were as good as derelict until they were brought back to life by local bikers with picks and shovels. However, natural obstacles such as rocks, steps and roots were allowed to remain. Anyone who embarks on these super descents, which are up to seven kilometres long, should be able to cope with difficulty levels up to S2. But perhaps the biggest mountain bike highlight in the region is at the top of the Stelvio National Park at an altitude of over 3000 metres: the Passo Zebrù (3005 m). Uphill fans compete on its increasingly steep 1300 metres of altitude. Enduro bikers take the shuttle to Rifugio Pizzini and then don't miss out on the adventure trail through Val Zebrù!

Info Bormio

The region: The town lies at an altitude of 1225 metres in the upper Valtellina and has been known for its thermal springs for centuries. But the 3,000 metre peaks around Bormio can do even more: the Stelvio National Park, Gavia Pass and Mortirolo Pass await with their unspoilt super trail descents.

Bormio 360 Adventure Trail: This masterpiece was added to the trail portfolio in 2021. The signposted tour route leads around Bormio and takes in all trail sections including glacier views along its 140 kilometres.

Accommodation: Camping Valfurva, Area sosta camper Nassegno Loc. Nassegno in S. Caterina Valfurva ; phone: 0039/338/3730450 e-mail: info@agriturismoziaedda.it

Hotel Sport in S. Caterina: The boss Norberto is the MTB mastermind of the whole region and always has funny stories to tell, hotelsport.info

Hotel Pedranzini in S. Caterina, here too the boss Alberto is always on hand with help and advice, hotelpedranzini.it

Info: All information about accommodation and trail tours: valtellina.itShuttle: bormiobike.it

Maxxis BIKE Transalp spectator service in Bormio:

Finish line: Tuesday, 17 July 2024

Start of the 5th stage: Wednesday, 18 July, 8 a.m.