Ten years ago, among mountains that unite rather than divide, a shared dream was born: to bring together three territories linked by the same Alpine spirit. The Tour of the Alps was established through a cooperation agreement signed in 2016, built on the belief that sport could serve as a bridge between cultures and communities, carrying forward the legacy of forty editions of the Giro del Trentino.

On Thursday, November 13th, the race course of the 49th edition was presented in Milan. Taking place from April 20th to 24th, 2026, the event reaffirms the shared goals of the organizing bodies — Trentino Marketing, IDM Südtirol and Tirol Werbung — together with strategic partner Infront Sports & Media, which manages TV production, distribution and marketing rights.

The most recent edition of the Tour of the Alps reached a record media value of more than €17 million, confirming the race’s growing international profile. This recognition was further reinforced in November 2024, when the global cycling community gathered in Riva del Garda for the AIOCC Assembly — held in Italy for the first time ever.

Ten years on, the Euroregional project continues to embody the values that inspired its creation: effort turned into beauty, respect for the natural environment surrounding the riders and cooperation that turns borders into shared horizons. Drawing on the forty-year heritage of the Giro del Trentino, the Tour of the Alps has become not only one of the most beloved races among athletes, teams and fans, but also a celebration of the living bond between Trentino, Südtirol/Alto Adige and Tirol. The Euroregional race represents a shared journey through the heart of the Alps and the communities that inhabit them — and a laboratory for innovation and the future.

The 2026 edition features five stages covering 760 kilometers and 14,620 meters of elevation gain. Starting in Innsbruck, where the preliminary operations and teams presentation will also take place, the race will pass through Trento on its way to Bozen/Bolzano. As in the inaugural 2017 edition, won by Geraint Thomas, the 10th anniversary event pays tribute to all three Euregio capitals. The historic opening stage in Innsbruck was won by the unforgettable Michele Scarponi.

After the opening day with start and finish in Innsbruck, the peloton will head from Telfs in Tirol to Martell/Val Martello in Südtirol/Alto Adige for stage 2. Stage 3 will depart from Latsch/Laces in the Vinschgau/Val Venosta and finish in Arco, the Garda Trentino town that has long been home to the Tour of the Alps organizing committee — and previously the Giro del Trentino. From Arco, the race moves to Trento for stage 4 before the grand finale between Trento and Bozen/Bolzano.

TRADITION AND INNOVATION: #TOTA INTRODUCES THE “BONUS SPRINT”
As is tradition, the 2026 Tour of the Alps will feature plenty of climbs, while always keeping away from the two-thousand-meter altitude mark. The routes follow the proven format of the Euroregional race — short, intense stages with minimal transfers, and in this edition almost none at all. This model has set the standard and continues to attract world-class riders and teams.

To make the final kilometers of each stage even more unpredictable and exciting, the organizers have introduced a new feature: the “Bonus Sprint,” an intermediate sprint placed near the end of the route. The Bonus Sprint will award time bonuses for the general classification — 6 seconds to the first rider, 4 to the second and 2 to the third — but no points for the points classification, which will continue to be determined by the two traditional intermediate sprints and stage finishes. Two daily climbs will also count toward the King of the Mountains classification.

The spectacular nature of the Tour of the Alps has long been one of its defining traits — as confirmed by the latest edition, won by Australian Michael Storer after an exciting battle with Dutchman Thymen Arensman and Canadian Derek Gee. Also iconic was Giulio Ciccone’s brilliant victory in the opening stage in San Lorenzo Dorsino and the stunning performance of 18-year-old Frenchman Paul Seixas, who burst onto the international scene at the Tour of the Alps as one of cycling’s most promising new prospects — the latest in a long line of discoveries.

INNSBRUCK AND TELFS: TIROL OPENS THE SHOW
Tirol will host the start of the Tour of the Alps for the fourth time since 2017. After starting in Kufstein in 2017 and 2019 and in Rattenberg in 2023, this time Innsbruck — the capital of this Austrian Land — will welcome the race. The city will host the opening eve on Sunday, April 19th, as well as the start and finish of the first stage (141.8 km) the following day. On Tuesday, April 21st, the race will set off from Telfs, a charming Tirolean town, before crossing into Südtirol/Alto Adige.

