All victories go into the palmares, but some weigh more than others. Successes that arrive at the right moment, capable of changing the perception of a rider, not only in the eyes of others, but also in relation to himself and his own ambitions.

For Michael Storer that moment came at the Tour of the Alps 2025: five grueling days that gave the Australian not only a prestigious trophy to display in his cabinet, but above all the awareness of being able to compete – and win – at the highest levels. It is no coincidence that following his success on the roads of Euregio Tyrol, South Tyrol, and Trentino, the athlete from Perth (but now adopted by Italy) experienced the most beautiful season of his career, culminating with third place at Il Lombardia behind Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel.

 The captain of Tudor Pro Cycling Team will be at the start of the Tour of the Alps for the tenth anniversary edition, scheduled for April 20-24 with the start from Innsbruck and the grand finale in Bolzano. For the Australian, the opportunity to aim for back-to-back victories, a feat that in the history of the race organized by Sport Alto Garda has been missing for 19 years, since Damiano Cunego's double at the Giro del Trentino in 2006 and 2007.

"The Tour of the Alps is a race perfectly suited to my characteristics, positioned at a good time of year for me. I usually need some time to reach peak condition, and this year the start of the season was hampered by a few too many issues, but by April I'm always competitive. Naturally the race profile is important: the #TotA has climbs suited to a rider with my characteristics," Storer stated.

After winning the second stage of the 2025 edition with a bold move in Vipiteno, the Australian went on to claim the Melinda Green Jersey in the grand finale in Lienz at the expense of Dutchman Thymen Arensman, making a great impression on the Bannberg and the challenging Stronach climb.

"That day made me understand that I'm capable of achieving great results in important races and against top-level opponents. The Tour of the Alps is a race where every stage is demanding and can prove decisive. You have to stay focused and ready throughout all five days of racing."

"Arriving in good condition is fundamental with the Giro d'Italia in mind," added the 29-year-old Australian. "At the TotA you need to find racing intensity, assess your legs, and moreover, it represents an important opportunity to secure a prestigious result before the Corsa Rosa."

Storer's has been a gradual progression, completely counter to the precocity of modern cycling. A path built step by step, which found fertile ground in the Swiss Tudor Pro Cycling team.

"I've always tried to have a long-term vision of my development, seeking every way to improve, without being satisfied with where I've arrived but aiming for something more. We must understand that talents like Tadej Pogačar are unique cases in a generation. At Tudor I embraced a project that wanted to invest in me, putting energy and resources into helping me express my best. After two and a half years I can confirm that the results have met expectations."

If winning the Tour of the Alps a year ago was the turning point that changed his career, next year's edition presents the Australian with a different and perhaps even more complex challenge: to confirm himself. To defend the title and prove that success was not an endpoint, but the beginning of a new phase in his career. For Michael Storer, now, the real test is to stay at the top.