If your flights don’t correspond with our airport transfer tomorrow then we give you the option to arrive today and arrive at your own convenience. You can stay this evening with us near Venice Marco Polo Airport at hotel Hilton Garden Inn. Tonight’s hotel stay is available at an extra costs of £155 per twin or double room on B&B basis and £150 for a single room.

Tomorrow morning (Saturday) we provide an airport transfer service for cyclists with their bike boxes and luggage from Venice Marco Polo Airport. You can book your arrival and your departure flight to and from the same airport for convenience. Our transfer departs after breakfast on Saturday 19 June. Our transfer  will return back to Venice after breakfast on Sunday 26 June. We expect the transfer to take 3.5 hours on arrival and 2.5 hours on the way back. Transfers are available at £60 per person for a return transfer.

Our transfer departs from hotel Hilton Garden Inn this morning at 09.00. We expect to arrive at the Expo in the start location at 12.30.

The event village is where we will be in place to welcome the 2021 Tour Transalp riders. If you are making your own way here then please arrive early enough today to give you enough time to register and be fully prepared for the first stage on Sunday.

Our bike mechanics and support staff will be on hand today to assist you with preparing your bike for the days ahead.

Services provided as part of the entry:

• High-quality finisher jersey (for official finishers)
• Finisher-medal (for official finishers)
• Bike Wash
• Bike Park incl. Security
• Chill out Area
• Professional timekeeping
• Free catering for each stage on the route and at the finish
• Technical services along the course and in the Finish area
• Roadway support system
• Professional start-/finish-area
• Professional daily evening event
• Pasta dinner as part of the evening event
• Day bag service
• Medical support
• Precise road book
• Free parking on local parking lots during the entire period of the event

This evening we will organise a race briefing and you will have the opportunity to meet your fellow riders.

• Passes: Tesselbacher Mountain Road, Furkel Pass
• 57.66 km, 1835 m of climbing

The TOUR Transalp 2021 will begin from a totally new start point this year. Bruneck is one of the largest towns in South Tyrol. An important and vibrant business centre; Bruneck has still managed to maintain it’s South Tyrolean character and  cosiness, with a very well preserved historical old town, and numerous traditional markets and festivals taking place here each year. The town has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and a thriving, year round, tourist industry. This is due, in no small part to the popular ski resort on the Kronplatz Mountain, a mountain which will serve as a landmark for the opening stage.

A comparatively short stage, the route leaves from the town centre, with the Kronplatz as a backdrop, and heads towards the Tauferer Ahrntal. Before heading further north into the valley, the end of which marks the border to Austria and the high mountains, a small, steep, mountain road leads up to the hamlets of Mühlbach and Tesselberg. Here you will be greeted with beautiful views over the Bruneck basin, and beyond to the summit of Kronplatz. After crossing the Pustertal valley, a steep climb from Olang will lead you up to the Furkelpass, at an altitude of 1759 metres. The last time the TOUR Transalp took this route; it was in the opposite direction. Now, the route leads from Olang, 800 meters up, to the pass. From there, in 2010, the pros at the Giro d’Italia toiled their way up, over nasty ramps, to the Kronplatz summit. On the 2021 TOUR Transalp you don’t have to suffer these strains however, as from here the route rolls down, from the pass, to the finish in St. Vigil.

Like every day your hotel will have an early breakfast before you roll out to the start of today’s stage.

On the road you will be looked after with:

• Marshals
• Motorcycle escorts
• Security vehicles
• Mechanical support
• Medical assistance
• Live timing system
• Feed stations

Post-stage you will receive

• Secure bike park
• Bike wash area
• Hot meal
• Massage
• Daily ranking and awards
• Safety briefings
• Drinks party

As with every stage, we will provide support alongside the Transalp feed stations.

Evening meal at the hotel in Brixen tonight.

• Passes: Passo Valparola, Passo Falzarego, Forcella Aurine, Passo Cereda
• 123.51 km, 3078 metres of climbing

This stage will provide an exciting journey, through the Dolomites, with unique and breath-taking views of some of the world’s most iconic mountains. Through the Val Badia, the route climbs up to the Passo Valparola. The route is made up out of mighty mountain giants, such as the Kreuzkofel, the Sassongher and the indomitable Sella massif. Only later does the Lagazuoi, one of the most beautiful panoramic peaks in the Dolomites, comes into view.

