Tour Transalp: Lavarone - Riva del Garda

650 kilometres, 16,500 metres of altitude, and numerous Alpine passes – these are the key figures for the 22nd Tour Transalp. Around 1,000 participants from 35 nations will take part in this spectacular crossing of the Alps in 2026.

Stage 7: Lavarone - Riva del Garda

The final leg leads directly to Riva del Garda, concluding a week full of surprises, variety, and demanding work for the legs. Even on this nearly direct route to Lake Garda, there are still 1,800 metres of climbing to tackle over approximately 80 kilometres. Heading towards northern Lake Garda, the route first climbs the Passo del Sommo, a 250-metre ascent from Carbonare to Folgaria. While the main road through the Rio Cavallo valley continues down to Calliano in the Val d'Adige (Etschtal), the route takes a slight detour. It leaves the main road to gain another 100 metres over four kilometres on the southern side of the valley to Serrada.

Serrada sits on a saddle leading to the neighbouring valley. Instead of descending to Rovereto, the route follows the Rio Cavallo back towards the Val d'Adige. From Serrada, a winding road passes through the small village of Guardia and rejoins the main road from Folgaria after about 8 kilometres. After another 6 fast kilometres on the state road, you reach the floor of the Adige (Etsch) valley. After passing through the narrow, historic streets of Calliano, things quieten down for a moment.

The description of a direct route is not entirely false, but the main road from Rovereto to Riva del Garda is unsuitable for a cycling event like the Transalp due to heavy traffic. Therefore, the route goes over the mountains instead, which is much more pleasant. After a short break in the valley, the climb begins in Aldeno, passing the idyllic Lago di Cei and continuing up to the Passo Bordala at 1,251 metres. With a 1,100-metre ascent from the valley, this last day presents a serious mountain challenge. The pass leads into the Val di Gresta, a high valley known for its fields that sits just above Lake Garda. A short, twisty descent on a narrow road leads to Ronzo-Chienis before turning towards the final pass of the Transalp: the Passo Santa Barbara. This pass still stands 1,000 metres above Lake Garda. A narrow road winds through the forest down to Bolognano. From there, it is just a few flat kilometres to the harbour in Riva del Garda, the long-awaited destination. It is the perfect spot to celebrate the end of the race.

The Tour Transalp is one of Europe's premier amateur road cycling events. In 2026, the seven stages will take riders from Lienz in East Tyrol through Sillian, Falcade, San Martino di Castrozza, Possagno, Semonzo, and Lavarone, before finishing in Riva del Garda.

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