Roland Stauders new STONEMAN TRAILS

1 trail, 3 countries, a lot of peaks and a loto of MTB fun !

After years and years of success in the Dolomites with the STONEMAN TRAIL DOLOMITI (Northern Italy), now there exists also a new STONEMAN TRAIL in Germany (2014, the Stoneman Miriquidi) and in Switzerland (2017, the Stoneman Glaciara): Roland Stauder brings the Stoneman concept all over Europe.

Roland Stauder, former professional mountain biker and originator and rights-holder of the trail in the Sexten Dolomites, has broght the “STONEMAN MIRIQUIDI” to Germany. The Erzgebirge region beat three competitors in its bid to become the location of the only Stoneman Trail in the country and joins an elite group of the best mountain biking areas. Like its big brother in the Dolomites, this 162-kilometre circular course includes technically demanding uphill and downhill stretches. “The Stoneman Trail is a biking experience which is about enjoyment as well as the sporting challenge,” explains Roland Stauder. “As the route of the trail takes in both sides of the German-Czech border you can experience two different cultures in one trip.” The Stoneman mountain bike trail opens from May to October, offering a new sporting challenge in the Erzgebirge to those who like active holidays. At the same time, the trail should provide an added stimulus for tourism in the Erzgebirge during the summer holiday season. District administrator Frank Vogel, chairman of Tourismusverband Erzgebirge e.V., is enthusiastic: “The Stoneman Miriquidi is an attraction which will give the Erzgebirge an international reputation as a mountain biking region. The trail is particularly attractive for younger groups of visitors who enjoy sports and are seeking new challenges.” INFO

The Stoneman Glaciara (CH) opened in 2017 and you can find it in the Aletsch region promises top-class mountain bike fun. In three stages over 127km, the route leads up to the Great Aletsch Glacier – the largest river of ice in the Alps – and back to Mörel. The biggest ascent then follows at just under 1,600 metres in altitude: an old military road leads steeply upwards to the 2,451 metre-high Breithornpass. The downhill to the Binn Valley then follows. After that, the route follows the Rhone towards Obergoms – through old, mystical village centres, past history-laden monuments and inviting cafés. Various starter packages can be booked, depending on ambition and ability. INFO

To make this dream for mountain bikers a reality, all the agencies involved worked closely together. Even an exciting, widely supported project such as this needs to have a secure legal footing and it was important to reconcile the concept of a fun cycle trail surrounded by nature with the legislative requirements to protect the forest environment.