19 - 26 July 2003

From Mittenwald (Germany)                             
                          To Riva del Garda (Italy)

The Transalp Challenge

Three countries, eight stages, 600 kilometer and 20.000 altitude meters: In 5 years time the Transalp Challenge has been growing into the monumental race it is today. The Transalp Challenge starts in Mittenwald in Oberbayern. Eight days later the longest and hardest mountain bike race of Europe finish in Riva del Garda on the shores of the magnificent Garda Lake. The race crosses the most beautiful regions of the Karwendel Mountains, the Dolomites and around the Garda Lake. Moreover, the racecourse passes historical interesting places and over old military roads.

Unfortunately, obtaining one of the highly desired starting places is not that simple. One needs to be very fast to register for the hardest mountain bike race of Europe. More then 4000 teams have presented themselves for a starting number. Only 400 teams are allowed during the race. The team members need to stay together during the complete race. The time difference between both team members can be maximum 2 minutes, otherwise they will get a time penalty.

Every team needs to find the correct way based on a road book, just like an orientation rally. Every day the mountain bikers have to present themselves at 2 or 3 secret control stations. Only the ones who can prove all "checkpoints" at the end of the race are taken up in the general classification.

Dominiek Sacré and Peter Paelinck will start in 2002 for the 5th time in this ultimate mountain bike adventure in the Alps. The experience of the 4 previous Transalp Challenge races will be very useful during the 2003 race. Both bikers have the ambition to at least match or even to improve their performance of last year. Kroki will start for the first time in the Transalp Challenge this year. He will make a team with Mieke Deroo, 2-time winner of the Crocodile Trophy. They will defend the Reevax colors in the mixed category. This will not be easy because the competition becomes stronger every year and the Crocodile Trophy in Australia will be the climax of the 2002 season

Organizer: Upsolut MV GmbH
Organisator: München, Germany

Start: Mittenwald, 19 July 2003
Finish: Riva del Garda, 26 July 2003

Distance: 600 km
Stages: 8 stages
Stages: average 75 km/day
Altitude meters: 20.000 hm

Participants: 400 teams of 2 riders

Accommodation: mattresses in schools, tents or sporthals are available

Website: transalp.upsolutmv.com

Route: The route is highlighted by difficult gravel stretches, power-sucking climbs and downhills and demanding single-trails.