Anton Palzer: "Tour victory" and switch to gravel bikes

After retiring from professional cycling, Palzer has not lost his desire to race. He used the winter for a season full of ski touring races and celebrated podium finishes. His latest feat is a victory in the "Tour du Rutor Extrême" in the Aosta Valley. The metres in altitude that he covered would also inspire respect in a cycling race: the first stage led over 2,438 metres in altitude - the highest point was the Testa del Rutor at 3,486 metres, where icy temperatures and strong gusts of wind challenged the athletes. The second stage demanded 2,500 metres in altitude with a summit at 3,422 metres. If you look for further parallels to cycling, the fast descents are dangerous in both cases. The final descent was over 2,000 metres in altitude. The conditions alternated between powder snow, crushed harsh snow and icy passages.

Palzer wins with a 54-second lead

Magnini and Palzer won the second stage and thus secured overall victory. "This first La Grande Course victory in my career is really super special," said Palzer after the race. The man from Berchtesgaden had previously finished third in the Adamello Ski Raid and the Trofeo Mezzalama. "As far as I know, no other German has managed that before me," he added.

From professional cyclist back to ski tourer

After joining Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, the 31-year-old took part in ski touring races again in the winter of 2025/26. He had already achieved his first success in February when he was crowned German champion in the individual discipline.

Gravel premiere for Palzer on Lake Wörthersee

Palzer has not lost his passion for cycling. After the end of the ski season, Palzer is back on his bike. On 12 April, he will start in the Wörthersee Gravel Race, which is part of the UCI Gravel World Series. It will be the athlete's first participation in a gravel race. The Wörthersee Gravel Race is part of the 2026 UCI Gravel World Series calendar and a qualifying race for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships. Will Palzer even manage to qualify for the World Championships at his debut?