as above...what was it like, where do you find the info and how much did it cost?
any pics!? 
Bike Forum
Anyone done the transalp MTB race?
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Posted 9 months ago #
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Much better to do you own TransAlp. Mine starts in a week, details
http://www.sendspace.com/file/62t1av
The race is a bit manic, loads of Germans getting in your way, never staying up high at night (because they need to accomodate 1200 people) and too much of the route on fire-roads.
Good to start with soething like the Joe Route if you've not done anthing like it before
C
Posted 9 months ago # -
cheers ChrisE, never thought about doing my own version. i'll look into it. might be able to do it cheaper too!
Posted 9 months ago # -
Yup me, it was pretty arduous. I trained hard and glad I did as I enjoyed in more than some. Climbing 2500 – 3500 metres each day over 70 – 90km takes its toll. I think about 20% didn’t make it to the end.
Top tips
Mechanical
Get your bike setup from the start and don’t change it make sure its 100% reliable. I completely serviced mine a month before the event then took it on a 100km cx event to prove it was ok. I only changed one brake pad during the whole event, no mechanicals. Got the (free) race shimano service centre to give my gears and cables a bit of TLC on day 4. They did a great job of tweeking the gears so much so there still shifting flawlessly.
Make sure your brakes have at least 160mm rotors its steeper than you think in the mountains, sinterd pads ofc.
Maxxis tubeless tyres, Ardent 2.25 front 2.25 Crossmark with latex. You will pass many skinny tired racers fixing their tyres
Take your GPS, Garmin did a free upload of the route at registration and supported throughout the race.
You need a small bag with servicing and spares in it for cleaning chain etc each night, include J clothes and wet wipes
Travel
Fly to Munich, then train to Munich rail centre then the start at Mittenwald platform 27 – 33
Fly back from Verona, hired a mini bus with some other guys we met on the race to get there, best bet.Accommodation
I used mainly hotels, camping in the sports halls etc is ok but not idealTraining
I started training in Nov. HRM it will provide the biggest boost to your performance and was essential for me for climbing as it helped to maintain a steady heart rate burning the least amount of energy. Polar on line training diary was brilliant in keeping me honest and its freeRoad bike to get mileage
Spin classes
Gym for general fitness, you need to train your arms, core, back etc
Race strategy
Up to the race I picked a series of races as mini goals to keep me on track like 12 hour solo at Bristol bike fest, CRC marathons. These help to give you confidence and sort your eating, drinking, gear etc as well as good training
It’s a 8 day race. Its a long race. Day 1 we were nearly last, every day after that we pulled back more and more riders. Its an energy race, you must not use more energy than you have to give or can replace. HRM keeps you within the optimum zone.
Posted 9 months ago # -
Some quality advice there PB, great post. thanks very much!
Posted 9 months ago # -
You don't need fat tyres but they do need to be reasonably tough. (No supersonics etc..)
Organic pads are fine in the Alps as long as its dry; it's wet, gritty conditions that kill them
Accommodation will obviously depend on budget. I was a student and stayed in the sports halls. Not ideal, but fine if you have ear plugs.
I didn't have a garmin but I did print out the route profiles and strap them to my bike each day.
Don't expect to be given enough food in the evening. When I did the race the evening meals were hit and miss.Posted 9 months ago #
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