Palestinian, Israeli and Jordan cyclists in Alpentour Trophy 2018

The organisers of the 20th International Alpentour Trophy Mountain Bike Stage Race have confirmed that they were successful in inviting Palestinian, Israeli and Jordanian cyclists to Schladming (Austria). They will compete in the four-day Alpentour Trophy together among the international field of racers. This achievement is the result of a bigger peace project. The Alpentour Trophy is a partner event of the first sports event for World Peace: the Middle East Tour – „Cycling for Global Peace“.

Record participation in 2018 anniversary event

This year’s Alpentour Trophy mountain bike stage race will take place from 7th - 10th June in the Schladming-Dachstein region. In addition to the new focus on peace, there will be the annual fight for international world ranking points by the international cycling federation UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) and a hefty pot of prize money in the alpine surrounds of Schladming. More than 400 cyclists from 34 countries, including World and National Champions will participate at the Alpentour Trophy 2018, which is a record in the event’s 20-year history.

The four-day stage plan will take the participants through the pristine Alpine landscape of the Schladming-Dachstein region with almost 200 km and 9,400 m of elevation on the tour program. Some of the most iconic mountain peaks in the region will offer incredible views into the heart of the Styrian Alps: day one will take them towards the village of Ramsau and past the majestic Dachstein for the longest stage. Day two will include the Hochwurzen peak and a ride through a picturesque valley and the legendary snowfields around the Giglach Lakes. After the third stage onto the Hauser Kaibling the final day will include a 1300m elevation individual time trial from the event stadium high up on to the Planai mountain.

Racing for world peace

The Alpentour Trophy is one of the major European mountain bike stage races and offers not only an athletic challenge during the day, but also a very social evening programme. Each day ends with a communal dinner at the Congress in Schladming - more than 600 racers and supporters as well as staff will be treated to local and international culinary specialties.

On 7th June, as part of the first evening programme at the Alpentour Trophy, the Middle East Tour will be presented in the Congress Schladming: After four years of intense preparations, the Middle East Tour (MET) will start on 8th March 2019 in Amman and finish on 14th March 2019 in Jerusalem. However, not only cyclists from all over the world, including amateurs and hobby cyclists as well as pro-riders can participate to promote peace in sports in the Middle East. The majority of the Alpentour Trophy’s organisational committee will also be on-site, because the founder and organiser of the Austria stage race, Gerhard Schönbacher from Styria, is also the initiator and co-founder of the MET.

For more information, visit www.alpen-tour.at and www.meptour.com