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Dream start for the 22nd 2026 TOUR Transalp

600 road cyclists set off from Lienz / Seven spectacular stages

Dream start for the 22nd 2026 TOUR Transalp

Bielefeld, 23 June 2026 - Summer, sunshine, mountain panoramas: the 22nd edition of the legendary TOUR Transalp took off in Lienz (East Tyrol) under a brilliant blue sky. More than 600 road cyclists from all over the world took to the start line on Sunday to tackle 750 kilometres and 17,000 metres of climbing across seven stages. Now it’s time to give it their all, test their limits, enjoy every view and make the most of every opportunity to cool down, as high summer temperatures are also expected for the coming days of the Transalp.

Many amateur cyclists are taking part in the TOUR Transalp once again. This makes it all the more important to conjure up a spectacular new route each year. And in 2026, they’ve absolutely succeeded: The 22nd edition of this road cycling classic takes riders along many well-known classics, as well as lesser-known roads and mountain passes through the Alps.

A total of seven challenging and stunning stages, offering the chance to compete against others on the climbs and battle for a place on the podium, or simply to enjoy the community, fast descents and the panoramic views.

On day 1, the route went from Lienz over the Staller Sattel to Sillian; at 114 kilometres and just under 2,000 metres of climbing, it was a good stage to ease into the Transalp adventure. On the first stage, a prominent rider joined the ranks of leisure cyclists and ambitious podium contenders: Local hero Benjamin Karl from Austria, whom most people know better from snowboarding (in cluding as a two-time Olympic champion), showed in his adopted home that he can hold his own quite well on two wheels too.

The second day demanded even more from the participants: they had to cover 135 kilometres and 3,600 metres of climbing in temperatures of over 30 degrees on their way to Falcade. A stage destination that, after a 14 -year pause, is finally part of the TOUR Transalp once again, beautifully situated in a sunny high valley at the foot of the Passo Valles and the Pale di San Martino.

A challenging second stage, which offered stunning panoramic views from the summits and featured two passes that had never before been part of the TOUR Transalp: the Passo Staulanza and the Passo Duran, which are considered among the most beautiful roads in the Dolomites.

From here, the route continues over the next few days to San Martino di Castrozza, Possagno and Semonzo (Monte Grappa) to Lavarone and finally to the grand finale in Riva del Garda on Lake Garda (27 June), where the long-awaited chance to cool off awaits the Transalp finishers.