The 2026 Tour of the Alps, scheduled for April 20-24, will see defending champion Michael Storer of Tudor Pro Cycling Team return to defend his title against a formidable field of climbers and Grand Tour contenders. The five-stage race, traversing the demanding terrain of Austria and Italy, is set for significant general classification swings across its brutal mountain passes.
Storer secured his 2025 victory after five arduous days of racing, marked by intense battles with Thymen Arensman that defined the general classification. His tactical prowess and climbing strength will be tested once more on a route designed for pure climbers.
The 2026 edition presents a balanced but relentlessly challenging course. Stage 1 from Innsbruck to Innsbruck covers 144.5 kilometres and offers the peloton's sprinters a rare opportunity for a bunch finish. The race intensifies dramatically on Stage 2 from Telfs to Val Martello, a 147.6km journey featuring three categorised climbs and a punishing finale on a 9% gradient.
Stage 3 from Laces to Arco is arguably the most brutal day, with 174.5km of racing and a colossal 3,600 metres of elevation gain across multiple major climbs. The queen stage follows on Stage 4 from Arco to Trento, a 167.7km test featuring the ascents of Passo Bordala, Vicolo Vattaro, and Passo Redebus. The final test, Stage 5 from Trento to Bolzano, is a 128.6km dash that includes the climbs of Montoppio and Cologna di Sopra before the finish.
All eyes are on Giulio Pellizzari of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, who is widely considered the top favourite and biggest challenger to Storer's crown. The list of strong contenders is deep and includes Derek Gee of Lidl-Trek, Egan Bernal of INEOS Grenadiers, and Storer's former rival Thymen Arensman, also of INEOS.
Additional threats to the overall podium come from a powerful group of veterans and specialists, including Tom Pidcock of Q36.5, Ben O’Connor of Jayco-AlUla, Aleksandr Vlasov, and the evergreen Domenico Pozzovivo. This concentration of talent ensures that no single rider will have an easy path to victory.
The Tour of the Alps serves as a critical preparation race for the Giro d'Italia, making the fierce competition for the winner's jersey a compelling preview of form ahead of the season's first Grand Tour. The relentless parcours will provide a stern examination for every general classification hopeful aiming for glory in the high mountains.