SuperGiroDolomiti: Tour winner Helmut Wechselberger at the start in East Tyrol

The Tour of the Dolomites celebrates its 38th edition. The route around the Lienz Dolomites measures 112 kilometres with an altitude difference of 1,870 metres. The extreme variant SuperGiroDolomiti, which leads via Carinthia to Friuli in Italy, takes place at the same time. The 218-kilometre route includes more than 5,000 metres in altitude. Monte Zoncolan, known from numerous Giro d'Italia stages, is the highlight of the route. The mountain is considered one of the most feared climbs in international cycling.

Wechselberger starts at the SuperGiroDolomiti

Helmut Wechselberger won the Tour of Austria twice in the 1980s. In 1988, he triumphed as a professional at the Tour de Suisse. At the 1987 home World Championships in Villach, he won bronze in the 100-kilometre four-man time trial. The now 73-year-old will be competing in SuperGiroDolomiti for the first time. Franz Theurl confirms the good form of the former racer, who is looking for the challenge of the 218 kilometres.

Kuen chases fifth victory

Max Kuen from Kufstein has already won the Tour of the Dolomites four times and thus holds the record. Two years ago, he secured his fourth triumph. Last year he was defeated by Austrian national champion Rene Pammer. The former professional cyclist is attacking again and considers himself ready for the duel. His main rival is Johnny Hoogerland, who lives in Carinthia. The Dutchman won the Tour of the Dolomites in 2021 and took victory in the Ötztal Cycle Marathon in 2021. As a former UCI Gran Fondo World Champion, he is one of the world's best marathon cyclists. OC boss Franz Theurl also reckons that Lesachtal mayor Bernhard Knotz, who has set top times in recent years, has a good chance.

Astana coaches use training camp

The WorldTour team XDS Astana is currently preparing for the Tour de France in East Tyrol. Several of the team's support staff are using the altitude training camp for a start at the Tour of the Dolomites. Coach Helmut Dollinger, his Italian colleague Claudio Cucinotta, data analyst Morgan Saussine from France and Alexander Farthofer are taking part. Farthofer will be competing in speed skating at the 2026 Olympics.

Four favourites at SuperGiroDolomiti

Jack Burke defended his SuperGiroDolomiti title last year. The Australian is up against three strong rivals. Alban Lakata won in Lienz in 2018 and took the MTB world title three times. The local hero trained specifically for the home race and skipped other competitions to work on his weaknesses. Daniel Federspiel won the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon last year and is particularly looking forward to the Monte Zoncolan. Patrick Hagenaars from Tyrol was the first to cross the finish line in Lienz in 2022. The four riders are regarded as the world's best marathon specialists.

The supporting programme starts on Saturday at 10:00 am on the main square in Lienz with a children's race. The start number distribution runs from 8.30 am to 9.30 am. Registration is possible at www.dolomitensport.at possible.