Tour of the Alps – Laces-Arco Stage (start in Laces)
The great Euregio cycling race kicks off from Val Venosta
About Tour of the Alps – Start in Laces
The Tour of the Alps in Laces/Latsch
The Tour of the Alps is one of the most prestigious stage cycling races on the international circuit, included in the UCI ProSeries calendar. Organized by the Gruppo Sportivo Alto Garda A.s.d., based in Arco, the event travels every April through the territories of the Tyrol-South Tyrol-Trentino Euroregion, ideally linking Austria and Italy along five demanding mountain stages. As the successor to the historic Giro del Trentino, the race serves as a crucial testing ground for the best climbers ahead of the Giro d'Italia.
Laces, Gateway to Val Venosta
The Municipality of Laces/Latsch, in the heart of Val Venosta in the province of Bolzano, is a town surrounded by apple orchards, vineyards, and high mountains, crossed by the Adige River. Thanks to its mild climate and dense network of hiking and cycling trails, Laces has always been a meeting point for nature, sport, and the culture of South Tyrol. Its main square, the Hauptplatz, becomes the stage for the start of one of the toughest legs of the edition during the race.
The Laces-Arco Stage
From Val Venosta, the peloton heads towards Trentino, tackling approximately 174.5 kilometers. After the initial flat kilometers along the Adige Valley, the longest climb of the race begins near Lana: the Hofmahdjoch/Passo Castrin, a first-category King of the Mountains climb (22.2 km at 5.7%), which at 1,586 meters represents the highest point of the entire edition and the natural border between South Tyrol and Trentino. This is followed by the climb to Andalo (2nd category) before the finale in Garda Trentino, featuring the Lake Tenno circuit and the finish in Arco.
A Celebration for the Region
Beyond the competitive aspect, the start in Laces is a major public celebration for Val Venosta and the entire Trentino-South Tyrol Region. In the gathering area and along the route, one can feel the atmosphere of great cycling, with fans, families, and enthusiasts crowding the streets and towns to witness the race passing by. Laces thus confirms its vocation as a land of sport and a privileged gateway to the mountains of the Euregio.
Tour of the Alps – Start in Laces — edition 2026
Tour of the Alps 2026 – Laces-Arco Stage
The 49th edition of the Tour of the Alps featured its third stage on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, starting from Laces/Latsch in Val Venosta and finishing in Arco on Garda Trentino. The 174.5-kilometer stage connected South Tyrol to Trentino via the Hofmahdjoch/Passo Castrin (1st category, 22.2 km at 5.7%), the highest point of the entire edition at 1,586 meters, and the climb of Andalo (2nd category).
The gathering was held in the Hauptplatz in Laces at 8:30 AM, with the official start at 10:00 AM from the locality of Kastelberg/Castelbello and arrival in Arco, on Via Monache, around 2:15 PM. The stage was marked by a group crash at the start, with a neutralization of about twenty minutes, before the final sprint won in Arco by Tom Pidcock ahead of Tommaso Dati and Egan Bernal. The Italian Giulio Pellizzari remained firmly in the lead of the general classification.
Programme Tour of the Alps – Start in Laces 2026
Stage Program (April 22, 2026)
- 08:30 – Gathering in Hauptplatz, Laces/Latsch
- 10:00 – Official start (loc. Kastelberg/Castelbello)
- 14:15 approx. – Arrival in Arco, Via Monache
Route and KOM
- 174.5 km from Laces to Arco
- Hofmahdjoch/Passo Castrin (1st cat., 22.2 km at 5.7%, altitude 1,586 m – highest point of the edition)
- Andalo (2nd category, km 109)
- Intermediate sprints in Cles, Ponte Arche and Sprint Bonus in Tenno
- Lake Tenno circuit before the finish
Highlights Tour of the Alps – Start in Laces 2026
- Start from the Hauptplatz of Laces, in Val Venosta
- Passo Castrin, the highest point of the entire edition (1,586 m)
- Stage victory by Tom Pidcock in Arco
- Live TV broadcast on RaiSport and Eurosport
Prices Tour of the Alps – Start in Laces 2026
Practical information — Tour of the Alps – Start in Laces
How to get there
Laces/Latsch is located in Val Venosta and can be reached by car along the SS38 Stelvio road from Merano and Bolzano. The Laces train station is served by the Merano-Malles line (Val Venosta Railway), which connects to the national network in Merano and Bolzano.
The Start
The riders' meeting point is held in the Hauptplatz (main square) of Laces, while the official start takes place in the locality of Kastelberg/Castelbello. During the race, traffic changes and temporary road closures are expected along the route.
Costs
Watching the start and the passage of the race along the roads is free.
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Where does it take place — Tour of the Alps – Start in Laces
Hauptplatz / Piazza principale
Hauptplatz, 39021 Laces/Latsch