Stage 1 begins with a fast section through the Inn Valley, followed by a 24 km circuit to be repeated twice, featuring the gentle climb toward the Mieminger Plateau. After leaving the loop, the route heads back toward Innsbruck for a second 18 km circuit, also repeated twice. This section includes the Götzens climb and the short ascent to Axams, where the Bonus Sprint will take place. The final 20 kilometers lead back to the finish line on Rennweg — already familiar to cycling fans from the 2018 UCI Road World Championships.

MARTELL/VAL MARTELLO AND LATSCH/LACES: SÜDTIROL/ALTO ADIGE TAKES CENTER STAGE
On Tuesday, April 21st, the Tour of the Alps enters Südtirol/Alto Adige with an uphill finish in Martell/Val Martello, followed by a stage start in Latsch/Laces the next day. Stage 2, covering 147.5 km from Telfs to Martell-o, opens fast before tackling the first-category climb of Piller Höhe (9.2 km at 6%). After the third-category KOM of Reschenpass/Passo Resia (15.8 km at 3.4%), the race descends through the Vinschgau/Val Venosta ahead of the final climb to Martell-o — 6 km at an average gradient of 8%. It’s a demanding stage, tailor-made for pure climbers and an ideal setting for the first real battles among the GC contenders.

TRENTINO SET TO SPARK FIREWORKS BETWEEN ARCO AND TRENTO
On Wednesday, April 22nd, the third stage covers 175.1 km from Latsch/Laces (Südtirol/Alto Adige) to Arco (Trentino). After 26 flat kilometers, the peloton will tackle the first-category climb of Hofmahdjoch/Passo Castrin (22.2 km at 5.7%), the highest point of the #TotA 2026. This is followed by a long descent into the Val di Non leading to the Andalo KOM (14.4 km at 5.4%). The riders then face another descent toward Terme di Comano/Ponte Arche, followed by a technical finale with the Passo del Ballino ascent, the descent toward Lake Tenno and a final circuit featuring the Bonus Sprint in Tenno. After completing the loop — about 15 km before the finish line — the peloton will pass through Riva del Garda before reaching the finish line in Arco.

On Thursday, April 23rd, the queen stage — entirely within Trentino — awaits, stretching 167.8 km from Arco to Trento. The route includes two challenging first-category climbs: Passo Bordala (14.8 km at 6.9%) and Passo Redebus (12.9 km at 6.8%). The race then enters a 37 km circuit featuring the Brusago climb, with the first three kilometers in double-digit gradients. Once the loop is complete, the riders descend toward Trento for a tense, technical finale that includes the Povo hill — a key section of the 2021 Road European Championships — followed by the descent into central Trento, which will host the road races of the 2031 UCI Cycling World Championships.

FROM TRENTO TO BOZEN/BOLZANO: A FINALE FULL OF SURPRISES
The final stage of #TotA 2026, on Friday, April 24th, covers 128.6 km from Trento to Bozen/Bolzano — a short but challenging route, perfect for late drama in the general classification. After an opening section featuring the Palù di Giovo climb and the picturesque Wine Road through Kaltern/Caldaro, the riders tackle the Kalterer Hohe/Alta di Caldaro climb (4.4 km at 6.6%).

With 50 km to go, the peloton crosses the Bozen/Bolzano finish line for the first time, setting up a breathless finale. The course then climbs toward Jenesien/San Genesio and branches onto a 19 km circuit to be repeated twice, featuring the Nobls/Montoppio KOM (9.2 km at 6.2%). After the final ascent, a fast descent leads back into Bozen/Bolzano, where the winner of the 2026 Tour of the Alps will be crowned.

TEN YEARS OF GROWTH: +35% IN THE LAST TWO EDITIONS
Since its debut in 2017, the Tour of the Alps has grown steadily, becoming one of the most attractive events on the international cycling calendar and a unique showcase for the Euregio Tirol, Südtirol/Alto Adige and Trentino.

The latest edition reached a record media value of €17.3 million — a 35% increase over the past two years — as certified by United Synergies. This result is not only a reflection of sporting success, but also proof that the event has become a powerful communication platform capable of delivering global brand visibility and audience engagement.

Thanks to its partnership with Infront Sports & Media, the Tour of the Alps is broadcast live in more than 100 Countries with two hours of daily coverage, which in 2025 achieved record-breaking audience figures.

The #TotA organizing team works year-round to stage an event that prioritizes rider safety, community involvement and spectator engagement through a rich program of side events, co-marketing initiatives and content creation projects.