From Passo Falzarego, a cable car leads up to a 360-degree panorama cinema. The Falzarego, one of the passes featured on the 2018 Transalp route, will not be climbed this time, only crossed by the higher Valparola Pass. However, the pass deserves special mention for its scenic beauty, with views of the Tofana and the Cinque Torri. The ascent to Valparola, and finally to Falzarego, is very tame. The 1250 metres of altitude climbed are spread over a total length of 32 kilometres. The climb is followed by a long decent, down to Caprile, along the mighty wall of the Civetta, which is finally passed at Alleghe. Now the main road descends another 18 kilometres to Agordo. Two passes follow, which were last tackled by riders on the TOUR Transalp in 2016 and 2018. South of the Pale di San Martino, the Forcella Aurine and the Passo Cereda lead further on, over to Fiera di Primiero. Last time the TOUR Transalp ventured here, this was a stage town, but not this time! This time that honour belongs to San Martino di Castrozza. The place belongs to the same tourism region as Fiera, but is located at an altitude of 1500 metres, at the top of the mountain. This means that one can touch the jagged peaks of the Pale di San Martino now and the panoramic effect becomes more and more powerful in the final ascent. However, this comes at a price, as it also means, that the last 12 kilometres feature 700 metres of climbed altitude, which is sure to pinch those legs.

Like every day your hotel will have an early breakfast before you roll out to the start of the day’s stage and your luggage will be transported ahead of you to the next hotel whilst you ride. We will provide you with additional assistance during the stage.

Tonight we will enjoy a well-earned evening meal together. We will be there to help you with any mechanical issues or any other advice or support.

• Passes: Passo Rolle, Passo Valles, Forcella Franche, Passo San Boldo
• 147.40 km, 32543 m of climbing

This stage probably offers the most scenic variety of any on the entire 2020 Transalp route. Today you will bid farewell to the Dolomites with a thunderbolt, as you cross the Passo Rolle and the Passo Valles to Cencenighe. You will pass completely around the Pale di San Martino, giving you the opportunity to admire this extraordinary mountain massif from all sides. The panoramic views are even more breath-taking than the ascents themselves. After yesterday’s tough finish, all of your hard work will pay off, as you are presented with a pleasant starting point. San Martino is only about 500 metres of climbing away from the Passo Rolle. Also, from the Passo Valles, only the final ascent is left to be mastered, before you head down, through Falcade, into the valley. From Cencenighe to Agordo, the route now runs briefly along the tracks of the previous day. Then, finally, it climbs further south in Agordo, up to the small mountain village Rivamonte and crosses a small pass with the Forcella Franche.

Now, an adventurous, winding route will lead you past the enchanting Lago di Mis down into the basin of Feltre, at the back of Monte Grappa. This is one of the wildest stretches of this year’s Transalp. The lakeside road runs through many small tunnels here, and therefore a certain amount of foresight is required when riding. Passing Feltre, the stage leads, flat, over to Trichiana; where the ascent to one of the most bizarre passes in the history of the Transalp begins. From this side, however, it is hardly noticeable as a real pass ascent, due to a moderate gradient, until the terrain at the pass drops abruptly into Val Marino. Here, engineers have come up with a very unusual solution for the descent of the pass roads, which is also visually striking. They have carved hairpin bends into the rock, as tunnels, and have stacked straight lines on the steep slope between them. This means you will require some concentration when riding the narrow tunnel bends, but it could also be a lot of fun.

At the bottom of the Val Marino valley, the road turns right towards Valdobbiadine. It then leads on through the Prosecco Hills, where the famous “Valdo” is harvested, and also many small wineries offer their bottles. Through Valdobbiadine the route finally leads to the bridge over the river Brenta, which cuts off Monte Grappa to the east. At the foot of this vast mountain massif there are only a few more kilometres to go before you reach the finish in Possagno. However, at the very end, a punishing 30-metre high, uphill sprint finish, awaits you.

