World-class road cycling in Innsbruck

Tour of the Alps 2026 - Lukas Pöstlberger reveals the insights

From April 20 to 24, 2026, the Tyrolean Alps will once again be the stage for one of the most demanding stage races in men's professional cycling: the Tour of the Alps. The traditional tour, which was known as Giro del Trentino until 2016 and was launched in 1962, is now considered an important springboard for young riders and a real test of form for the following Tour de France in the international men's elite. One rider who made a name for himself here early on is Lukas Pöstlberger. The former Bora‑Hansgrohe rider started the tour six times and used it as a stage for his path to the top of the world.

"An extremely tough stage race that is used by many top riders as a test of form for the Tour," says Lukas. In this interview, he talks about his most formative moment, why you should definitely experience this race live and where you can meet him along the route in 2026. Lukas is Tour of the Alps Ambassador and gives me some exciting insights into the race in Innsbruck over a pre-race pasta dinner.

The route of the Tour of the Alps 2026

The Tour of the Alps 2026 leads through North Tyrol, South Tyrol/Alto Adige and Trentino. It kicks off with an undulating loop starting and finishing in Innsbruck. The tour then leads through the mountains of the Alps in five selective stages: from Telfs to Val Martello, from Latsch to Arco, onwards from Arco to Trento and finally to the finale from Trento to Bolzano/Bozen. Around 760 kilometers and over 14,600 meters of altitude promise a week full of climbing, tough racing and spectacular images.

Why you should experience the Tour of the Alps live

"Experiencing professional cycling directly on the track is unique. You can't even imagine how fast we are going in the peloton until you see it for yourself," says Lukas. When asked why this race in particular is so special, he says: "My teammates often envied me and even said during the race that I was privileged to live and train here. And they are right. Cycling around Innsbruck is something very special, whether in training, as a spectator: Tour of the Alps or as a rider in the race."

The best places along the route

From his experience, Lukas knows how teams build up their tactics. In his estimation, the first stage is driven in a rather controlled manner and the time gaps remain small. The finish sprint in Innsbruck will be all the more spectacular - top speed and world-class cycling will be within reach. This is a moment not to be missed. If you want to see even more racing action, position yourself along the route in the district of Hötting, where the peloton rushes past shortly before the finish.

2026: Lukas Pöstlberger as an ambassador

in 2026, Lukas will no longer start in a racing suit in the peloton, but will be on the route as an ambassador and follow the peloton in the media car. Together with his former teammate Daniel Oss, he comments on the race and provides exciting insights on the tour's social media channels. If you want to meet Lukas yourself, the best place to do so is at the start/finish area in Innsbruck or on the climb towards Mieming.

Here you can find the Instagram channels with live updates of the stage race: Tour of the Alps and Lukas Pöstlberger.

A favorite race since 2018

Lukas particularly remembers his joint Tour of the Alps with his teammate at the time Anton Palzer. "It was Toni's first professional race. He was incredibly nervous at the start. It was another race day for me and something completely new for him. That moment opened my eyes to how natural it had all become for me and how much I love what I get to do: ride a road bike."

When finally asked who will win the Tour of the Alps 2026, Lukas laughs and says: "Felix Gall. With a red-white-red flag through the finish arch."

Road biking around Innsbruck

Are you still looking for a few training routes or a leisurely evening ride with your friends?

Here you will find some of the most beautiful road bike tours and a few tour tips in the Innsbruck area.