Currently we are working hard to design the most suitable route for you. The given routes, locations and distances show the current planning and are subject to change in the coming months. The final tracks will be available approx. 6 weeks prior to the tour start
Itinerary
Day 1: Salzburg (AT) - Bruck (AT)
We start our tour by cycling into the city of Salzburg, cross the river at the picturesque Mozartsteg and pass the castle Hohensalzburg high above us. Before we reach the German border, we climb the first hill with up to 22%. From Bad Reichenhall we follow the river Saalach upstream to Lofer and finally to Saalfelden. We did the most climb of today and continue to Lake Zell and later we reach our destination in Bruck.
Behind Bad Reichenhall track 2 turns towards Ramsau and climbs the Hirschbichl mountain pass at the Austrian border before joining track 1 again.
Day 2: Bruck (AT) - Lienz (AT)
The second day is already the queen stage. Today we cross the Großglockner mountain pass! The first few kilometers start relatively flat before starting the long, challenging ascent from Fusch, garnished with a few hairpin curves. The overwhelming mountain panorama of the Großglockner allows us continuous moments of happiness, provided the body allows it. After the summit at Fuscher Törl pass has been climbed at 2428 m, we first go downhill a bit before a counter climb leads us to Hochtor on 2504 m. From this highest point of the tour there is a long and demanding descent down to Lienz. Perfect brakes and good technique is required here. Before we reach the stage destination, another very challenging climb of 300 m elevation is waiting for us.
There is no separate track 2 on this day.
Day 3: Lienz (AT) - Klausen (IT)
We follow the river Drau from Lienz and cycle through the entire Pustertal in east-west direction. On our way to the Italian border, the route rises continuously by 500 m. For the rest of the day, the route is mostly slightly downhill via Toblach and Bruneck into the Eisack valley, which we follow to our stage finish in Klausen. Since we mostly cycle in valleys, there are no extreme climbs or descents to master, but we continuously cycle up- or downhill.
Instead of crossing Bruneck Track 2 circles the Kronplatz with climbing the Furkel Pass inbetween.
Day 4: Klausen (IT) - Auer (IT)
Soon after the start we gain altitude in the Eisack valley. We turn into Val Gardena and at Ortisei we already climbed some hundred meters of altitude and may enjoy a coffee break in the nice village. The climb to the Alpe di Siusi is exhausting, but we are more than rewarded for it. Unique mountain panoramas and streets with little traffic accompany us here. After about half the day's distance, we descent to the Eisack valley again and can enjoy a cappuccino in Bolzano, as today's stage is not too long. The remaining way to our destination in Auer is flat and leads us on the perfectly tarred Adige cycle path. However, you can expect appropriate bicycle traffic here.
Track 2 cyclists can expect a 'hot ride' in the heart of the Dolomites. We cycle through Val Gardena up to Wolkenstein and then climb on the famous Sella Ronda route to the Sella Joch. After descending into the Fassa valley we continue through Val di Fiemme and finally reach Auer.
Day 5: Auer (IT) - Torbole (IT)
The last day doesn't offer much elevation for us, but sensational views into the mountains area. In the morning we start an excursion along the wine road and later meet again Alto Adige cycle path. Halfway of the day, a stop in Trento could be a good opportunity for some sightseeing or a coffee before continuing along the river Adige to Mori. From here it is not far to final tour destination at Lake Garda. Even from a distance you can see the lake glittering in front of us and the tour destination is only a short descent away.
At Mezzocorona, Track 2 turns from the Adige valley one last time into the mountains. The route leads up to Lake Molveno and into a secluded mountain region. From Lake Tenno we let it roll and later we meet Lake Garda at Riva. It is just a short distance to our destination in Torbole.
Day 6: Torbole (IT) - Salzburg (AT)
After the breakfast the shuttle bus bring the participants back to the tour start location in Salzburg.
The tracks of the different stages differ in general regarding their length and the climb as well as the surface.
Track 1
Recommended for all kinds of bikes including road bikes. Only paved roads on the track, if there is a need to use some (short) gravel sections, these are possible to cycle even with road bikes. In particular in the valleys it might be sometimes necessary to use some trafficed roads without separate cycling paths. If possible the track follows cycling paths.
Shorter and less challenging than track 2.
Track 2
Recommended in particular for road bikes, but possible for all kinds of bikes. Only paved roads on the track, if there is a need to use some (short) gravel sections, these are possible to cycle even with road bikes. In particular in the valleys it might be sometimes necessary to use some trafficed roads without separate cycling paths. If possible the track follows cycling paths.
The distance is longer and more climb than on track 1.
