MendelRace

An iconic climb between South Tyrol and Trentino

The MendelRace is one of the most highly regarded amateur cycling time trials in the Alps, a mountain race that connects the wine-growing plains of South Tyrol to the Mendel Pass, on the watershed with Trentino. The start is set in Appiano sulla Strada del Vino (Eppan an der Weinstraße), while the finish line, pasta party, and awards ceremony are held just a few meters beyond the pass, in the municipality of Ruffrè-Mendola, in the province of Trento. The event is part of the prestigious Südtirol.Berg.Cup circuit, a series of uphill races dedicated to amateur cyclists on the region's most beautiful mountain roads.

The Route

The course measures approximately 14.5 kilometers with a positive elevation gain of nearly 960 meters. It starts from the parking lot of the Cantina Produttori San Michele in Appiano (at an altitude of about 402 meters), with an initial two-kilometer stretch on the main road at a controlled speed until the intersection with the SS42, where the official timing begins. From there, the road steepens with constant switchbacks through the woods covering the slope, until reaching the 1,363 meters of the Mendel Pass. It is a steady and demanding climb, perfect for those who want to test their fitness on the ramps that have made this pass famous.

The Finish in Trentino

Once over the pass, the event hub moves to the Mendel Stube, about 1.5 kilometers from the summit in the direction of Mount Roen, within the territory of the municipality of Ruffrè-Mendola. Here, after the finish, participants gather for the pasta party and the awards ceremony, in a convivial atmosphere that is an integral part of the race's spirit.

Categories and Awards

The MendelRace awards the best overall male and female times, the top three finishers in each category, and includes additional prizes such as the DigiSprint and a raffle for all registered participants. The race is open to licensed amateur cyclists and is organized by the Dynamic Bike Team Appiano in collaboration with the clubs of the Südtirol.Berg.Cup circuit.

A Spring Appointment

Traditionally scheduled in spring, when the blossoms bring the Adige Valley vineyards to life, the MendelRace ideally kicks off the climbing season for many enthusiasts in South Tyrol and Trentino. The combination of scenery, elevation gain, and crisp early-season weather makes it a highly anticipated stop for Italian, Austrian, and German riders, drawn every year by the chance to etch their names among the best on the Mendel climb.