The TOUR Transalp is considered one of the most challenging stage races for amateur cyclists in the Alps. From 15 to 21 June 2025, the 21st edition of the race will run over seven stages from Innsbruck to Riva del Garda. Participants will have to conquer a total of 16,300 metres in altitude on the 650-kilometre route. The route combines well-known Alpine passes such as the Stelvio Pass with less travelled roads in the Bergamo Alps. The starting point is Innsbruck for the first time, which, according to the organisers, has become the "secret cycling capital of Austria" since the 2018 World Cycling Championships. The finish is traditionally in Riva del Garda on the northern shore of Lake Garda. The event promises not only top sporting performances, but also breathtaking panoramas and unforgettable experiences in the Alpine mountains.
From Innsbruck via the Kühtai to the Tyrolean Oberland
The first stage leads over 77 kilometres and 2021 metres in altitude from Innsbruck to Imst. Right at the start, the Kühtai Pass (2000 metres) is the first climb in the category of honour. From Kematen in the Inn Valley, the route climbs 1400 metres in altitude over 19 kilometres. The descent leads via a side road on the Sattele directly into the Inn Valley. The second stage (80 kilometres, 2010 metres in altitude) runs from Imst to Pfunds in the Tyrolean Oberland. The main difficulty is the ascent to the Pillerhöhe with 900 metres of altitude difference over 17 kilometres. A detour also takes participants to Spiss, the highest municipality in Tyrol at 1628 metres. These two stages offer a perfect introduction to the Transalp and provide a foretaste of the challenges to come.
TOUR Transalp over the Stelvio Pass to Bormio
The third stage is considered the queen stage of the TOUR Transalp 2025. 102 kilometres and 2818 metres in altitude lead from Pfunds over the Reschen Pass to South Tyrol and finally up to the Stelvio at 2757 metres above sea level. The ascent to the Stelvio Pass begins in Prad and climbs 1808 metres in altitude over 24.3 kilometres. A total of 48 hairpin bends wind their way up the road to the highest tarmac Alpine pass in Italy. After the descent, the participants reach the stage finish in Bormio. The fourth stage (91 kilometres, 2246 metres in altitude) leads from Bormio over the Mortirolo Pass to Aprica. The Mortirolo is considered one of the steepest and most difficult climbs in professional cycling. These two stages are the highlight of the tour and demand everything from the participants.
Through the Bergamo Alps to Lake Garda
The fifth stage (116 kilometres, 2597 metres in altitude) leads from Aprica to Darfo Boario Terme. The highlight is the crossing of the Passo del Vivione, which, according to the organisers, is one of the "exciting new discoveries of the TOUR Transalp". The sixth stage (104 kilometres, 3215 metres in altitude) from Darfo Boario Terme to Valle del Chiese is considered the queen stage. It leads over the Passo Croce Domini with 1750 metres of ascent in one stretch. The final stage (81 kilometres, 1495 metres in altitude) finally leads from Valle del Chiese to Riva del Garda. Over the Passo del Ballino, the participants reach the finish on the northern shore of Lake Garda. These final stages offer a mixture of lesser-known passes and the grand finale on Lake Garda, making the TOUR Transalp an unforgettable experience.
The stages 2025:
- Stage 1: Innsbruck - Imst 77 km and 2021 metres in altitude
- Stage 2: Imst - Pfunds 80 km and 2010 metres in altitude
- Stage 3: Pfunds - Bormio 102 km and 2818 metres in altitude
- Stage 4: Bormio - Aprica 91 km and 2246 metres in altitude
- Stage 5: Aprica - Darfo Boario Terme 116 km and 2597 metres in altitude
- Stage 6: Darfo Boario Terme - Valle del Chiese 104 km and 3215 metres in altitude
- Stage 7: Valle del Chiese - Riva del Garda 81 km and 1495 metres in altitude
TOUR Transalp registration
The TOUR Transalp is aimed at ambitious amateur cyclists. Participation is possible both as an individual starter and in teams of two. The organiser provides refreshment stations, luggage transport and medical care for all participants. Registration is possible via the official Website possible. The entry fee is currently between 1299 and 1799 euros per person, depending on the package. Participation over a shorter period is also possible for the first time. The 3-day Transalp Challenge runs from Sunday, 15 June to Tuesday, 18 June 2025, while the 4-day Transalp Challenge starts on Wednesday, 18 June and ends on Saturday, 21 June 2025.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
