TransAlp Entries Open Sunday

Rob Howard / 05.12.2008

The Jeantex Bike TransAlp powered by Nissan, is one of the most demanding and famous mountain bike stage races in the world, and one of the hardest to get into. It does not start until July 18th next year, but for the thousands of aspiring TranAlp riders the more significant date is Dec. 7th – when entries are opened.

Only 1100 riders can take part in the 8 day North to South Alpine crossing, and within hours (probably minutes) of entries opening via the website, they will have been taken. Entry opens at noon and there are 450 places (for pairs) available for those who are quick enough – the rest will be given out by lottery after the submission of postal application forms.

Entry this year costs 625 Euros per person (riders compete as teams of two) and the route covers a distance of roughly 600 km (385 miles) with a vertical gain of 19,5000 m (65,000 ft.) It starts in Mitenwald in Germany and passes through the most beautiful mountain ranges of Germany, Austria and Italy, finishing on July 25th in Riva Del Gard, Italy.

All the race details and those all-important entry instructions are on the event website at www.bike-transalp.de

Just as popular, and organised by the same company, is the Goretex TransAlp run, which takes place from September 5th-12th, and is also an 8 day stage race.

Next year the race will cover 240 kilometres with 13,800 metres of elevation gain and stage distances ranging between 30 to more than 40 kilometres. The route travel from Oberstdorf (GER) to Schlanders (ITA) and full race details can be found at www.transalpine-run.com but entries fro tthis event are not open yet.