TOUR Transalp leads through three countries
The Stage race for amateur cyclists starts on 21 June 2026 in Lienz and ends a week later at Lake Garda. Optionally, it is also possible to cycle via three or four stages be ridden along. The route crosses East Tyrol, South Tyrol and Veneto over a total of 726 kilometres. There are 16,423 metres of elevation gain spread over seven stages with varying degrees of difficulty. The organisers have integrated new sections for 2026, which will take the race over previously unridden passes for the first time.
The starting stage from Lienz to Sillian uses the Defereggen Valley as access to the Hohe Tauern. The Staller Sattel at an altitude of 2052 metres forms the transition to Italy. The 35-kilometre ascent distributes 1250 metres of altitude evenly, keeping the gradient percentages moderate. After the pass, the route leads to the Antholz biathlon stadium, where the 2026 Olympic biathlon competitions will take place.
Queen's stage of the TOUR Transalp in the Dolomites
The second stage from Sillian to San Martino di Castrozza is considered the queen stage with a difficulty level of 5 out of 5. Four passes characterise this mountain arrival: Passo Cimabanche, Passo Giau, Passo Staulanza and Passo Duran. The latter two climbs are part of the TOUR Transalp for the first time. The Passo Giau leads through the rock towers of the Cinque Torri and is considered by connoisseurs to be the most beautiful Dolomite pass.
The Passo Staulanza climbs 450 metres in altitude between Civetta and Monte Pelmo on a well-maintained road. The subsequent Passo Duran climbs 650 metres in altitude on a narrower road behind the Civetta massif. The Giro d'Italia stage on 29 May 2025 uses the same route in the opposite direction. Prominent Dolomite peaks such as the Three Peaks, Monte Cristallo and Antelao line the route.
Short mountain stage and Monte Grappa
The third stage of the TOUR Transalp from Falcade to San Martino di Castrozza measures less than 50 kilometres, but accumulates 1800 metres in altitude. The ratio of altitude metres to kilometres is the highest of all the stages. The Transalp classics Passo Valles and Passo Rolle offer steady, moderate climbs on ideally designed racing bike roads. The Pale di San Martino form the southernmost Dolomite massif and characterise the panorama of this mountain arrival.
The fourth stage leads from San Martino di Castrozza to Possagno via Passo Croce d'Aune and Monte Grappa. The 1700 metre high Monte Grappa towers 1500 metres above the plain and marks the last real Alpine pass. The southern ramps are considered panoramic roads with views as far as the Adriatic Sea. Possagno offers a cultural highlight in the form of the Tempio Canova - the classicist circular building was designed by the sculptor Antonio Canova.
New Grappa traverse and Prosecco hill
The fifth stage of the TOUR Transalp from Possagno to Semonzo uses a new east-west traverse over Monte Grappa for the first time. This route begins at Monte Tomba and leads over previously closed sections of road. Rock tunnels had to be renovated before the route could be used again. The narrow road winds its way in tight bends into the mountain pastures with views as far as the sea.
The intro to this mountain stage leads through the Prosecco hills around Valdobbiadene. The vineyards form a green cultivated landscape with the red tiled roofs of the wineries. Narrow roads wind their way over the sunny hills, where the "Prosecco Cycling" event takes place every year in September. This combination of vineyards and Alpine panorama makes the stage a scenic highlight.
Plateau of the Sette Communi
The sixth stage of the TOUR Transalp from Semonzo to Lavarone crosses the Sette Communi plateau. This huge rocky plateau between Bassano del Grappa and the Adige Valley reaches an altitude of over 2000 metres. The Valstagna offers one of the most spectacular climbs in Transalp history - hairpin bends wind like steps 800 metres up the rock face.
Old German dialects have been preserved on the plateau. Place names appear bilingual: Foza is also called "Vüsche", Asiago also "Sleghe". The Alpe Cimbra with Folgaria, Luserna and Lavarone forms the western part of this mountain world. Cheese production and potato growing characterise the agriculture. The cooler microclimate makes the region a popular cycling area in summer.
Final of the TOUR Transalp on Lake Garda
The final stage of the TOUR Transalp from Lavarone to Riva del Garda covers 1800 metres in altitude over 80 kilometres. Three passes are on the programme: Passo del Sommo, Passo Bordala and Passo Santa Barbara. The Passo Bordala requires an ascent of 1100 metres from the Adige Valley and first leads into the Val di Gresta. This high valley is located in front of Lake Garda and is characterised by fields.
The Passo Santa Barbara forms the last crossing, 1000 metres above Lake Garda. A narrow forest road winds its way down to Bolognano. The last few kilometres are flat and lead to the port of Riva del Garda. This is where the week-long crossing of the Alps ends with a view of Italy's largest lake. The main road from Rovereto to Riva del Garda remains closed for cycling events, which is why the diversions leads over the mountains.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
