#TotA Day 2 - Another exciting day from Trentino to Südtirol/Alto Adige

Good morning from the Tour of the Alps 2025! After an exciting opening stage in San Lorenzo Dorsino, Trentino, which saw a great victory for Italy with Giulio Ciccone, the euro-regional stage race continues with its second stage: 178 km from Mezzolombardo in Trentino to Sterzing/Vipiteno-Ratschings/Racines in Südtirol/Alto Adige.

The morning was an emotional one, marked by remembrance and a call for greater road safety. A moving tribute was paid to Sara Piffer, a young athlete from Palù di Giovo in Trentino, who tragically lost her life in January at the age of 19 while training on the road. The ceremony was also attended by Marco Scarponi, on the eighth anniversary of the death of his brother Michele, an unforgettable figure in cycling. The highest political authorities of Trentino were also present: Maurizio Fugatti, President of the Autonomous Province of Trento, Francesca Gerosa, Vice-President, in addition to Cordiano Dagnoni, President of the Italian Cycling Federation, Roberto Pella, President of the Lega Ciclismo Professionistica, and Renato Beber, President of the FCI Trentino. 

Stage 2 from Mezzolombardo to Sterzing/Vipiteno-Ratschings/Racines stands as the stage characterized by the longer distance and more elevation gain, covering 178 km and tackling 3,750 meters of climbing. From the flat start in Mezzolombardo (Trentino), riders face the Petersberg/Monte San Pietro KOM followed by a series of punchy climbs and descents - a combination designed to wear down the peloton before the decisive latter half.

A long false flat leads the race into Südtirol/Alto Adige and the town of Sterzing/Vipiteno, where riders tackle two laps of a 16 km circuit. Each lap features the testing climb to Obertelfes/Telves di Sopra - 4 km averaging 7% with sections over 10% - followed by a technical descent that ends 8 kilometers from the finish.

While the final kilometers are fast, several wide roundabouts demand attention. A sharp right-hander marks the last kilometer, followed by a sweeping left curve. The finish straight in central Sterzing/Vipiteno rises slightly, with the final meters contested on distinctive porphyry cobblestones.

#TOTA 2025 JERSEYS

Green Jersey Melinda (General Classification): Giulio Ciccone 
Blue Jersey Gruppo Cassa Centrale (KOM Classification): Xavier Finlay Pickering
Red Jersey Würth (Points Classification): Giulio Ciccone
White Jersey FORST (Youth Classification): Paul Seixas
Black Jersey BAZR (Combativity Classification): Davide Bais

DISPOSITION

Meeting Place: 09.00, Mezzolombardo, Piazza delle Erbe
Official Depart: 10.25, Mezzolombardo, Corso Mazzini
Finish: 15.15, Sterzing/Vipiteno, Città Nuova
Intermediate Sprint: Salurn/Salorno (Km 7,9), Franzenfeste/Fortezza (Km 125,4)
KOM: Petersberg/Monte San Pietro (1st cat., Km 38,2); Obertelfes/Telves di Sopra (3rd cat., Km 151,7)
Totahaus Permanence: Sterzing/Vipiteno, Stadttheater, W.J. Von Goethe Platz

START: MEZZOLOMBARDO. Mezzolombardo stands as the main town of the Rotaliana plain, which described as 'the most beautiful vineyard garden in Europe'. The name of its excellent red wine, Teroldego Rotaliano, seems to come from the German "Tiroler Gold" (Tyrolean Gold). The village has a long history of thriving trade, but today it’s also an outdoor paradise, offering via ferratas, river fishing, hiking, and cycling along the Giro del Vino 50 route.

ON THE ROAD: Since 2012, the Eggental valley/Val d'Ega has hosted Europe's first star village, featuring the Planetarium, Max Valier Astronomical Observatory, and Peter Anich Solar Observatory. Beyond guided facility tours, visitors can explore themed routes like the Stars and Planets Trail or join night hikes beneath the celestial vault.

THE STAGE TASTE: The Vipiteno Milk Cooperative stands for the highest quality and tradition. Since 1884, the cooperative has been producing excellent dairy products using milk from the surroundings of Sterzing. Sustainability and regionality are the focus to ensure freshness and naturalness in every cup. Quality you can taste – for a unique indulgence from the region.

DON'T MISS: The Augustinian Neustift Abbey, founded in 1142 by Blessed Hartmann, endures as a religious, cultural, and economic center where Augustinian canons maintain their traditions. The abbey's winery, among the world's oldest, has owned vineyards since its establishment.

FINISH: STERZING/VIPITENO-RATSCHINGS/RACINES. Sterzing/Vipiteno, an enchanting alpine town in Isartal/Valle Isarco, ranks among Italy's most beautiful villages. Colorful houses, charming shopping streets, and medieval squares characterize this northern Italian gem. Its picturesque main street, connecting Old and New Towns, preserves late medieval charm.

WEATHER FORECAST: Clear skies and pleasant temperatures at the start in Mezzolombardo, with cooler conditions expected at the finish, around 16°C.