#TotA Day 3: From Imst to Naturns/Naturno, 162 Km that inspire attackers

Good morning from the 2021 Tour of the Alps! After yesterday’s battle in Tirol and the convincing win conquered by Simon Yates in Feichten im Kaunertal, the peloton starts riding Southbound.

Stage 3 (Imst-Naturns/Naturno, 162 Km) offers an opportunity to the attackers. While there’s no giant on the path of the riders, the winding roads of Vinschgau/Val Venosta do not leave any breath to the athletes – and nearly 3000 meters of elevation gain stand there to show it.

Apple trees, vineyards and breath-taking panoramic views surround a race course characterized by a new passage on the Piller Sattel climb. From there, the peloton returns to Italy and South Tyrol facing the Reschen/Resia KOM and the following ascents of Frinig and Tarres/Tarsch.

The Tarres/Tarsch hill represents an ideal springboard for possible attackers or for the athletes who failed to live up to the expectations in Kaunertal. The opportunity to regain seconds in the overall standings is around the corner in Naturns/Naturno.

DISPOSITION

Meeting Place: 8:30, Imst, Sparkassenplatz
Start: 9:50, Imst, Sparkassenplatz, Kramergrasse
Finish: 14:15, Naturns/Naturno, Via Principale
Intermediate Sprint: Pfunds, Km 53,6
KOM: Reschen/Passo Resia (2a cat., km 73,6), Tarsch/Tarres (3a cat., km 143,6)

THE STARTING LINE: IMST. Summer or winter doesn’t matter. Imst is always able to recall visitors with a full program of events, concerts and festivals. Along with these attractions, Imst has often staged major sports events over the years, including the World Luge Championships (1963 and 1978) and the Climbing World Championships (2010).

ON THE ROAD: Vinschgau Valley. The heart of the plateau is characterized by the solitary church steeple, emerging half out the Reschen lake, symbol of the Vinschgau Valley.

THE STAGE TASTE: The Vinschgau Valley is a region for gourmets and aficionados of genuine food. From apples, apricots and Pala pear to vineyards and orchards at altitude: the Vinschgau valley cuisine is the re-discovered “poor people’s cuisine”.

DON’T MISS: With its 900 inhabitants, Glurns/Glorenza is one of the smallest cities in the World. This gem of the Vinschgau Valley has a medieval old town and boasts the only intact enclosed fortification from XVI century in South Tyrol, characterized by fully preserved ramparts and three picturesque towers.

THE FINISH: NATURNS/NATURNO. Naturns is the ideal destination for active holidays. While the many playgrounds offer a great deal of fun to the children, adults can recharge their battery in the first certified “Alpine Wellness” destination in South Tyrol. 315 days of sunshine a year and a varied weekly programme: the Alpine-Mediterranean lifestyle helps to re-sync body and soul.

TRAFFIC CLOSURES

For stages  3 the authorities of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano and Tyrolean authorities have issued an order to suspend the traffic, in both directions, on all roads crossed by the race, at least 40 minutes before the passage of the start vehicle and until the passage of the closing vehicle.

TV DISTRIBUTION

Two hours of Live broadcast each day characterized 2021 Tour of the Alps, from 12.30 pm CET to 2.30 pm CET.

TV: Eurosport (Europe, East Asia, USA, Canada, South America, Central America, Pacific Area, Indian Subcontinent), RaiSport (Italy, San Marino, Vatican City), ORF (Highlights in Austria), Equipe TV (France), TV2 (Denmark).

LIVE STREAMING: Eurosport Player, GCN – Global Cycling Network, Repubblica.it, Tuttobiciweb.it, Federciclismo, K19.at, PMG Sport (Facebook Page and Youtube channel in Austria, Japan, Cina, New Zealand and Mexico).