ENDURA Alpen-Traum 2015: One Day, Four Countries, Six Passes

News Release / 27.07.2015

These figures electrify every sports cyclist: 252 kilometres, 6,078 metres in height, six passes. On 12th September 2015 the 3rd ENDURA Alpen-Traum will be going once again from Sonthofen in the Allgäu to Landeck in Tyrol to Sulden in the Vinschgau, from Germany to Austria with a short detour into Switzerland and then to Italy. One person who will not be missing this highlight against a magnificent Alpine setting is Bernd Hornetz.

This man from Karlsruhe, one of the best German marathon cyclists, wants to put himself to the test. After his victory over the shorter distance in 2013 and fourth ranking the previous year over long distance, this time Hornetz wants to be stood right at the top of the winners' podium in Sulden. A real challenge for the marathon man from Baden-Württemberg.

But that is not the only good news from the 3rd edition of the ENDURA Alpen-Traum. Because for the first time, the athletes in the ENDURA Alpen-Traum can choose from three routes. The long distance will take the participants over 252 kilometres and 6,078 metres in height, over a total of six passes, from Sonthofen in Bavaria to Sulden in Italy. Those who like something shorter can choose to start in Landeck and nevertheless still have 146 kilometres and 4,315 metres in height to face before the finish.

In addition to this the organisers are offering a third option with the new 2015 route, the short distance via Prad: at 118 kilometres and 2,936 metres in height. Not a bad alternative for athletes who do not particularly go for extreme long distances but who still want to cover plenty of metres in height. Short but concentrated. Because after the start in Landeck the race goes over the Pillerhöhe to the Reschenpass, before rocketing down into the Vinschgau and then taking a direct route via Prad to a mountain arrival in Sulden.

But back to Bernd Hornetz, who would of course like to be at the start for the 3rd ENDURA Alpen-Traum with his Italian team-mates from Team Beraldo Green Paper. Also of course with Robert Cunico and Enrico Zen, last year's winning duo. They reached the finish in Sulden together, side by side. But the dominant Italians are keeping their cards close to their chest, particularly as title defender Cunico is not yet entirely fit after an illness in spring. “Of course I will convince the lads that they will be taking part. They just have to be there again at the start of the ENDURA Alpen-Traum”, promised Hornetz.

What a statement. Whether it is Roberto Cunico, Alessandro Bertuola, Enrico Zen or Bernd Hornetz, who was UCI Amateur World Champion in 2013 - the boys from Team Beraldo swept the board in 2014. The line-up of Team Beraldo has, however, changed slightly in 2015, with Alessandro Bertuola leaving the team in the meantime. Bernd Hornetz, on the other hand, has gained experience. “I now know what to expect with these long races like the Alpen-Traum. After my loss of form in 2014 I now know that I've still got what it takes“, said the 43-year-old, absolutely confident of improving upon his fourth place of last year.

The preparation up to the end of February was virtually perfect. “Better than ever before. Then, unfortunately, I had very little time for training for the 10 weeks up to the beginning of May and unfortunately had to cancel the first three races in Italy“, explains Hornetz, who did not compete in his first race until 10th May, the Granfondo Felice Gimondi - Bergamo. And came second. But there is still plenty to do. Hornetz had to cancel the Novecolli in Cesenatico, and went to the training camp in France. His form improved again.

And what tips and advice does Bernd Hornetz have ready for the participants of the 3. ENDURA Alpen-Traum?

“It is very important not to overdo it with this massive distance. And be careful. The flat stretches after the Hahntennjoch and the Pillerhöhe are particularly challenging. After the Pillerhöhe on the way to the Reschenpass, the speed was very high and unrhythmic on the many waves on the old through road. That costs a lot of strength. Don't forget refreshments here.”

And anybody who wants to do things very precisely and imitate probably the best German marathon cyclist can also stick to the food recommendation. Last year, on the evening before the race, there was the obligatory Pasta Integrale Bianca (wholemeal pasta without sauce, with a little olio and Parmigiano, 1.2 grams per race kilometre), with some lean raw ham or chicken.

Registration, entry conditions and all the information on everything to do with the ENDURA Alpen-Traum can be found at www.alpen-traum.com.

The Facts About the ENDURA Alpen-Traum 2015

• Date: 12.09.2015
• Starting Locations: Sonthofen (GER) and Landeck (AUT)
• Finish: Sulden (ITA)
• Routes: 252 km / 6,078 m height, 146 km / 4,315 m height, 118 km / 2,936 m height
  (routes subject to changes!)
• Individual & team classification
• 6 classification categories (minimum number of participants 15): Men, Women, Master Men / Master Women (over 40 years), Senior Master Men / Senior Master Women (over 50 years)
• Maximum number of participants 1,500 riders

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