Team Vorarlberg pro Tobias Nolde is the first rider to wear the mountains jersey at the 75th Tour of Austria UCI 2.1!
Team Vorarlberg Gets Off to a Strong Start in the 75th Tour of Austria – Tobias Nolde Wins the King of the Mountains Jersey!
Today, Wednesday, marked the start of the 75th edition of the prestigious Tour of Austria (UCI 2.1). The first stage took the peloton on a challenging 188-kilometer route with 2,800 meters of elevation gain from Graz to Gamlitz in picturesque Southern Styria. As expected, it was a brutal test of strength, marked by numerous rugged climbs with gradients of up to 20 percent, which quickly whittled down the 132-rider field. The presence and ambition of the six World Tour teams impressively underscored the high standing of this traditional stage race.
Tobias Nolde Steals the Show in the Breakaway Group
Team Vorarlberg’s stated goal was to be represented in the day’s leading group right from the start. After a flurry of attacks from the starting point in Graz, pro rider Tobias Nolde finally managed to break away decisively. Together with three fellow riders, he pulled away from the main field at a high pace and quickly built up a lead of over seven minutes.
Tobias Nolde is the first rider to wear the mountain jersey!
The four breakaway riders worked together perfectly in changing weather conditions. Nolde confidently secured the first mountain classification of the day and, in a thrilling duel against Loic Bettendorfer of Team Hrinkow Advarics, also claimed the second classification. Give up and wait for the peloton? That was not an option for the Team Vorarlberg pro. Determined, he pushed on along the Styrian Wine Route and put up a spirited fight against the closing peloton. Although he was caught about 15 kilometers from the finish, the reward was more than deserved: Tobias Nolde can celebrate becoming the first wearer of the best climber’s jersey!
A visibly pleased Tobias Nolde commented on his success: “My legs felt really good today. The group rode well, and I was still hoping to make a move on the final climb. But the top favorites closed in so quickly. I’m really happy about the jersey and think it was a strong start today for us as a team and for me personally.”
Giacomo Ballabio finished in 18th place.
The beaming stage winner and first leader of the general classification is Austrian Gregor Mühlberger, riding in the national jersey. The teammate of Felix Gall from Team Decathlon celebrated an impressive solo victory, finishing 11 seconds ahead of American Kevin Vermaerke of Team UAE Emirates XRG. Italian newcomer Giacomo Ballabio crossed the finish line just one minute behind in a strong 18th place. Philipp Hofbauer didn’t have his best day and lost 1 minute and 46 seconds, finishing in 44th place. His mission for tomorrow, however, is clear: At tomorrow’s finish on the Großglockner, he will go “all-in” to make up valuable ground in the overall standings.
A Look Ahead to the Queen Stage on the Großglockner
On Thursday, the second stage awaits, taking the peloton from the Carinthian winter sports resort of Bad Kleinkirchheim over 189 kilometers to the “roof of the Tour” at the Großglockner, at 2,360 meters above sea level. This is where the first decisive moment in the battle for the overall classification is expected. Leading the pack, Team Vorarlberg pro Philipp Hofbauer will want to put his climbing skills to the test to turn his love of the mountains into a tangible result.
All stages of the Tour of Austria will be broadcast live on ORF 1 during the last two hours of each stage. K19 will handle the video production and stream all stages live.
Results
www.procyclingstats.com/race/tour-of-austria/2026/stage-1
Mountain Classification
www.procyclingstats.com/race/tour-of-austria/2026/stage-1-kom
Press Service Team Vorarlberg
www.team-vorarlberg.at
office@proevent-cycling.at
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Roster: Giacomo Ballabio, Kilian Feurstein, Philipp Hofbauer, Dominik Röber, Colin Stüssi, Emanuel Zangerle
