Pässlich 03 - von Sterzing (ITA) nach Ohlstadt

The third and final day of the 'Pässlich-Tour' is another tough challenge. It is advisable to have breakfast early to avoid starting too late on the road bike, as increased traffic can always be expected in the Inn Valley. The ride starts in the South Tyrolean town of Sterzing, where the night was also spent. The town centre lies at 943 m above sea level, and the route initially heads north towards the Brenner Pass. Once you leave the town, the steady climb begins up to the Brenner Pass at an altitude of 1370 m. The road runs alongside the motorway, which carries most of the traffic. After climbing and passing the Brenner, the route continues with a descent into the valley towards Innsbruck. The old Brenner road, which has also been relieved by a motorway, requires caution especially in the lower section as it is not the widest road and has many curves. The end of the long descent is marked by a roundabout which must be circled completely, followed by a small climb (approx. 150 metres elevation). This hairpin is necessary to continue through smaller towns on the route without cycling through Innsbruck. Additionally, there is a nice view of the Inn River. After passing through the town of Axams, a short descent leads down into the Inn Valley. Initially, you ride against the flow of the Inn on its southern side before crossing the Inn at Hatting. The route then follows the northern bank of the Inn and the Inn Valley motorway. The route is steadily and gently climbing. From the town of Telfs it is time for well-trained thighs again, as now the gradient is mercilessly uphill again, climbing to Buchener Sattel at 1256 m above sea level. The climb is about 6.5 km long with an average gradient of 8 percent. Once the pass is reached, you know you have covered half the distance. However, this thought at such a moment is not that pleasing; rather, you are happy to have left the climb behind you. Another, more pleasing thought at Buchener Sattel is that almost everything from here on is downhill. Following the Leutascher Ache, you descend to Mittenwald. The terrain is a little flatter but still steadily downhill through Mittenwald towards the federal road. Upon reaching the bypass road, you cross a bridge over the Isar River. Passing by the Isar Reservoir, you leave the federal road and head towards Walchensee. After passing the two villages of Krün and Wallgau, you soon smell the water. Alongside Lake Walchen you should gather yourself again, as the upcoming descent at Kesselberg is quite demanding. From Urfeld by Lake Walchen, it is 9 km downhill to Kochel am See. The maximum gradient is 8 percent. On weekends and public holidays this mountain is closed to motorbikes, which has proved to be an advantage. Upon reaching the valley, the route follows along Lake Kochel and through the village of Kochel am See before passing through the monastic village of Schlehdorf. Further ahead towards Großweil and just before the Schwaiganger stud farm, there is a gentle incline. From there, it is a slight descent to Ohlstadt, where this 'Pässlich-Tour' began three days ago.