Transalp is Sold Out
26.03.2010
From July 17th through 24th, 2010, 550 teams of two are once again taking up the challenge of the CRAFT BIKE TRANSALP powered by NISSAN.Participants from 33 countries will tackle the 600 kilometres and almost 20,000 metres of altitude from Fuessen (GER) to Riva del Garda (ITA) this summer. So, the 13th edition of this legendary race across the Alpine divide, which will be staged for the first time under the umbrella of new title sponsorship holder CRAFT, is sold out.
The field includes 250 men, 165 masters, more than 30 senior masters, about 60 mixed and more than 20 womens teams. The biggest run on team spots was reported in Germany (more than 400 participants), Austria (almost 100) and Switzerland (70).
However, the 13 Australians and one racer from New Zealand have the longest journey to travel. In addition, the distance which has to be covered by the US-Americans (6), Costa Ricans (4) and one biker from Thailand is also nothing to sneeze at.
Why do mountain bike fans accept such long travel times? Markley Anderson from the US-American team “Crank“ explains on behalf of all “exotic bikers“: “We are addicted to adventures and simply live our dream. And for a mountain biker this means you have to compete in the Transalp as this one is one of the hardest races in the world.â€
In addition, Finland’s top gun from Craft Rocky Mountain Pia Sundstedt, who is decorated with numerous World Championship medals and a Transalp triumph in the mixed pairs category, won with Alison Sydor (CAN), also knows about the unique fascination: “The Transalp is something special. The scenery is beautiful and sometimes helps riders to forget the stresses and pains. It’s just great to roll into the finish and feel the enthusiasm of the spectators. Also the passion of the hobby riders is amazing. This makes the atmosphere so amazing!â€
Those who are still willing to be part of the Transalp shouldn’t lose heart in view of the fact that the race is sold out. Some sponsors and service partners are still auctioning some entry spots from time to time.
So, visit www.bike-transalp.de at regular intervals; it might be worth it!
