#TotA Day 2 - From Tyrol riding south: arriving in Martell/Val Martello
Following Tommaso Dati’s success on the opening stage, the Tour of the Alps continues with Stage 2, starting in Telfs (Tyrol) and finishing in Val Martello (South Tyrol). The 147.5 km route will take the peloton over the first-category Piller Höhe climb, before reaching Lake Resia, home to its iconic half-submerged church tower rising from the water. The race then enters Italy through orchards and apple-growing valleys, with Martell/Val Martello ready to welcome the peloton with side events and local food tastings
The Tour of the Alps 2026 opened yesterday in Innsbruck with a surprise win by Tommaso Dati (Team UKYO). Today, Tuesday 21 April, he will start again in the Green Jersey (Melinda) for the second stage from Telfs (Tyrol) to Val Martello (South Tyrol), covering 147.5 km.
The start takes place in the picturesque town of Telfs, at the foot of the Wetterstein massif, where Alpine tradition meets modern life. The Mösern area is home to the Friedensglocke des Alpenraumes (“Bell of Peace of the Alps”), the largest free-standing bell in the Alpine region, symbol of unity among neighbouring regions. Every day at 5:00 PM, its chime echoes across the valley, recalling the peace agreement that led to the Alpine Regions Working Community in 1972.
After around 20 flat kilometres, the road begins to rise: first gently through the Pitztal valley, then more decisively towards the first-category Piller Höhe climb (9.2 km at 6% average gradient). After the summit, the route remains at altitude for a few kilometres before descending into the valley floor. A rolling section of around 25 km follows, leading into the long ascent of the Resia Pass (15.8 km at 3.4%). Just before the summit, the race leaves Austria and enters Italy and South Tyrol. After the climb, the road stays elevated briefly before dropping into the Vinschgau valley.
With just over six kilometres to go, riders face the final climb to Val Martello, averaging 8%. The effort ends around 500 metres from the finish, followed by a short false flat and final ramp to the line. A highly selective finale, ideal for GC contenders looking for an early test.
DISPOSITIONS
Meeting place: 09:30 – Telfs, Edward Wallnöfer Platz
Start: 11:35 – Tiroler Strasse B171
Finish: 15:15 – Val Martello, Erdbeerwelt Trattla
TV points: Arzl in Pitztal (km 27), Tösens (km 62)
KOMs: Piller Höhe (Cat. 1, km 42), Resia Pass (Cat. 3, km 89)
Bonus sprint: Coldrano (km 140)
Permanence: Val Martello, Culturamartell Trattla 246
START: TELFS
In the lively town of Telfs, culture, leisure activities, and culinary delights come together, supported by local businesses, events, a climbing centre, and a setting that attracts hikers, cyclists, and those seeking relaxation.
ON THE ROAD
Resia Pass sits at 1,500 m above sea level in the Upper Vinschgau valley. At its heart lies Lake Resia, where the solitary bell tower of the submerged village of Curon Venosta emerges from the water—an iconic symbol of the valley. In 1950, the town was flooded for the construction of a hydroelectric dam. Legends still say the bells can be heard ringing beneath the lake on certain days.
THE FLAVOR OF THE STAGE
The Vinschgau valley is a paradise for lovers of authentic local produce: apples, apricots, the famous Pala pear, as well as high-altitude vineyards and vegetable gardens. The rediscovery of simple traditional dishes forms the foundation of its appreciated cuisine.
DON'T MISS
The Plima Gorge is a spectacular natural canyon in Val Martello, within Stelvio National Park. Formed over thousands of years by glacial waters, it features steep rock walls and panoramic trails offering safe close-up views of its geology.
FINISH: VAL MARTELLO
Val Martello, a pristine side valley of Vinschgau, is known for its wild landscapes and high-mountain scenery within Stelvio National Park. Alongside its natural beauty, it is also famous for strawberry cultivation. Trails around Lake Gioveretto lead through larch forests and alpine pastures up to the Cevedale glacier.
SIDE EVENTS – TUESDAY 21 APRIL
TELFS
08:30–10:30 | Safe2Ride Telfs @Eduard-Wallnöfer-Platz
09:00–11:30 | “Marchingband John Blow” performance @Eduard-Wallnöfer-Platz
09:00–11:50 | Bike repair station by Bike Sport Telfs
09:00–11:50 | Kids inflatable castle @Eduard-Wallnöfer-Platz
09:00–12:00 | Food specialties in square restaurant gardens
VAL MARTELLO
13:00–16:30 | Bike course by Maxx Bike Eldorado @Pavillon
13:00–16:30 | Stelvio National Park presentation @Culturamartell green area
13:00–16:30 | Strawberry tasting with local producers & guests
13:00–16:30 | Biathlon shooting stand
13:00–16:30 | Food & drink area
