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Tackling the Transalp

Rob / 30.07.2003

The adidas Transalp Challenge is billed as one of the toughest mountain-bike races in the world and few would disagree with that, especially those who took part over 8 days in blistering heat between July 19th and 26th. Riders from 28 nations took part, starting in Mittenwald in Austria, passing through Germany and finishing at Andalo in Italy. They rode 652 kms, crossing 17 Alpine passes and accumulating 21,521m of ascent. There were 764 finishers, every one a winner, and 450 crashes that required assistance, plus lots of lesser wipeouts!

The leading pairs in the race were world class riders, mostly with full team support, mechanics, team vehicles, masseurs etc. etc. and they set an incredible standard, finishing each day hours ahead of the main part of the field. Even into the top 100 the standard was exceptional, but lower down in the rankings there were the ‘tourists’ taking 10 to 12 hours each day and making the most of the alpine scenery and hospitality along the way.

Everyone had that ‘big race’ feeling though, as Keith Byrne explained; “It was like an amateur Tour de France,� he said. “Every finish was a big event, with lots of spectators, music and food laid on. There was team of 10 mechanics working every night and morning, only charging for parts and at every village along the way we were cheered on.�

“The organisation was fantastic, German efficiency at it’s best. You could stay at sports stadia each night, but even though we were in different accommodation our bags, which were collected each morning, were ready in our rooms each night. There was food at every finish, photography and video and from the day on display, roving medics on motorbikes on the course, and in all 3 countries the police helped patrol the route, closing the roads in some cases. The route was varied, some of the panoramic views were superb and at times we were in National Parks where you can’t normally ride. All in all a fantastic experience.�

Among the British racers Helen Jackson was easily the highest placed, up with the pro-riders finishing 3rd partnering Austrian rider Thomas Widhalm in the mixed category, and their total time of 35 hours and 9 minutes was 25th overall. The pair were regularly placed around 4th but finished strongly, winning the 7th stage and coming 2nd in the final stage to clinch 3rd place. “We did have ambitions to win,� Helen said, “but were happy enough with 3rd. It’s a hard and difficult race and the first day had a brutal climb in high temperatures, most of the Brits ‘died’ on day one! Thomas finished last year and said this race was much harder.�

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