Shortly after the start in Austrian Nauders the course leads smoothly uphill to the Reschenpass with its well-known steeple peeking out of Reschen Lake. In Italian South Tyrol the way leads through the Vinschgau valley to the village of Prad. In Prad the 27 kilometers uphill ramp to Silfser Joch commences. Having reached the summit the way routes directly (without further uphill grade) down to Umbrailpass and to Switzerland. Afterwards the Ofenpass (elevation 2,149m) waits for the cyclists. Subsequent way back curls through the Swiss Engadin alongside Inn river via Zernez and Scuol down to the spot of Martina. This part may look like a conveniant downhill ride of some 60 kilometers. However, this part has some stressful uphill climbs and displeasing headwinds. Finally, there are behind Martina some further challenging 11 ramps and 400 meters of altitude difference up to Norbertshöhe and back to Nauders.

Only one week before the race the webcam on Stilfser Joch reported this picture! The pass was even closed for two days due to an avalanche. However, on race day the weather conditions were very pleasant without any clouds and with temperatures of more than 20 degrees Celsius even on pass summit.

Pick up of the race packages one day before the event

The usual picture of some thousands cyclists starting at 6.30am in Nauders

Best weather conditions on the way to South Tyrol with majestic Ortler mountain (3,905m) in the background

Shortly behind the village of Prad the beginning of the serpentines...

...and this sign announces only 47 further switchbacks up to the summit of Stilfser Joch!

On a cleanly asphalted road the way leads uphill...

...with endless switchbacks...

...and on an altitude level of some 2,220 meters at Hotel Franzenshöhe you have this spectacular and gorgeous view on the 27 remaining serpentines up to the pass summit!

View back down on Northern ramp. In the below center of the picture the Hotel Franzenshöhe.

And again countless serpentines...

...some water and bananas shortly before pass summit...

Stilfser Joch is being crested!

Short break at Umbrailpass at the border to Switzerland

On ascend to Ofenpass it becomes rather uncomfortable: Lousy physical condition and maddening heat of meanwhile more than 30 degrees Celsius take their toll. The Ofenpass (Ofen = furnace, oven) lives up to it's name...

...and the way becomes a baking oven for the participants at the rear of the field. Only very few shady trees on the way!

Finally the baking oven pass is being reached. However, further pain starts here: The bike computer reports on the way through the Engadin temperatures of up to 37 degrees Celsius. In addition there are only few groups of participants left that could be accompanied. Again and again painful uphill climbs and headwinds! But the worst: 4.00pm kick-off for the World Cup round-of-sixteen match Germany vs. England approaches rapidly and one agonises in the heat at the back of beyond - you should not tell that your friends at home...

Exactly at 4.00pm little village of Martina is being reached. This is the border spot between Switzerland and Austria. In Martina the route leads finally uphill to Norbertshöhe!

Fortunately, the Sweeper bus takes liberties with the last riders and provides the current score of the World Cup match: "1-0 Germany, 21. minute!"
Great service!!!

Shortly behind Norbertshöhe and after a climb of 169 kilometers and more than 3,500 meters of altitude difference this is the view to idyllic Nauders!