More than 1,000 mountain bikers from almost 40 countries to enter 15th CRAFT BIKE TRANSALP

News Release / 12.07.2012

More than 1,000 mountain bikers from almost 40 countries to enter 15^th CRAFT BIKE TRANSALP

More than 1,000 mountain bikers will tackle the 15^th CRAFT BIKE TRANSALP next Saturday thus lining up in Oberammergau, Germany, at 10 AM in order to pedal the first out of eight stages of the 2012 routing.

The majority of this incredible number of participants venturing on the Transalp myth is coming from Germany (400+). But also the Swiss (102), Dutch (84), Austrians (73) as well as Italians (71) are also high in number.

In contrary, there are also some “exotics” who have taken on very long travel distances to be part of the world's most respected mountain bike stage race.

There are 56 South Africans as well as Australians (9), Canadians (4), US-Americans (6), Mexicans (2), Koreans (6), Costa Ricans (2) plus some Israelis (9) and one Kiwi from New Zealand as well as many other nationalities who give the Transalp it's well-known international flair.

Top bikers battle for victory

However, the favorites for the Transalp crown are coming from Europe. Besides the Swiss title defenders Urs Huber and Konny Looser of Team Stöckli there are several other pro teams who have registered their racers.

Team Bulls will enter the 15^th edition of this Alps classic with two teams featuring Germany's very own Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm as well as Thomas Dietsch (FRA) and Tim Böhme (GER). In addition the circle of podium aspirants also includes Alban Lakata (AUT) and Robert Mennen (GER) of Topeak Ergon Racing, Andreas Kugler (SUI) and Hannes Genze (GER) of Multivan Merida Biking as well as the new pairing Markus Kaufmann (GER) and Thomas Stoll (SUI) of Centurion-Vaude/BiXS iXS Pro Team.

While there are many duos aiming for the big shot on the men's side, the women's category is much likely to witness an easy race for a Swiss-British inter-team duo consisting of Milena Landtwing (Centurion-Vaude) and Sally Bigham (Topeak Ergon).

About the Transalp:

The Craft Bike Transalp is possibly the most famous stage race for mountain bike teams of two. Ever since its first edition in 1998, the routing leads the participants in eight stages from Germany across the main chain of the Alps to Italy. In 2012, the event takes place for the 15^th time (July 14 thru 21).

For the first time in Transalp history, Oberammergau, Germany, will host the start. Leaving the Bavarian stage town southwards, the mountain bikers travel to Austrian stops Imst, Ischgl and Nauders. After entering Switzerland for a quick stopover in Scuol, the field aims for Italy and thus Livigno, Ponte di Legno, Madonna di Campiglio and finally Riva del Garda which traditionally hosts the finish right at the shores of Lake Garda.

This year, the racers will master a total distance of more than 600 kilometers peppered with more than 21,000 meters in elevation gain.