The 2024 Transalp was a never to forget edition for Puck. After her original duo partner dropped out, she chose to take on the challenge solo. With 520 kilometers, 17,200 altimeters, and seven leaden stages through the Alps, it became a tough test of strength and perseverance.
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Stage 1 (Ehrwald - Imst)
The first stage started out tough, with a climb that forced Puck to the front from the rear. Thanks to her experience in peloton and her focus, she managed to get ahead of the other solo ladies, securing her first stage victory and immediately taking the leader's jersey in stage one. -
Stage 2 (Imst - Nauders)
Now that she was allowed to start at the front as leader, Puck could immediately join the UCI teams. Despite the technical final descent, which was marked by tough enduro sections, she stayed clear and won again, extending her lead in the general classification. -
Stage 3 (Nauders - Renschenpass)
Puck maintained her place among the UCI women and again showed consistency with three in a row as a result. -
Stage 4 (Renschenpass - Bormio)
A tough stage in which Puck became isolated, with a tough final climb to finish. Thanks to good tactical moves Puck was also allowed to put her hands in the air in stage 4. -
Stage 5 (The Queen Stage - Gavia)
High point for Puck, where she rode up with the first UCI teams. The descent over the historic Roman trails was challenging, but Puck's perseverance once again delivered a well-deserved victory. -
Stage 6 (Shorter Stage)
After two long days, Puck felt strong and arrived as the first solo lady, even ahead of some UCI duos. -
Stage 7 (Final to Arco)
The final stage to Lake Garda was shortened due to a landslide, but Puck was able to carry her victory safely across the finish line. Huge cool to cross the line first in the last stage, and Puck ended the Transalp with the ultimate reward: victory in the overall classification.
International successes and the Dutch championship
Besides the Transalp, Puck participated in several important (international) races in 2024. Her results in these marathons show that she is a strong and versatile rider, proving herself not only in the Transalp but also in other top races.
Some of Puck's achievements:
- Willingen Bike Festival (4th place) - Puck rode strong and achieved a top five ranking in Germany.
- Roc d'Ardenne (5th place) - On Belgian soil, she showed her class in a competitive race.
- National XCM Championship (6th place) - In Eijsden, Limburg, she proved herself as one of the Netherlands' best XCM riders, with a solid performance in the Elite category.
The importance of good preparation and equipment
For Puck, besides her physical and mental preparation, her equipment also played a crucial role. With FFWD wheels, she relied on durability and speed, essential in a tough race like the Transalp. The team provided care stations and spare parts, crucial elements for surviving seven grueling stages through the Alps.
Relying on the team and equipment
Without her original duo partner, Puck had to rely extra on her own skills and support from the team, consisting of two campers and caregivers who were on hand on each stage.
For equipment, Puck could rely on the reliability and performance of the FFWD OUTLAW, among other things. In a week full of technical challenges, the OUTLAWs were able to show their value to the fullest.
2024: A season of success and growth
With her Transalp victory and consistent performance, Puck Pinxt has had an unforgettable 2024 season. Not only does she show perseverance and strength, but she is also a true ambassador for the sport and her sponsors.
The coming year promises to be another exciting challenge, in which she will be determined to further develop herself and add to her successes.
