Following the start in Tirol and the uphill finish in Martell/Val Martello, the Tour of the Alps heads into Trentino for three decisive stages — first in Garda Trentino, then in the capital, Trento. The final day will feature an intermediate sprint in Palù di Giovo dedicated to the memory of Sara Piffer before the stage finish in Bozen/Bolzano
Last year, San Lorenzo Dorsino hosted the start of the 2025 Tour of the Alps. In 2026, Trentino’s roads will define the final three days of the 49th edition of the euro-regional cycling event (April 20-24), with demanding routes and decisive climbs set to shape the general classification. Further confirming the region’s strong cycling heritage, Trentino will also host the 2031 UCI Cycling World Championships.
After the uphill finish in Martell/Val Martello on Wednesday, April 22, the Tour of the Alps will restart in Latsch/Laces (Südtirol/Alto Adige) and head towards Arco in Trentino. Thursday, April 23 will feature the all-Trentino queen stage from Arco to Trento. The provincial capital will also host the start of the final stage on Friday, April 24, which will conclude in Bozen/Bolzano.
After setting off from Vinschgau/Val Venosta and tackling the Hofmahdjoch/Passo Castrin KOM (22.2 km at 5.7%), the race enters the Province of Trento with a descent into Val di Non — a nod to Melinda, the renowned fruit consortium and long-standing partner of Sport Alto Garda, sponsor of the #TotA Green Jersey for the general classification leader.
After crossing Val di Non, the peloton will face the climb to Andalo in the Paganella area — a territory long associated with cycling, particularly mountain biking. The route then descends towards Lake Molveno, crossing the valley floor to reach the intermediate sprint in Ponte Arche, the municipal centre of Comano Terme, a celebrated spa destination known for the healing properties of its thermal waters, particularly in dermatological treatments.
From Comano Terme, the road rises again towards Passo del Ballino, followed by a descent towards Lake Tenno — a stunning basin formed by a landslide and now one of the area’s natural gems. In Tenno, riders tackle a circuit featuring a descent from the Pranzo side and a climb back up towards the lake, including an intermediate bonus sprint on the line.
After completing the loop, with around 15 km remaining, the race heads towards Garda Trentino, passing through Riva del Garda before the final kilometres leading to the finish in Arco. Watched over by its medieval castle, Arco blends historic charm with a strong sporting spirit — a place of light and rock, beloved by hikers, climbers and those drawn to its distinctive Mediterranean-alpine atmosphere.
“We are very proud that Garda Trentino is hosting the Tour of the Alps once again. It is the most iconic cycling race in our territory and has been part of the UCI ProSeries since 2020,” said Silvio Rigatti, President of the Garda Dolomiti Tourism Board. “This event truly reflects our sporting identity and our strong cycling heritage. Riders will compete in a territory that attracts millions of cycling enthusiasts each year, along routes that cross outstanding landscapes — not only lakeside scenery, but also inland villages, valleys and demanding climbs. It is no coincidence that our province has been chosen to host the 2031 UCI Multi-discipline Cycling World Championships — an important recognition of the quality of our territory and our organisational expertise.”Arco will also host the start of Stage 4, a demanding 167.8 km route to Trento featuring 3,600 metres of elevation gain — widely regarded as the race’s queen stage. From the start, the peloton will tackle the first-category Passo Bordala climb (14.8 km at 6.9%), followed by a descent into the Adige Valley and another ascent towards Vigolo Vattaro. A short, winding descent then leads into the unspoilt Valle dei Mocheni at the foot of Passo del Redebus — another first-category climb (12.9 km at 6.8%).
The descent from Redebus introduces a 37-km circuit featuring rolling terrain towards Baselga di Piné, followed by a steep descent, a flat section and another false flat before the climb to Brusago. After completing the loop, the race returns to Trento for a nervous and technical finale highlighted by the ascent to Povo, already a decisive point during the 2021 UEC Road European Championships. From the summit, ten kilometres remain to the line — first downhill, then flat into the heart of Trento.
Rich in art, culture and iconic landmarks — including the Cathedral of San Vigilio, the Neptune Fountain and Buonconsiglio Castle — Trento will also host the start of the fifth and final stage, finishing in Bozen/Bolzano. In the opening section, the peloton will pass through Palù di Giovo, hometown of the Moser brothers, Gilberto Simoni and Sara Piffer. Sara Piffer, a young Trentino rider, tragically lost her life in a training accident in 2025. In tribute, the Tour of the Alps has dedicated the intermediate sprint in Palù di Giovo to her memory, where her family and friends will gather.
“Trentino keeps pedalling in the most authentic and meaningful sense of the word,” commented Matteo Agnolin, General Director of the Trento Tourism Board. “Events like the Tour of the Alps combine top-level sport, passion and local identity, crossing landscapes that tell stories of history, culture and community. As a tourism board, we strongly believe in the value of sporting events of this magnitude — they promote an active and sustainable lifestyle while enhancing the territory as a shared and lived space. The Tour of the Alps offers an exceptional opportunity for international visibility, connecting places, people and local excellence while generating tangible benefits for the economy and hospitality sector.”
Arco (Italy), February 12th, 2026
