Day 1: Mittenwald (De) to Solden (At)

115km, 2500m.

Race day. Lots of excitement. Teams TNA 1 and TNA 2 both had prime A block starting numbers thanks to Joerg of Magic Places. After day 1, all 1400 riders will start according to their overall placing. For day 1, team number dictates starting position.

If you watch the Tour De France you'll know that cyclist are permitted relief in public. Same at TransAlps.

Final pre-race strategy discussion

We agreed to selflessly work for these guys and deliver them to the base of the stage defining Kuhtai climb (we did).

Wilf is so badass. Nothing to do with the fact he crushes guys half of his soon to be 51 years. He wears serious bling (designed by his wife), despite the weight penalty.

Per plan, TL and I rode fairly hard up the starting 2km climb the served to break up the field. 20km to a good descent into Telfs. Those who came down after us said the road was littered with crashes. Why it's good to start up front.

After some big efforts in the valley, caught the lead pack containing TNA 2 (Wilf/Jamie) and made good on promise to deliver them to the bottom of the day's monster 23km climb - the Kuhtai pass. At times, the Kuhtai is over 2x the grade of Cypress. Road steady while we watched Wilf and Jamie accelerate away. Finished climb strong without burning matches we will need for later days.

Descending these mountains is a total thrill. We let rip off the Kuhtai and passed a number of teams on the 18km downhill.

Final component of ride was 30km of stepped uphill to the finish in Solden. We were alone for the first 15km. Not very efficient. Eventually we were sucked up by a big train that we rode to the finish.

Just under 4:05 for the day. 144/700 teams.

Post stage typically involves work on bike and body. After much mocking of my stretch routine, was able to convince partner to drain his legs. He'll thank me tomorrow when we climb 3000meters.

Forecast tomorrow is rain start to finish. None of us have done a day of this event in the rain. Two massive descents will be cold and slick. Ride safe and finish are the goals.