Bozen/Bolzano awaits the grand finale
The 2026 Tour of the Alps reaches its decisive final act with a general classification more open than ever. After hundreds of kilometers and over 10,000 meters of total elevation gain across the Euregio, the race will be decided in the last stage from Trento to Bolzano (128.6 km) — short but highly selective, with the San Genesio climb likely to be the final judge. A stage where every detail can make the difference, and which will crown the winner of the 2026 edition
It’s the moment of truth. After four days of great cycling and crossing the three Euregio regions (Tirol, Sudtirol/Alto Adige, and Trentino), following the first professional victory of Germany’s Jasch in the heart of Trento, it is time to discover the new king of the Tour of the Alps. The decisive stage links the two capitals of Trentino and Sudtirol/Alto Adige, from Trento to Bozen/Bolzano: one last, demanding test that will determine the overall winner of the edition celebrating the tenth anniversary of the cooperation agreement between the Euregio territories.
The general classification is led by Giulio Pellizzari, who will have to defend his lead from the attacks of Arensman and Bernal, both ready to go all-in in a stage that promises to be intense and far from predictable — in true TotA style.
As tradition dictates, the final stage of the 2026 Tour of the Alps features a relatively short distance — 128.6 kilometers from Trento to Bolzano — but includes everything needed to shake up the overall standings. Just five kilometers after the start, the road ramps up towards Palù di Giovo, where the intermediate sprint is located, before dropping back into the valley and continuing along the Wine Road.
Once in Kaltern/Caldaro, in South Tyrol, the profile changes again with the climb towards the village of San Nicolò, known as the Kalterer Hohe/Alta di Caldaro, a second-category KOM (4.4 km at 6.6%). A fast descent on wide roads follows, then a flat section leading to the first passage across the finish line in Bolzano, with still 50 kilometers remaining.
Leaving the city, the riders head towards Jenesien/San Genesio, but after the first 3.5 kilometers of climbing, they turn left to tackle a 19-kilometer circuit to be repeated twice, featuring the first-category KOM of Nobls/Montoppio (12.7 km at 7%). At the summit, there are three kilometers of twisting ups and downs before the final intermediate sprint with time bonuses, on the second passage in Cologna di Sopra, followed by a very fast descent leading to the finish in Bozen/Bolzano. Here, the king of the 2026 Tour of the Alps will be crowned.
DISPOSITIONS
Meeting point: 10.00, Trento, Via Verdi
Start: 12.00, Trento, SS 12 Via Brennero
Finish: 15.15, Bozen / Bolzano, Corso Italia
Intermediate Sprints: Palù di Giovo (km 11), St. Pauls / San Paolo (km 63)
KOM: Kalterer Höhe / Caldaro Alta (2a cat., km 54) Nobls / Montoppio (1a cat., km 93)
Bonus Sprint: Oberglaning/Cologna di Sopra (km 110)
Totahaus Permanence: Parrocchia Cristo Re, Piazza Cristo Re 1
THE STARTING LINE: TRENTO
Nestled in the Adige Valley near Mount Bondone (the site of Charly Gaul’s triumph), Trento is surrounded by the Lagorai range to the east. This area is wilder and densely forested, while the striking rocky profiles of the Brenta Dolomites dominate the skyline to the west. The Adige River winds its way through the urban area, flanked by vineyards and apple orchards which define the surrounding rural landscape. This setting of cultivated valley floors, wooded slopes and alpine peaks creates an ideal backdrop for outdoor sports and mountain tourism.
ON THE ROAD
Stretching for 70 kilometers from Nals/Nalles to Kurtinig/Cortina, the South Tyrol Wine Road was established in 1964 and is one of the oldest wine routes in Italy. With 4,250 hectares of vineyards out of a regional total of 5,114, it accounts for 84% of all vineyard land in the province of Bozen/Bolzano.
THE FLAVOR OF THE STAGE
Speck Südtirol/Alto Adige IGP is a traditional speciality with a truly distinctive flavour. It is lightly smoked and air-cured in the fresh mountain air, and its unique taste comes from age-old recipes that have been passed down through the generations, as well as a delicate seasoning of rosemary, juniper and bay leaves.
DON’T MISS
Kalterer See/Lago di Caldaro came into existence in the bed of an ancient branch of the Adige River in a basin about 14 km south of Bolzano. Besides being the largest natural lake in South Tyrol, it’s also the warmest swimming lake in the entire Alpine region.
FINISH: BOZEN/BOLZANO
The city of Bolzano, with its history, monuments, and culture, represents a meeting point of Italian and German languages, traditions, and customs. The Cathedral, a true Romanesque-Gothic gem, defines the city alongside other elegant historic buildings, including the Lauben—arcades that extend into the medieval center—as well as the square dedicated to the poet Walther von der Vogelweide, whose statue stands at its heart. Culture also plays a key role here, with the Archaeological Museum housing the 5,300-year-old Ötzi, the Iceman from the Similaun, and Museion – Museum of modern and contemporary art of Bolzano.
SIDE EVENTS – FRIDAY, APRIL 24
TRENTO
- 10.00-14.00 | Safe2Ride @Piazza del Tribunale
- 10.30 – 11.00 | Ride safely in memory of Sara Piffer @Onstage
BOZEN/BOLZANO
- 12.00 – 14.00 | Bike repair station @Piazza Tribunale / FC Südtirol
Ride & Play
- 13.30 – 15.30 | Presence of Veteran Car Team Bolzano by Davide Brancalion @Piazza Tribunale
- 20.00-22.00 | VIVA FM Radio Live
WEATHER FORECAST
For the early and central phases of the stage between Trento and Bolzano, generally stable and favourable conditions are expected, with clear or partly cloudy skies and temperatures gradually rising from 18–20°C in the morning to 22–24°C in the early afternoon. Dry weather is forecast, with light winds and valley breezes—ideal conditions for a steady race and sustained pace, at least until the final stages.
