Stage 2: Imst - Pfunds
The Inn also leads the way on the second day. Against its course, we work our way into the Tiroler Oberland, deeper into the mountains, on roads that were already used by the ancient Romans.
The Via Claudia Augusta was one of the most important Roman roads through the Alps. In Tyrol, it runs along the Inn and later over the Reschen Pass to South Tyrol and northern Italy. The route of the second stage at least roughly follows the course of the old trade route, but quite as easy as the Romans made it for themselves with their horse-drawn carts - true to the motto ‘Always stay in the valley’, we don't make it for ourselves. After all, there is an attractive shortcut from Imst to Prutz that initially leaves the Inn to the right. However, cyclists are unlikely to recognise this shortcut as such. What's the point if you can save 10 or 15 km but gain 900 metres in altitude in return? But this discussion is pointless. Those who opt for the Transalp see the Pillerhöhe as the only real option. This is a challenge, especially as the climb is fairly spread over 17 kilometres. As the major traffic rolls along the Inn on the motorway and the main road, the narrow road to the Pillerhöhe remains comparatively quiet, ideal for racebikes. As a reward, the racy descent via Kauns to Prutz offers another great panorama high above the Inn. But watch out, the comparatively narrow road down there also requires full concentration.
Once we reach the bottom of the Inn Valley, we continue along the old, less busy valley road. The transit traffic has long since moved southwards on the new main road. There is therefore plenty of room for cycling on the side road and the kilometres can be clocked up with relative ease until we reach our stage town of Pfunds. But our new hosts in Pfunds don't want us there so soon - preparing the refreshments for the finish still takes a little time. Fun fact - or rather no fun fact? Spiss, the highest municipality in Tyrol, lies at 1628 metres above sea level in the territory of the local tourism association. This is one of the most beautiful destinations in the area for racing cyclists, especially as the descent via Switzerland makes for an exciting loop. And that's exactly what we do. After the descent, the route follows the Inn in its direction of flow for the first time, and it's a few kilometres back to Pfunds. And the town knows how to surprise. In the centre, narrow alleyways wind around lovingly maintained, historic houses that may not be quite 2000 years old, but give an idea that the Romans left their mark even back then. It's worth imitating them.
