Stage 2/2025: Mezzolombardo - Sterzing/Ratschings-Vipiteno/Racines

Departure

Mezzolombardo

Mezzolombardo is the main village of the Rotaliana plain, an area Goethe once called 'the most beautiful vineyard garden in Europe'. Steeped in history, the town is closely associated with the castles of Torre and San Pietro. With its rich traditions and ancient culture, Mezzolombardo has long been an economic hub, thanks to its thriving viticulture. Local lore suggests that even the Roman poet Ovid was familiar with Teroldego, the region's renowned red wine.
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Arrival

Sterzing/Ratschings-Vipiteno/Racines

Sterzing/Vipiteno, an enchanting alpine town in Isartal/Valle Isarco, earned its place among Italy's most beautiful villages. With its vibrant houses, inviting shopping lanes, and medieval squares, the town captivates visitors at every turn. The picturesque main street, bridging the Old and New Towns, preserves the allure of the late Middle Ages. Ratschings/Racines is one of the largest communities on the southern side of the main Alpine ridge. Ratschings is an unspoilt area full of natural treasures and sights, including the impressive waterfalls of the Gilfenklamm Gorge near Stange and the Becherhaus mountain hut, the highest mountain hut in South Tyrol.
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Stage 2 from Mezzolombardo to Sterzing/Vipiteno-Ratschings/Racines stands as the race's queen stage, covering 178 km and tackling 3,750 meters of climbing. From the flat start in Mezzolombardo (Trentino), riders face the Petersberg/Monte San Pietro KOM followed by a series of punchy climbs and descents - a combination designed to wear down the peloton before the decisive latter half.

A long false flat leads the race into Südtirol/Alto Adige and the town of Sterzing/Vipiteno, where riders tackle two laps of a 16 km circuit. Each lap features the testing climb to Obertelfes/Telves di Sopra - 4 km averaging 7% with sections over 10% - followed by a technical descent that ends 8 kilometers from the finish.

While the final kilometers are fast, several wide roundabouts demand attention. A sharp right-hander marks the last kilometer, followed by a sweeping left curve. The finish straight in central Sterzing/Vipiteno rises slightly, with the final meters contested on distinctive porphyry cobblestones.

Local Authorities

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