The Infront Bike Experience will also return in 2026 — an exclusive initiative allowing sponsors and stakeholders to immerse themselves in the Tour of the Alps atmosphere. Over three unforgettable days, participants can enjoy world-class cycling, ride through stunning Alpine scenery and sample the culinary delights of the three Euregio territories.

QUOTES

Cordiano Dagnoni, President of the Italian Cycling Federation: "Every year, the Tour of the Alps surprises us with captivating and technically demanding routes. The tenth anniversary of this event will be no different, thanks to a euro-region capable of showcasing the riders’ achievements in an incomparably beautiful setting. Credit for this goes to the organizational excellence of Sport Alto Garda, which has built an event that has become a key fixture in the lead-up to the GTs over the years. I hope that Italian cycling will continue to play a leading role on the international stage, both through our champions, who have already excelled on these roads, and through organizations such as the Tour of the Alps, which are renowned for their quality."

Harald J. Mayer, President of the Austrian Cycling Federation: "The Tour of the Alps is the highest-categorized stage race in Austria and therefore an absolute highlight in our calendar. The race improves year after year and consistently attracts top-class competitors. It's the perfect promotion for the Euregio Tirol–Südtirol/Alto Adige–Trentino and continually sets new standards. As the national cycling federation, we are delighted to be a partner of this event and to have our national team competing again." 

Christian Wührer, Tirol Werbung Head of Research and Innovation: "The Tour of the Alps is a shining example of successful cross-border cooperation, combining sport and tourism. Spanning several days, the event showcases the strengths of the Euregio Tirol–Südtirol/Alto Adige–Trentino to an international audience. At the same time, the Tour of the Alps encourages residents and visitors to take advantage of the wide range of cycling and mountain biking opportunities available in our territory, just in time for the start of the summer season."

Andreas Tschurtschethaler, Head PR & Events IDM Südtirol: "Over the years, the Tour of the Alps has shaped South Tyrol’s stage locations – both in terms of tourism and organization. The way the event is handled has become more professional, and local involvement has grown stronger. An event like the Tour of the Alps generates visibility, also for cycling in everyday life – as a sustainable means of transport, a healthy leisure activity, and a mode of mobility in urban environments. That’s why cycling and cycle sport remain important topics for us."

Roberto Failoni, Councillor for Handicrafts, Commerce, Tourism, Forestry, Hunting and Fishing — Autonomous Province of Trento: "Ten years ago, the brilliant idea to transform the Giro del Trentino into the Euregio cycling race gave the Tour of the Alps a new and even more engaging format, appealing to athletes and cycling fans alike, with an even greater media impact. Our territory, with its challenging mountain climbs, offers a true spectacle and gives fans the chance to follow their heroes up close while experiencing every facet of Trentino during the race. The stage finishes in the regional capitals this year, adding further charm to what we expect to be a top-end competition once again, just a few days before the start of the Giro d’Italia." 

Maurizio Rossini, CEO Trentino Marketing: "The Tour of the Alps celebrates the mountains and their attitude of bringing people together — a symbol of a shared vision where effort becomes beauty, and cooperation turns borders into new horizons. For the past ten years, Trentino, Südtirol/Alto Adige and Tirol have worked side by side to shape an event that blends sport, culture and hospitality. Thanks to this alliance, millions of cycling fans around the world can discover and experience Trentino along its roads, through its landscapes, and in contact with its people. Much like the region that hosts it, the Tour of the Alps evolves year after year, driven by the professionalism of its organising team and the remarkable dedication of its volunteers. A special thank you goes to all those who, with their work and passion, have helped mark the tenth anniversary of the cooperation agreement between Tirol, Südtirol/Alto Adige and Trentino. Their contribution has turned this project into an outstanding showcase for active, responsible tourism — a tourism rooted in experience, curiosity and the joy of discovery."