Like every day your hotel will have an early breakfast before you roll out to the start of the day’s stage and your luggage will be transported ahead of you to the next hotel whilst you ride. We will provide you with additional assistance during the stage.

Tonight we will enjoy a well-earned evening meal together. We will be there to help you with any mechanical issues or any other advice or support.

• Passes: Monte Grappa
• 78.99 km, 2107 m of climbing
  

In the areas just south of Monte Grappa, road bikers are an everyday part of the usual street scene. This is one of the top racing bike destinations in Italy, where you can ride all year round, even if there is snow on top of Monte Grappa. In summer, however, athletes like to escape the heat, and climb up to the summit, which stands at an altitude of around 1700 metres. Monte Grappa is the last outpost of the Alps, and, when you finally climb up, there are only a few small hills between the panoramic road and the Adriatic Sea, which, on a clear day, you can see from here. When you reach the top, even the small hills in front of you seem flattened, like part of a wide plain that stretches as far as Venice. It is, just like the motto of the TOUR Transalp, a piece of heaven. The Transalp has already visited the Monte Grappa on several occasions, but never before in this way, up from Pederobba, over wide alpine pastures below the summit. The Grappa offers many possibilities, and this one simply had to be checked off the TOUR Transalps list.

Shortly below the great World War Memorial at the summit, the descent begins, down to Romano d’Ezzelino. The small, winding roads along the Grappa are fun, but also require concentration. Only once in Romano d’Ezzelino can you finally breathe a sigh of relief. Even though, at the foot of Monte Grappa, across to Asolo, another 300 metres of altitude have to be climbed. On a slope lasting about 20 kilometres. The last kilometre, up to the finish, is a great experience. The historic old town lies on a hill. A small road winds its way up and finally gets lost in the narrow alleys at the summit. Eventually you will reach the finish, at Piazza Garibaldi, surrounded by medieval facades.

Like every day your hotel will have an early breakfast before you roll out to the start of the day’s stage and your luggage will be transported ahead of you to the next hotel whilst you ride. We will provide you with additional assistance during the stage.

Tonight we will enjoy a well-earned evening meal together. We will be there to help you with any mechanical issues or any other advice or support.

• Passes: Monte Grappa, Passo Vezzena
• 149.60 km, 3657 m of climbing

This is the royal stage of the 2021 Transalp, a long and challenging ride that is as exhausting as it is varied. Once again the route heads up to Monte Grappa. On the second day on this mountain, it still offers something new. The ascent from Semonzo, up to the summit, is not completely new territory for the Transalp, as riders last roared down this route in 2014. The climb in the other direction however, has never yet been part of the route. This is the shortest, most direct way up to the summit. 1500 meters of altitude, have to be climbed, over the course of 19 kilometres. The ascent however, is rather steady, except for a few short ramps. The descent down to Caupo was last tackled in this manner in 2016. At the top there are still some panoramic views, but later, after the Albergo Forceletto, the small road mostly leads down, into the forest, and it is a little easier not to be distracted by tempting views and concentrate fully on the road. The stretch leads, flat, from Caupo, via Fonzaso, to Arsie and down the “Scale di Primolano” towards the narrowest part of the valley, where the river Brenta, coming out of the Valsugana, has washed its way out, towards the plain. From here, the route heads straight up again, via Enego, to Foza. After 900 metres above sea level, you will finally reach the plateau of the “Sette Communi”, the seven municipalities in which, at least on the town signs, an ancient German dialect has been preserved. Up here, you will be treated to a change of scenery. On the plateau, the route leads, always over the 1000-meter mark, over a wide, cropped meadow area, with many alpine pastures, and little villages. The highest point is finally reached at Passo Vezzena, which is situated at about 1700 metres. From here, the road follows down towards the end of the stage at Lavarone, which, at an altitude of approximately 1100 metres, is still located on this never-ending plateau.

Like every day your hotel will have an early breakfast before you roll out to the start of the day’s stage and your luggage will be transported ahead of you to the next hotel whilst you ride. We will provide you with additional assistance during the stage.

