Heat Battles with Top Results
Heat Waves with Top Results
Spread across several countries today were the Team Vorarlberg pros. The reason was the national championships, which were held over the weekend in sweltering heat in Austria, Germany, and Italy, among other places.
38 degrees, 166 kilometers, and an average speed of nearly 46 km/h—those are the raw numbers from the Austrian National Championships in Schwanenstadt. The pace was fast from the start, and Patrick Konrad (who finished 13th) in particular tried to seal the deal early on. The other favorites, however, remained alert and soon began to step up their efforts. In a classic elimination race, Emanuel Zangerle and Philipp Hofbauer had to let only Michael Gogl (Alpecin Premier Tech)—who had experience in the Giro, Tour de France, and Vuelta—as well as Pogacar’s teammate Felix Großschartner (Emirates) and Marco Schrettl (Astana), finishing in fourth and fifth place. The two finished 1:49 minutes behind Gogl, who secured a confident victory over Großschartner in the sprint.
“A sensational performance by Emanuel and Philipp, especially against such strong competition and under these weather conditions,” said team manager Thomas Kofler and race director Paul Renger, who were extremely pleased with the result. “Best Continental team, best Austrian racing team—bring on the Tour of Austria (note: starting July 8).”
Kilian Feurstein, Dominik Amann, Laurin Nenning, and Mathias Larch finished in 22nd, 38th, 61st, and 62nd place, respectively.
Result: www.procyclingstats.com/race/nc-austria2/2026/result
In Italy, there was Giacomo Ballabio was part of a 38-rider group battling for the win in Asti, Piedmont. In the end, the 28-year-old from Team Vorarlberg finished in a brilliant ninth place—tied with the winner and world-class sprinter Jonathan Milan—in a field packed with top professionals.
www.procyclingstats.com/race/nc-italy/2026/result
At the German national championships in Bad Liebenstein, Tobias Nolde and Dominik Röber—just as Ignazio Cireddu had done in Italy—were forced to pull out of the race early.
www.procyclingstats.com/race/nc-germany/2026/result
Vorarlberg Press Service Team
www.team-vorarlberg.at
office@proevent-cycling.at
Cover photo: Emanuel Zangerle took fourth place at the Austrian Championships. The other two photos show Philipp Hofbauer and Giacomo Ballabio, who also put on a brilliant performance over the weekend.
The images may be used free of charge for editorial reporting on Team Vorarlberg in print and online media. Please name the photographer.
Roster: Dominik Amann, Kilian Feurstein, Mathias Larch, Tobias Nolde, Emanuel Zangerle, Dominik Röber, Laurin Nenning, Philipp Hofbauer, Ignazio Cireddu, Giacomo Ballabio
