Cycling in the Alps is a dream for many cycling enthusiasts around the world. With its breathtaking landscapes, challenging climbs, and thrilling descents, the Alps offer a unique and unforgettable experience for riders of all levels.
From 2019 Itinera Bike & Travel takes care of the logistic of the events organized by Sport Verona ASD, a sport association with focus on Radonnées. The non-competitive races take place yearly in the area of Northern Italy. The biggest event is TransAlp Rando.
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Cycling in the Alps – But what is a Randonnée?
Randonnée is a form of cycling that emphasizes fun and camaraderie rather than competition. The French word “randonnée” translates to “walk” or “hike,” and these events involve riding long distances without any official ranking. While some events may be timed, the primary purpose is to provide cyclists with a sense of accomplishment in completing a challenging ride.
Randonnée events typically require participants to ride completely independently, without the aid of support vehicles or team members. The routes are not marked, and each cyclist is given a “road book” with detailed instructions on the course to follow. Checkpoints along the way ensure that riders stay on course.
While the maximum ride time is important to keep the event running smoothly, it is not the most critical factor. Cyclists start at different intervals, typically within a set time frame, to avoid overcrowding. Any type of bicycle is allowed, and the focus is on the tourist component of the ride rather than the competitive aspect.
The philosophy of randonnée is centered on personal challenge and enjoyment rather than winning. The only opponent is the stopwatch, and cyclists strive to finish the course within the designated time limit. The camaraderie among participants and the satisfaction of completing a challenging ride are the main rewards of randonnée cycling.
Join the TransAlp Rando 2023!
If you are an enthusiast cyclist, and you are looking for a challenge that will test your limits, then the TransAlp Rando 2023 may be just what you need. Organized by Sport Verona ASD, this event is the first official ARI Audax edition of TransAlp Rando, a 1,200 km ultra randonnée that crosses the Dolomites passing through three Alpine countries: Italy, Austria, and Slovenia. The event also includes the simultaneous running of a 600 km randonnée.
The TransAlp Rando is not for the faint of heart! The route covers over 1,200 km and has a total elevation gain of 11,000 meters. The event will take place from May 24 to May 29, 2023.
More info here: https://www.transalprando.com/en/
Cycling in the Alps along a 1200 km route
The route starts in Verona and takes cyclists towards Lake Garda, where they continue towards Trento and Bolzano along the Adige River. From there, cyclists ascend eastwards along the Isarco River before entering the Pusteria Valley. The first 300 km of the route will take cyclists to Villabassa before heading towards Austria first along the Drava River Valley and then along the Gail River Valley.
At Tarvisio, cyclists turn east towards Slovenia along the Sava River Valley. After skirting the beautiful Lake Bled, cyclists arrive in Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital, and reach the 600-kilometer mark. On the way back, cyclists pedal westwards, passing through Tarvisio and Friuli Venezia Giulia before crossing the Passo Monte Croce Carnico and returning to Austria. The route takes cyclists along the enchanting Gail River Valley and then into the Puster Valley. Back to Villabassa for the 900-kilometer passage, then from Dobbiaco up to Cimabanche, surrounded by the most beautiful and famous peaks of the Dolomites. The route passes through Cortina d’Ampezzo and descends along the Piave Valley, skirting the Venetian Pre-Alps and passing through Belluno, Feltre, and Bassano del Grappa before the last stretch on the plains.
Finally, after skirting the Vicenza and Verona Pre-Alps, cyclists reach the grand finale in Verona, where the great feat is over.
Cycling in the Alps along a 600 km route
The 600 km route covers the Italian section of the ultra randonnée. From Verona, cyclists pedal towards Lake Garda and continue towards Trento and Bolzano before climbing eastwards along the Isarco River and entering the Val Pusteria. In Villabassa, cyclists will have cycled the first 300 km. From there, cyclists head south and climb to Cimabanche, surrounded by the most beautiful and famous peaks of the Dolomites. They pass through Cortina d’Ampezzo and descend along the Piave Valley before passing along the Venetian Pre-Alps. After the last stretch on the flat, cyclists arrive at the finish line of 600 km in Verona.
The TransAlpo Rando event will be your great adventure! Over the course of several days, cyclists from all over the world will come together to tackle some of the most challenging and breathtaking terrain the Alps have to offer. From steep climbs to hair-raising descents, participants will push themselves to their limits, both physically and mentally, and emerge triumphant.
But the TransAlpo Rando event will be more than just a test of endurance and skill. It is a opportunity to connect with fellow cyclists, to share in the beauty of nature, and to challenge oneself in ways that few other experiences can offer. Whether participants are seasoned riders or first-timers, they all left with memories that will last a lifetime!