TotA Day 1 - Innsbruck opens the 49th edition of the Tour of the Alps: a show between city and mountains
The first stage of the Tour of the Alps starts and finishes in Innsbruck, over a 144.3 km route with 1,700 metres of elevation gain that blends sport, landscapes, and culture. After a fast start, the riders cross the Mieming Plateau, where they tackle the KOM climb, followed by the selective ascent of Götzens, before returning to the city finish on Rennweg. The stage highlights the Tyrolean region, where the urban dimension merges with the Alpine one, offering not only top-level cycling but also panoramic views, culinary traditions, and iconic attractions
The big day has finally arrived. Innsbruck is dressed for the occasion, and the roads are ready to welcome fans, enthusiasts, and above all the champions who will bring the 49th edition of the Tour of the Alps to life. The opening stage of the Euroregional race on Monday, April 20 features both start and finish in the Tyrolean capital, the “Golden Roof” city. On the menu for this first day: 144.3 km and 1,700 metres altitude.
After a fast start, the riders head towards the Mieming Plateau, a wide and sunny natural terrace above the Inn Valley in Tyrol. Green meadows, larch forests, and striking landscapes accompany the race, with the Mieming mountain range in the background. In this setting, hiking and cycling trails welcome those who choose Tyrol as an outdoor destination: a popular attraction is the “Bergdoktor House” in Wildermieming, made famous by the Austro-German TV series.
On the plateau, the riders face the first KOM, then return towards Innsbruck and enter a second circuit of about 18 km, which is also to be covered twice. This loop includes the climb of Götzens: four kilometres at an average gradient of 7%, with a central section exceeding double digits. Before the fast descent towards Kematen, a short uphill stretch leads to Axams, where a bonus sprint is placed on the second passage. From there, about twenty kilometres remain to the finish in Innsbruck, on the classic Rennweg straight, which already hosted the 2018 World Championships finish.
DISPOSITIONS
Sign-on: 10:00, Rennweg
Start: 11:55, Völser Strasse
Finish: 15:15, Rennweg
TV points: Flaurling (km 20), Kematen in Tirol (km 90)
Bonus Sprint: Axams (km 122)
KOM: Mieming Plateau (Cat. 3, km 56), Götzens (Cat. 2, km 100)Totahaus Permanence: Innsbruck Congress, Rennweg 3
THE EUROREGIONAL ADVENTURE CONTINUES
Before the stage start (11:45), a celebratory moment will mark both the 10th anniversary of the Tour of the Alps project and the renewal of the Euroregional memorandum of understanding for the next ten years. In attendance will be Tyrol Governor and current Euregio President Anton Mattle, Governor of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano Arno Kompatscher, and Vice President of the Autonomous Province of Trento Achille Spinelli.
THE STARTING LINE
The Innsbruck region offers the best of both city and mountain: medieval alleys meet high snowy peaks, alpine huts and modern art galleries. Visitors will find countless reasons to enjoy the area, as will sports fans, through urban shopping experiences, mountain excursions, and cultural highlights waiting to be discovered.
ON THE ROAD
Overlooking the Inn Valley near Innsbruck, the Mieming Plateau invites families and tourists to enjoy a peaceful nature experience among lush meadows, larch forests, and stunning views of the Mieming mountains. There are plenty of opportunities for cycling and relaxed hiking. A must-visit destination is the Stöttlalm hut.
THE FLAVOR OF THE STAGE
Those wishing to taste authentic Tyrolean cuisine should try Kaspressknödel—pan-fried pressed dumplings browned until golden, a staple of local tradition. Another classic is Gröstl, a hearty dish of pan-fried potatoes with beef and a fried egg on top, often finished with freshly grated cheese.
DON'T MISS
Alongside the Golden Roof, Innsbruck’s iconic symbol with its 2,657 gilded copper tiles, the city offers many attractions: a selfie along the colourful houses of the Mariahilf district is a must, as is a ride on the Nordkettenbahnen cable car. In just a few minutes from the city centre, visitors can reach the Seegrube summit at 1,905 metres.
THE FINISH: INNSBRUCK
With its city-and-mountain combination, the Innsbruck region hosts world-class sporting events. The Tyrolean capital made Olympic history by hosting the Winter Games in 1964 and 1976, and also proved itself as a top-tier cycling venue with the 2018 World Championships. It is a permanent fixture on the international cycling calendar and a favourite destination for cycling tourists and amateurs.
SIDE EVENTS (Monday, April 20)
10:00–12:30 Safe2Ride | Innsbruck Rennweg
10:00–16:30 Chill-out area @ Landestheater forecourt / Expo Area
11:00–12:30 Wiltener Stadtkapelle brass band performance @ Rennweg
11:00–13:00 Bike repair station by Dust Bikes @ Rennweg
10:00–16:00 Euregio Coffee Stand @ Rennweg
14:30 Ride-in by the “Innsbrucker Schwalben” @ finish
20:00–22:00 VIVA FM Radio Live
WEATHER FORECAST
In Innsbruck, weather conditions will be unstable, with light rain alternating with brief periods of improvement. In the morning, drizzle is expected with temperatures around 9°C, while later in the day the sky will remain cloudy with intermittent showers. In the early afternoon, light precipitation will continue along with occasional clear spells, with temperatures slightly rising to around 12–13°C.
