It’s time for the Queen Stage: the Tour of the Alps takes on the peaks of Trentino
The Tour of the Alps sets off again from Arco, which yesterday witnessed Tom Pidcock’s first victory on the roads of the Euregio. Giulio Pellizzari is called to defend his Melinda Green Jersey in the fourth stage, entirely in Trentino, finishing in Trento after 3,900 meters of elevation gain over 167.8 km. Another key day to measure the ambitions of the favorites
After stage three, Laces–Arco, raced at an extremely high pace and decided in an explosive finale, the Tour of the Alps 2026 is preparing for a decisive day. Yesterday’s stage, run through the sunlit valleys of Trentino to a finish with an almost Mediterranean feel on Lake Garda, confirmed an increasingly competitive race that remains open to many scenarios. Tom Pidcock’s winning sprint (Pinarello Q36.5) ahead of Dati and Bernal is just the latest thrilling moment in three days raced at very high intensity.
Giulio Pellizzari still leads the general classification, defending the Melinda Green Jersey ahead of Arensman and Bernal: the standings remain tight, and there will be no shortage of terrain to try to overturn them.
Today, Thursday, April 23, in the fourth and penultimate stage from Arco to Trento—considered by many to be the Queen Stage of the 2026 edition—the race reaches its decisive turning point. The route takes the peloton into the heart of Trentino, to the City of the Council, along a challenging course with over 3,900 meters of total elevation gain. It will be a day of natural selection, where the GC contenders will have to perform at their very best.
After just eight kilometers from the start, the riders immediately tackle the first-category climb of Passo Bordala (14.8 km at 6.9%), with the opening section shared with the Passo di Santa Barbara climb up to Ronzo Chienis. After the summit, a fast descent leads into the Adige Valley, from where the road climbs again toward Vigolo Vattaro. A short and twisting descent then brings the race into Valsugana, at the foot of Passo del Redebus, another first-category climb (12.9 km at 6.8%).
The descent of Redebus leads into a 37-kilometer circuit, featuring a false-flat section to Baselga di Piné, a steep descent, a flat stretch, and another false flat leading into the climb to Brusago, with the first three kilometers consistently in double digits. After completing the loop, the peloton heads toward Trento for a nervous and technical finale, highlighted by the climb to Povo, already a decisive point in the 2021 European Championships. From the summit, ten kilometers remain to the finish: the first part downhill, the final stretch flat, leading to the finish in the heart of Trento.
DISPOSITIONS
Meeting point: 08:45, Arco, Piazza IV Novembre
Official depart: 10:45, Arco, SS40
Finish: 15:15, Trento, Via Verdi
Intermediate Sprints: Vigolo Vattaro (km 54), Baselga di Piné (km 132)
KOM: Passo Bordala (Cat. 1, km 23), Passo Redebus (Cat. 1, km 85)
Bonus Sprint: Povo (km 158)
Totahaus Permanence: Trento, Trento Expo, Via Briamasco 2
THE STARTING LINE: ARCO
From Piazza III Novembre, the vibrant heart of Arco, dominated by the imposing Collegiate Church, narrow streets branch out towards the Olive Trail — a sensory route through olive groves dedicated to the discovery of Garda Trentino DOP extra virgin olive oil — and the Archducal Arboretum, a botanical garden commissioned by Archduke Albert of Habsburg in 1872, where plants and flowers from all over the world thrive.
ON THE ROAD
Despite being just twenty kilometres from Trento, entering the Valle dei Mocheni feels like stepping into a remote and almost abstract landscape. This valley remains unspoiled, protected from mass tourism. As in the past, life revolves around the Hoff, traditional farmsteads that once formed the backbone of the valley’s subsistence economy and family life.
THE FLAVOR OF THE STAGE
Heroic viticulture in the Cembra Valley is an extreme practice, with terraced vineyards supported by dry-stone walls stretching for hundreds of kilometres. The porphyry-rich soil gives the wines — especially Müller Thurgau — pronounced minerality, freshness and acidity.
DON’T MISS
The Piné Plateau runs parallel to the Cembra Valley, forming a key part of the area’s tourist offering. The landscape is defined by numerous swimmable lakes, terraced vineyards, meadows and forests, as well as biotopes and peat bogs.
FINISH: TRENTO
Trento, capital of the autonomous province of the same name, tells a long story of art and culture. The Cathedral of San Vigilio, dedicated to the city’s patron saint and overlooking Piazza Duomo with the Neptune Fountain, is surrounded by elegant frescoed palaces. Highlights also include the majestic Buonconsiglio Castle, archaeological and cultural sites, the MUSE – Science Museum, and the Renaissance Palazzo delle Albere.
SIDE EVENTS – THURSDAY, APRIL 23
ARCO
9:40 | “MarcoITA108” Project Presentation – Sport Unites @OnStage. How sport can break down barriers of diversity
TRENTO
12:00–14:00 | Safe2Ride, Via Verdi
13:00–15:00 | Ride & Dunk with Aquila Basket @OnStage. A delegation from Dolomiti Energia Aquila Basket Trento will attend the finish
14:30 | Trento Film Festival – Mauro Leveghi @OnStage. The president presents the festival
20:00 | Book presentation by Fondazione Michele Scarponi, written by Alessandra Giardini @Palazzo Geremia
20:00–22:00 | VIVA FM Radio Live
WEATHER FORECAST
Good conditions between Arco and Trento: sunny to partly cloudy and dry. Cool at the start, becoming milder in the afternoon. Light winds and dry roads, with possible early morning damp patches.
