Good morning from the Tour of the Alps! The euro-regional event reaches its halfway point with an electric stage 3, 124,8 Km with start and finish in Schwaz (Tirol).
The Silberregion Karwendel is ready to show its tough side with short and very sharp climbs. The Weerberg and Pillberg categorized climbs, to be faced twice, are sure to impact on the look of the GC.
Tobias Foss and the Team INEOS Grenadiers are alerted: a challenging finale reminiscent of a Belgian classic promises to inspire the rivals who hope to strip the Melinda Green Jersey away from his shoulders.
The profile of the third stage of the Tour of the Alps can be distinguished into two parts. In the first, up to about km 89, the roads run along the initial slopes of the Inn valley, characterized by undulating terrain.
In the second part, however, the route changes drastically: the Weerberg and Pillberg climbs, to be faced back-to-back twice, will make the final 38 kilometers extremely demanding.
TOUR OF THE ALPS' LEADERS
General Classification - Green Jersey Melinda: Tobias Foss (INEOS Grenadiers)
Points Classification - Red Jersey DAO Conad: Alessandro De Marchi (Team Jayco-AlUlA)
KOM Classification - Blue Jersey Gruppo Cassa Centrale: Mattia Bais (Polti-Kometa)
Youth Classification - White Jersey Würth: Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain-Victorious)
Combativity Classification - Ockra Jersey Subito: Simon Pellaud (Tudor Cycling Team)
DISPOSITION
Meeting Place: 09.00, Schwaz, Franz Josef Strasse
Start: 11.15, Schwaz, L218 Alte Landestrasse
Finish: 14.15, Schwaz, Wopner Strasse
Intermediate Sprints: Reintaler See (km 23,4), Jenbach (km 71,2)
KOM: Weerberg (2a cat. Km 90,9), Pillberg (2a cat., km 99,2)
Totahaus Würth Permanence: Schwaz, Szentrum Stadtsaal, Andreas Hofer Strasse 10
START: SCHWAZ. Schwaz, the capital of the Karwendel Silver Region in Tirol, is a place where history, culture, and nature harmonize. The city is surrounded by numerous opportunities for outdoor sports, while Freundsberg Castle offers a glimpse into the region's medieval past. Other prominent attractions include the Silver Mine, with its extensive tunnels and mining facilities, and the historic Fuggerhaus, which commemorates one of the most influential trading families of the so-called 'Dark Ages'.
ON THE ROAD: The Reintaler See enchants with its clear waters and surrounding verdant forests. This idyllic natural jewel beckons for relaxation, hiking, and enjoyment. The lake mirrors the majestic mountains, providing a tranquil oasis in the heart of the Tyrolean Alps.
THE STAGE TASTE: "Speckknödel" is a Tyrolean delicacy from the Silberregion Karwendel, made with bread and speck (smoked ham). These bread dumplings, laden with chunks of speck, are typically steamed or boiled in broth. This dish epitomizes the alpine region's culinary tradition, offering a rich and hearty taste ideal for the cold winter days or as a traditional meal any time of the year.
DON'T MISS: The 17th-century Maria Larch Chapel in Terfens is steeped in intriguing history. Built originally as a place for prayer and devotion, it has drawn believers and those seeking comfort and spiritual enlightenment for centuries. The chapel's healing spring water has been a beacon of healing and hope throughout the ages.
FINISH: SCHWAZ. Encased by the majestic Karwendel Mountains, Schwaz preserves a medieval ambiance with its cobblestone streets and picturesque facades. The Maria Himmelfahrt parish church is Tirol's largest and most significant Gothic sacred building. It stands as a testament to exceptional artistic quality and is an essential historical and cultural record of the transition from medieval times to the modern era.
TV DISTRIBUTION
The start of stage 3 of Wednesday, April 16th, will be given from Schwaz at 11:15. Live TV coverage will start at 12:30 CET, with the finish expected at about 14:15.
TV: Eurosport (Europe, Pacific Asia, Central America, South America), RaiSport (Italy, San Marino, Vatican State), ORF (Austria), Equipe TV (France, Monaco, Andorra), EITB (Spain), FloSports (United State, Canada, Australia), DirecTV (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Perù, Uruguay and Venezuela) and RTVC (Colombia).
SIDE EVENTS
Schwaz (start):
10.00 – 15.30 - Bike check organized by "Probike" (Maximilianplatz)
10.00 – 15.30 - Stands with local products (Maximilianplatz)
Schwaz (finish):
10.00 – 15.30 - Bike check organized by "Probike" (Maximilianplatz)
10.00 – 15.30 - Stands with local products (Maximilianplatz)
12.30 – 13.00 - Performance by the traditional costume association “Almrausch Sölleite” with folk dance (Maximilianplatz)
13.30 – 14.00 - Concert by "Stadtmusik Schwaz" (Maximilianplatz)
WEATHER FORECAST: Rain is expected for Tour of the Alps' stage 3 with lower-than-average temperatures.
