#TotA Day 5 - Last call: Lienz hosts the final act
With just 11 seconds separating Thymen Arensman and Michael Storer, the Tour of the Alps remains wide open. Everything will be decided over the 112.2 km stage starting and finishing in Lienz, Osttirol. The riders will tackle the Bannberg climb twice, as well as the brutal ascent to Stronach
Good morning from the fifth and last stage of the Tour of the Alps! Today is the day - the spectacular and intriguing course (112,2 Km with start and finish in Lienz) might bring surprises, also taking into consideration the short gap between the leader of the Green Jersey Melinda, Dutchman Thymen Arensman (INEOS Grenadiers), and his main rival, Aussie Michael Storer (Tudor Pro Cycling), second at 11 seconds.
But beware of the opponents' desire for redemption after yesterday’s grueling stage that finished in Obertilliach. In the GC, Arensman leads Storer by 11”, with Gee at 2’15”, followed by Ciccone (+3’17”), Gall (+3’21”), Caruso (+3’41”), Bardet and Poole (+4’14”), Hindley (+4’17”), and Cepeda (+4’23”).
The Tour of the Alps showdown comes in a compact but potentially explosive stage. After 37 km of flat racing, riders face a new challenge: an unprecedented approach to the Bannberg featuring 15 hairpins over 4.5 km at a brutal 10% average gradient. A rolling section follows before a second assault on the Bannberg.
The classic descent leads to the valley floor and the day's final challenge: the Stronach climb, which proved decisive in 2022. Its 3 kilometers of narrow roads average a leg-breaking 13% and could once again determine the overall winner. From the summit, just 10 km of racing remain to the finish in Lienz's Hauptplatz.
The final 3 kilometers provide a straight, flat run-in until the last 300 meters, where a right-left combination leads into the Hauptplatz. Here, in the heart of Lienz, the 2025 Tour of the Alps will crown its champion.
START: LIENZ Osttirol’s capital, Lienz sits at the convergence of Drautal, Hochpustertal/ Alta Pusteria and Isertal valleys. Known as the "sun city" for its mild climate, it draws numerous visitors with its rich blend of cultural attractions and shopping opportunities.
ON THE ROAD: The municipality of Iselsberg-Stronach nestles within Hohe Tauern National Park at 1,117 meters elevation, serving as a gateway for numerous hiking and mountain biking trails. Dölsacher Berg Mountain divides the municipality: Iselsberg lies along the road to Iselsberger Sattel, while Stronach occupies the opposite mountain.
THE STAGE TASTE: Osttirol's culinary heritage shines through its "Schlipfkrapfen" (stuffed pasta), a regional lunchtime favorite. Evening meals typically feature speck, "Hauswürstel" sausage, and characteristic dark Osttirol farmhouse bread.
DON'T MISS: Assling Wildlife Park spans 80,000 square meters, housing over 100 European species including deer, marmots, lynxes, wild pigs, martens, eagles, ibexes, roe deer, chamois, ducks, snakes, and fish. The petting zoo area allows visitors to feed and interact with selected animals.
FINISH: LIENZ. History lives on through 750-year-old Schloss Bruck Castle and Liebburg Fortress (now city hall), while modern Lienz has enhanced its appeal through winter sports facilities and its namesake Bike Park.
TV DISTRIBUTION
Every day, two hours of live broadcast will characterize 2025 Tour of the Alps, from 13.30 to 15.30 CET, thanks to the production and international distribution of Infront Sports&Media.
TV: Eurosport (Europa, Asia), Rai2 and RaiSport (Italia, San Marino, Vatican City), ORF (Austria), Equipe TV (France, Monaco, Andorra), Flosports (United States, Canada), Sports5 (Israel). Highlights will also be distributed across Europe and the Netherlands via EBU News and NOS.
WEATHER FORECAST: Rain is expected in Lienz, with temperatures ranging between 9 and 10 degrees.
