Stoneman Taurista from the rider’s perspective

The Stoneman Taurista isn’t a ride you can just do ‘on the side’. Anyone setting off from Flachau should be aware that it’s going to be demanding, steep and technical, and that in some places you’ll have to push or carry your bike. But that’s precisely what makes this tour so appealing.

With its long climbs, alpine landscapes, challenging trails and moments of tranquillity on the mountain, the Stoneman Taurista demonstrates what a real mountain bike challenge is all about: pacing yourself well, making the right decisions and being prepared to tackle even the toughest sections.

The Stoneman Taurista demands fitness, cycling technique and mental strength. Especially if you’re tackling the course competitively or even aiming for a gold medal, you shouldn’t set off too fast. The long climbs will take their toll later on.

My tip: it’s better to ride in a controlled manner, shift down a gear and not attack every climb. If you push too hard too early, you’ll pay double for it later. On this course, it’s not the rider who looks the strongest at the start who wins, but the one who can still pedal smoothly and ride with focus right to the end.

One of the most challenging sections is undoubtedly the Rossbrand. There, you often find yourself switching between riding, pushing and carrying: rolling for a few metres, getting off again, pushing on, or briefly shouldering the bike.

This requires not only physical strength but also a clear head. You don’t have to force your way through every section by riding. Sometimes getting off is the better and quicker decision. If you accept this, you’ll save energy and stay mentally more relaxed.

At the top, however, a panoramic view awaits that puts the effort into perspective rather quickly.

The Stoneman Taurista isn’t automatically any lighter just because it’s an e-bike. The assistance is particularly helpful on uphill sections, but the extra weight is clearly noticeable when you have to push or carry the bike.

A good push assist is very valuable here, particularly on stony or steep sections. In areas such as around the Oberhütte, however, it may make more sense to briefly shoulder the bike rather than laboriously push it over difficult sections.

It’s also important to manage the battery wisely: don’t ride at full assistance right from the start, but save some power for the long climbs.

You shouldn’t underestimate the descents either. On the Stoneman Taurista, you don’t automatically recover on the downhill sections, as many of them require concentration, body control and good line choice.

Especially after long climbs, your arms, legs and mind start to tire. So the rule is: it’s better to ride smoothly and in control than frantically and at the limit. If you tackle the descents with energy to spare, you’ll have more fun and stay safer on the trail.

Although there are huts and places to stop for refreshments along the route, you should never take the hike too lightly. It is particularly important to carry enough water and food with you on longer sections towards Obertauern, Oberhütte, Wagrain-Kleinarl or Rossbrand.

Make the most of opportunities to top up your supplies, even if you think you still have enough in your bottle. In the mountains, conditions can change quickly – due to heat, wind, cold or simply a longer climb than expected.

It’s best to eat and drink regularly, before you actually feel hungry or thirsty.

Not every section of the Stoneman Taurista is noisy, steep or technically challenging. The route shows its more tranquil side, particularly around the Sattelbauer. Here, it’s worth looking up and not just focusing on your heart rate, watts or altitude gain.

After all, the Stoneman Taurista isn’t just about the physical effort. It’s also the views, the alpine pastures and the short breather breaks that make this route so special.

• Start off calmly and in a controlled manner, even if your legs feel good at the start. The tough sections will come soon enough.
• At Rossbrand, the rule is: don’t argue with the route. If it makes more sense to push or carry your bike, then do exactly that.
• Top up your water bottles at the huts in good time and take enough energy bars or gels with you. A wind or rain jacket should also be in your kit, as it can quickly get chilly in alpine terrain, even on fine days.
• If you’re riding an e-bike, you should be familiar with the battery, assistance levels and push-assist function. Also test beforehand how easy it is to push or carry your bike for short distances on difficult sections.