Storer to defend his title at the Tour of the Alps: “Here I discovered my true level”

Throughout riders’ careers, some victories bring something extra special. Whether it’s for winning at the right moment, or against certain opponents, these wins shape the perception of a rider not only to others, but also to himself and to his own ambitions.

For Michael Storer, that moment came at the 2025 Tour of the Alps: five brutal days that gave the Australian not only a prestigious trophy to place in his palmares, but above all the awareness that he could compete — and win — at the highest level. It was no coincidence that his triumph on the roads of the Euregio of Tirol, Sudtirol and Trentino was followed by the finest season of his career, culminating in third place at Il Lombardia behind Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel.

The Tudor Pro Cycling Team leader will line up for the 49th edition of the Tour of the Alps, scheduled from April 20 to 24, starting in Innsbruck and concluding in Bozen/Bolzano. For the Australian, it will be an opportunity to go for back-to-back victories — a feat that has been missing in the history of the race organised by Sport Alto Garda for 19 years, since Damiano Cunego’s double at what was then the Giro del Trentino (2006–2007).

“The Tour of the Alps is a high-profile race that perfectly suits my characteristics and comes at a good time of year. I usually need a bit of time to reach my best condition, and this year the first part of my season was affected by a few too many issues, but by April I am usually always competitive”, said Storer.

After claiming Stage 2 of the 2025 edition with a decisive move into Sterzing/Vipiteno, the Australian went on to secure the Green Melinda Jersey in the final showdown in Lienz, beating Dutchman Thymen Arensman after making a big impression on the Bannberg and the demanding climb to Stronach.

“That day made me realise that I am capable of achieving major results in important races and against top-level rivals. 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 there in good condition is essential also for those aiming at the Giro d’Italia” added the 29-year-old Australian. “At the TotA, you need to find race intensity, assess your form, and it is also an important opportunity to achieve a prestigious result before the Corsa Rosa.” Opposite to the precociousness that defines modern cycling, Storer’s development has been gradual: a step-by-step journey that found fertile ground within the Swiss Tudor Pro Cycling setup.

“I have always tried to think long-term about my development, looking for every possible way to improve. I am never satisfied with where I stand, and I’m always aiming for something more. We have to understand that talents like Tadej Pogačar are once-in-a-generation. At Tudor, I embraced a project that focused on me, putting energy and resources into helping me express my best. After two and a half years, I can say that the results have lived up to expectations.”

If winning the Tour of the Alps a year ago was the breakthrough that changed his career, the next edition offers the Australian a different and perhaps even more complex challenge: proving he belongs at the top. Defending the title and proving that last year’s success was just the beginning of a new phase in his career. For Michael Storer, the real test now is staying at the top.