Hey all,
I'm interested in doing a mtb stage race. I saw that smithers and a few others did the Trans Germany (renamed the Bike Four Peaks this year)- would you recommend or not? What about other races - the Trans Wales or TransSylvania? I did the TransAlp two years ago, but want something a bit shorter this time.
I thought it was a very well run event and would love to do it again some time. I have not done the Transalp so can't compare like for like. TransAlp is on the bucket list although TransAlgarve might be next year. Doit
Hey all,
I'm interested in doing a mtb stage race. I saw that smithers and a few others did the Trans Germany (renamed the Bike Four Peaks this year)- would you recommend or not? What about other races - the Trans Wales or TransSylvania? I did the TransAlp two years ago, but want something a bit shorter this time.
The TransAlp was one of the best things I've done - not just the event itself, but the training and crack getting ready for it. Brilliantly run event, all food and accomodation packaged with the race entry (slept in primary schools, sports halls, fire stations...). There were quite long sections on the road - mostly on the way in and out of the stage towns. The climbs were savage! 4000m one day and 22000m over the eight days. One thing I'd recommend is to make sure the partners are well matched. Four of us went as two teams of two, but we were mismatched, which was a pain at times. Overall it was brilliant.
The TransAlp was one of the best things I've done - not just the event itself, but the training and crack getting ready for it. Brilliantly run event, all food and accomodation packaged with the race entry (slept in primary schools, sports halls, fire stations...). There were quite long sections on the road - mostly on the way in and out of the stage towns. The climbs were savage! 4000m one day and 22000m over the eight days. One thing I'd recommend is to make sure the partners are well matched. Four of us went as two teams of two, but we were mismatched, which was a pain at times. Overall it was brilliant.
Have a look at the andalucia bike race. I'm doing it with a pal in a few weeks, but it's full for this year, so you'd have to wait until this time next year. Cait did it a couple of years back and said some of the climbs are fireroad, but the rest of it is singletrack. Cheaper than the transalps, and that includes accommodation (4* hotels) and things like airport transfers etc.
looks good alright.... will you post up a report when you get back... doesnt have to be a novel but would be interested to see what an Irish MTB'r thinks of it.
Did the transmaurienne in '08. Very little fireroad, mostly doubletrack, and singletrack, some in the trees, some up above the treeline.
All in all quite technical.
4 days, broken into about 6 stages.
Held in the little hills around Alpe d'Huez. (the big day was 65km with 3000m climbing)
Great event