BIKE TRANSALP 2019

Our 6th participation of this big race seemed the one too much...
2012 was our first one, since than we participated each year, only 2017 & 2018 we skipped it, to ride other races. This season we went back!

BIKE Trans Alp is one of the big European stage races, (if not said the biggest). In the past almost all big professional teams were present. So going back was a bit of a shock for us.

1. COMPETITORS: In the past 600 teams appeared at the start line, i.e. 1200 participants), this year only 700 participants. And a lot of them received free tickets, so not too many paying riders.

2. LOW PRICE VALUE. At the accreditation we received a goodiebag with sponsor gifts (baselayer shirt or socks, gels & bars, stickers, vouchers). This year we recieved 7 bars and 7 candybags. So one for each stage,... This is one of the more expensive stage races. According to us, that level dropped from hero to zero.

3. DINNER TIME: After each stage there is a dinnerparty. The local organisations take care of the food. You could expect pasta, but not each day, or at least not each day pasta with tomatosauce. There was only one day we got served chicken. A little bit poor to be honest!
At the finish stage it was even worse! Polenta with sausage and beans,... We couldn't reach anyone who seemed to like it. We got to a pizzeria in town, and after a while he whole place was stuffed with riders who did not seem to like the proposed dinner eighter.

4. FEED STATIONS: Each stage there are two foodstations, regardless the lenght of the stage... For a 50K stage we had 2 of them but also for a stage over 100K... In hot conditions, this just isn't enough.

5. EXPO: If you ride a Scott bike you are one of the lucky ones. Because you get great FREE service! If you ride any other bike brand, than you will pay for maintenance, broken pieces (at overrated prices) or spare parts.

6. CAMPER-FACILITY: At most of the stage towns there were no campingspots or areas to stay overnight with the camper. At the first stage in TUX we had to pay a fee of more than 30 euro to stand on a grass field with no facilities. At the other stagetowns our driver David (who did a splendid job during the whole race) managed to park at a fair place to stay.

7. STAGE QUALITY: Most of the stages we could ride with our race bike. We did get some nice downhills, but overall the quality of the stages was low. Not technical at all and more tarmac than trails.

8. STAGE STARTS: If you start in a big city or just with a big group you get a neutralized start. So far so good, but when the battle really starts, and then the whole bunch has to take a U'turn into a small ascending gravelroad... That's asking for trouble. It can't be so hard to start in waves can it??

9. SHOWER: At the finishing stage there were NO shower facilities??? What?? No, the showers are in the camp 12K from here?!?!? Sorry?? No, there was no rain, so you look clean... WHAT???

10. YOU ARE JUST A NUMBER: For us it was number 33 this year. People from the organisation don't really care, they don't ride, they are just there to do what they have to do. They don't even enjoy being there, or that's how it seems. We had the privilege to participate in other races where people do care, where they actually call you by your name. I think for me this says it all. Bike Trans Alp is all about numbers, not about people and passion!



O the race, well we had a goal and we achieved the goal! We went from 9th to 7th in GC. Best result ever. And we're going to keep it that way. Next year no Trans Alp on the program.

We enjoyed the panoramic views in between the suffering. And Peter was good, much better at climbing than me. I suffered each day a little more. But I survived! And what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger! Right?

Rider and driver

Rider and rider

Rider and driver again...

Rest and recreation...😉