Grandiose Team Vorarlberg gala on the first Tour of the Alps UCI 2.Pro stage – Emanuel Zangerle takes the mountain jersey after an impressive performance in Innsbruck – Tobias Nolde second in the points classification
Emanuel Zangerle in the Tour of the Alps mountain jersey after a hussar ride – Team Vorarlberg shines with a one-two punch!
Innsbruck, April 20, 2026 – A perfect start for Team Vorarlberg at the first stage of the five-day “Tour of the Alps” (UCI 2.Pro)! At the prestigious race, which took place today, Monday, on a 144-kilometer circuit with start and finish in Innsbruck and 1750 meters of altitude difference, the Austrian professional team showed an incredibly aggressive riding style. Despite being the underdogs in the select world-class field – with 13 teams in the first and second UCI category, including stars such as Tom Pidcock (Q36.5) and Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers) – Team Vorarlberg was wide awake from the start!
Double presence in the leading group and mountain jersey win!
The declared goal of being in the leading group of the day right from the start was impressively realized twice by Team Vorarlberg. Immediately after the official start in Innsbruck, Austrian Emanuel Zangerle attacked and broke away from the field. He was followed by his teammate Tobias Nolde (GER) and Austrian national team rider Johannes Dirnbaumer (AUT). This trio was to have a decisive influence on the race until shortly before the finish.
Tobias Nolde secured both points sprints, putting him in a strong second place overall in the sprint classification. The day was even more spectacular for Emanuel Zangerle. The Tyrolean, who lives in Innsbruck and is a true local hero, dominated the mountain classifications and secured both classifications. The Vorarlberg pro thus took the coveted jersey of the best climber in the Tour of the Alps.
Solo ride and award for most combative rider – Colin Stüssi and Philipp Hofbauer on target
After the last mountain classification in Götzens, Tobias Nolde and Johannes Dirnbaumer were caught up again by the peloton, but Emanuel “Emu” Zangerle set off on a solo ride. He fought a thrilling duel with the entire peloton, which at times came as close as seven seconds before he was able to extend his lead to 25 seconds again. It was only five kilometers before the finish that he had to concede defeat to the onrushing peloton. What a fighting spirit. The stage winner was the Italian Tommaso Dati (Team UKYO) ahead of Tom Pidcock (GBR / Team Q36.5) and Florian Storck (GER / Tudor Pro Cycling). Colin Stüssi and Philipp Hofbauer finish with the peloton and do not lose any time in the overall standings.
Emanuel Zangerle ‘s impressive performance was doubly honored on the podium in front of the Landestheater in Innsbruck: In addition to the mountain jersey, he was also honored as the most combative pro of the day. A great day for Team Vorarlberg, who put themselves in the international spotlight with this aggressive and present riding style. The Tour of the Alps will be broadcast live on Eurosport, ORF and many other stations around the world.
Outlook for tomorrow’s stage
“That was exactly what we had hoped for today! Emanuel and Tobias have already achieved a lot with their attack and fighting spirit. Having the mountain jersey in our own ranks is a real motivational boost for the whole team. We are aware that it will still be super tough. But what you’ve got, you’ve got!”, say Team Manager Thomas Kofler and Sports Directors Paul Renger and Moran Vermeulen.
Tomorrow is the second stage from Telfs to Martelltal in South Tyrol. Another 2700 meters of altitude difference await on 147 stage kilometers – it’s on to the mountains!
Result https://www.procyclingstats.com/race/tour-of-the-alps/2026/stage-1
Mountain classification https://www.procyclingstats.com/race/tour-of-the-alps/2026/stage-1-kom
Cover picture Leader Best Climber Emanuel Zangerle@Team_Vorarlberg Picture 1 Emanuel Zangerle most agressiv rider@Team_Vorarlberg Picture 2 Tour of the Alps teampresentation@Team_Vorarlberg Picture 3 Zangerle_Dirnbaumer in the lead@Team_Vorarlberg
Press Service Team Vorarlberg
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Squad: Ignazio Cireddu, Kilian Feurstein, Philipp Hofbauer, Tobias Nolde, Dominik Röber, Emanuel Zangerle, Colin Stüssi
