Control Point (CP)4: Drumul Strategic, Transalpina, Romania
Parcours length: 44 km
Highest point: 1990 m
Distance from CP3: 700 km
The final Control will coax riders into the mysterious romance of Romania’s Parâng mountains, part of the Southern Carpathian sweep of rock that carves across Central and Eastern Europe. With the help of our local friend Silviu, we unearthed a little known off-road route, Drumul Strategic, that deviates from the better known asphalt of the Transalpina. The parcours is a challenging mix of gravel and rough, unmanaged track over uneven terrain that will present serious technical challenges in unfavourable weather. Riders will be required to make good decisions and careful risk assessments before attempting this final challenge before the finish on the Black Sea coast. Kit choice, particularly tyre choice, will play an integral part of a rider’s decision making for this section in order to complete their race safely and in good time.
The Transalpina is a historic route originally known as the Poteca Dracului (the Devil’s Path) used by shepherds and their herds. It is thought it was further developed by the Roman legions and finally paved during the second world war, it is now a popular tourist destination for foreign visitors and Romanian holiday makers alike. CP4 will remain open for roughly 8 days.