Stage 2: Kleinwalsertal (AUT) – Schruns (AUT)

Distance:  53.20km/33.05miles
Ascent:   2481m/8139ft
Descent:   2913m/9557ft

Course Profile

There are two sides to “stunning”. On the positive side, every corner we rounded on the stage from Hirschegg to Schruns provided some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable. The downside is that “stunning” comes with a price.

Today’s leg included three major climbs totaling some 2400 meters and almost 3000m of descents. And at 53 kilometers, it’s the longest stage of the event.

That said, today was a big success. After our scare in the first stage with the heat, we made it our goal to finish the stage in good health and good spirits. We know we’ve got plenty of work ahead and it was critical to us both physically and mentally that we stay out of that red zone we found ourselves in during the first day. With that strategy, Patrick and I set a conservative but deliberate pace as we passed through and over jutting peaks and postcard-perfect villages. We realized after the big climbs today that , although they were burly, they are very similar to what we’re used to Alaska. It was hot again, but not stifling. We pounded fluids, gu, and gorged on the gourmet aid-station buffets and were encouraged at how well the K’s clicked off. We finished feeling tired but strong. A good omen.

One of the coolest aspects of the Transalpine is the international camaraderie. There are a bunch of teams traveling similar speeds to us that leap-frog depending on how they’re feeling and their strengths. After two stages, we’ve already got trail buddies from Lichtenstein, Austria, Germany, England, Scotland, Spain, Greece, Russia, etc. Big thanks to all of them for using their best English, as our foreign language skills are poor.

We’ve discovered since we’ve come here that being from Alaska comes with a price. As it turns out, Team Alaska is big talk around here still from last year. Brent Knight and Brandon Newbould kicked some serious ass last year when they finished 3^rd. Now that I’ve seen it and done some of it, I can tell you that what they did is truly impressive. When we mention we are from Alaska everyone says, “Oh, you guys must be very good.” Then they talk about the shaggy-haired bandana-wearing team that surprised everyone. Nothing like trying to follow that act!

After the race we chatted with the English team in second place overall at the moment. They said that as the Transalpine gets more popular, it’s attracting some serious international talent. This year, they say, is stacked. We’re pleased to have finished 12^th and 16^th the first two days in the Men’s category, but thinking about standing or time is way far from our mind. Patrick put it well when he said the most important things are to stay in good spirits and good health .

Tomorrow will be tough. The stage from Schruns to Galtur is not much shorter than today (43k) with more climbing (2700m). As I write, the weather has moved in and the rain is coming down in buckets. Stay tuned!