Tonight we will enjoy a well-earned evening meal together. We will be there to help you with any mechanical issues or any other advice or support.

• Passes: Kaiserjägerweg, Manghenpass, Passo di San Lugano
• 122.13 km, 3058 m of climbing

The sixth stage is also challenging; featuring a surprising mix of impressions and wild changes of the scenery. However, the plateau, which had a decisive influence on the character of the route yesterday, is quickly abandoned on today’s route. After a short lap around Lavarone, the summit of the Kaiserjägerweg, and therefore the first pass crossing of this stage, is reached, about 13 kilometres into the stage. The old path, from the imperial era, meanders spectacularly down the steep slope, for 800 metres, into Valsugana, which is crossed at Levico Terme. Soon the road rises again on to the northern slopes of this wide valley. But, only after a short descent, does the road finally branch off completely from the valley, and lead into the world of Lagorai. The Lagorai is the mountain range that separates Valsugana from Val di Fiemme. Here, you will have 1400 meters of altitude difference to conquer on your way up to one of the most beautiful passes of this year’s Transalp. Especially spectacular are the last, narrow curves up to the summit. The descent to Val di Fiemme is winding, and requires full concentration, because the road is very narrow, especially at the top, after the pass. Finally, in Molina di Fiemme, at the bottom of the valley, the roads become wider again. The stage now continues on the main roads, over the small Passo San Lugano, down into the wide Adige Valley. On the way to Lago Caldaro, vines soon line the road, an unmistakable sign that the destination, one of the most renowned South Tyrolean wine villages, will soon be reached. But, be careful! The 300-metre final ascent, from Lago Caldaro up to the finish line at St. Anton Sports Centre, should not be underestimated.

Like every day your hotel will have an early breakfast before you roll out to the start of the day’s stage and your luggage will be transported ahead of you to the next hotel whilst you ride. We will provide you with additional assistance during the stage.

Tonight we will enjoy a well-earned evening meal together. We will be there to help you with any mechanical issues or any other advice or support.

• Passes: Andalo-Sattel, Passo del Ballino
• 104.63 km, 1517 m of climbing

This is a comparatively relaxed final stage, completed in just 100 kilometres, and featuring no more than 1500 metres of altitude. However, this stage is a veritable feast for the eyes. First the route rolls flat through the wine-growing areas of Tramin and Margreid, on the border of South Tyrol and Trentino. You will pass the winegrowers of Mezzocorona and Mezzolombardo, before the first ascent to Fai della Paganella begins. The Paganella, which rises 2000 metres above Trento and the Adige Valley, has a spectacular, mighty rock face, and is surrounded, on its western side, by Andalo and the turquoise Lake Molveno. Here the route crosses a pass that is not on the maps. After Fai della Paganella, it reaches Santel, a small saddle that leads over into Nonstal. However, the road does not descend here, but leads a little further up at the northern shoulder of the Paganella, in order to reach the actual pass, the saddle between Nonstal and the Sarca valley, riding downhill in the centre of Andalo.

Now, for the last time on the tour, the view into the very high mountains is offered, as, from the shore of the lake Molveno, the rock walls of the Brenta stretch to an altitude of more than 3000 metres. But straight ahead, the view already falls onto the green, overgrown peaks of the mountains of Lake Garda. In between these, the inconspicuous Passo del Ballino is squeezed, and a maximum height of only 800 metres in front of Lake Garda. From here it is downhill all the way to the end of the 2021 Tour TransAlp, as you head over the Viale Magnoolie, to the finish line, right at the church in Arco.

By the end of today’s stage you will be over the moon to have completed the challenge of a lifetime. Tonight we will celebrate, and spend the night in Riva del Garda.

After today’s stage everyone will come together for a closing party, this is your chance to celebrate your achievements with the other hundreds of riders, from all around the world, who have taken on this incredible journey with you.

Today we will have transfers running to Venice Marco Polo Airport.  We anticipate that the transfer will take around 2.5 hours so please book flights with departure times after 11:30. Airport transfers are available at £60 per person for a return airport transfer.