Roberto Pella, President of Italian Lega Ciclismo Professionistico: "I wish to highlight the innovative nature of the Coppa Italia delle Regioni project, created by the Italian Lega Ciclismo Professionista and the Conference of Regions, that integrates perfectly with an international event like the Tour of the Alps. This event strengthens cross-border cooperation between Trentino, Südtirol/Alto Adige and Tirol — a synergy promoted by Sport Alto Garda under the leadership of President Giacomo Santini. Through cycling, the TotA brings value and unity to the involved territories, particularly the smaller municipalities. In 2026, we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Tour of the Alps, with stage finishes in the Euregio capitals of Trento, Bozen/Bolzano and Innsbruck, once again demonstrating the importance of institutional cooperation through sport. We are honoured to support this exceptional event, designed by the General Manager Maurizio Evangelista, and endorsed by the territories' Presidents, Maurizio Fugatti, Arno Kompatscher, and Anton Mattle. We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to them.“

Stefano Deantoni, Infront Italy Marketing & Business Development Director: "The Tour of the Alps is a prime example of how sport can generate tangible value for the local area and its partners. Thanks to Sport Alto Garda and the event's official advisor Infront, the Tour of the Alps continues to grow year on year. The 2025 edition generated over €17 million in economic impact for the territories, reaching more than 14 million viewers in over 100 Countries and achieving a total media reach of 5 billion contacts. At Infront, we are proud to support the Tour of the Alps, strengthening its global visibility and establishing it as one of the most prestigious competitions on the international cycling scene. As always, alongside the media coverage, we will offer our partners a range of experiences, including bike rides and premium corporate hospitality at the finish lines. The 2026 edition will feature stage finishes in Innsbruck, Trento and Bozen/Bolzano, marking a new milestone in our shared growth journey with all of the event's stakeholders."

Giacomo Santini, President Sport Alto Garda: "Celebrating the first ten years since the signing of the Tour of the Alps memorandum of agreement means marking an important milestone — one that brings us just a step away from half a century of top-level cycling in Trentino and now also in Südtirol/Alto Adige and Tirol. Alongside the legacy of the great champions who have honoured this event, the alliance between these three territories has taken on growing geopolitical significance. Through cycling, they are offering Europe a genuine lesson in cross-border cooperation. Finally, these ten years of the Tour of the Alps have marked an extraordinary evolution in organizational capacity and a modern technical and strategic vision that has become an international benchmark."

Maurizio Evangelista, General Manager Tour of the Alps: "Ten years ago, we set out to make our wonderful territories the true stars of an event with a clear technical identity and strong personality. This is how our model came to life, one that we have refined year after year until the Tour of the Alps became a distinctive and widely appreciated race known for its original character. Our goal has always been to enhance the safety and spectacle of the race at the same time: an ambition that might seem unattainable yet which we have achieved thanks to the efforts of our exceptional technical team and our shared desire to create something unique. This year, we are introducing the Bonus Sprint in the final kilometres of each stage, offering bonus seconds for the overall standings. For us, a race that is fiercely contested and full of surprises, as it was in 2025, is the very definition of excellence."

Marco Villa, Italian National Team Coach: “The prestige of the Tour of the Alps, positioned right before the Giro d’Italia, makes it far more than a warm-up race: it has become a strategic benchmark for riders aiming to reach peak form ahead of major objectives. The 2026 route has been designed with real intelligence, with difficulty building progressively throughout the week. It’s the kind of structure that can bring out a truly high-profile winner. The final stages, with their demanding elevation profiles and shorter distances, will carry significant weight for the general classification. Last year Giulio Ciccone and Marco Frigo showed once again how the Tour of the Alps is an ideal proving ground for riders looking to grow and stand out. I hope to see them — along with many other Italian riders — in the thick of the action again.”

Daniele Bennati, Ambassador Tour of the Alps: “I’m truly delighted to take on the ambassador role for the Tour of the Alps at such an important moment in its evolution. My relationship with Maurizio Evangelista has always been based on mutual respect, and when he reached out a few months ago, accepting was immediate — this is a race that has taken a remarkable step forward in recent years. One of its most modern and forward-thinking choices is the decision to keep stage distances relatively short, which perfectly suits such a crucial week in the international calendar. It’s no coincidence that many riders come here to fine-tune their form ahead of Liège–Bastogne–Liège — Ciccone’s second place last year speaks for itself. The start list will once again be world-class. In 2026, stage two will be a decisive moment for GC contenders, just as stage five — with its explosive 120 km and time-bonus sprint — could even overturn the overall hierarchy.”

Brent Copeland, General Manager Jayco-AlUla: “There are no easy days at the Tour of the Alps. Every stage carries its own complexity and demands top-level team management. The opening stage seems suited to a reduced bunch sprint, but the real turning points will come with stages two and five, which will be pivotal for the overall dynamics of the race. Stage four, too, presents hidden challenges. Studying the route carefully will be essential, and I’m confident the Trento stage will deliver both technical depth and compelling racing.”