Michael Storer was in a class of his own. © Sprint Cycling Agency

Ciccone loses lead: An Australian celebrates in Sterzing

The second stage of the Tour of the Alps took place on Tuesday through South Tyrol. One man stood out and left the competition in awe: Australian Michael Storer.

22 April 2025

From: leo

The second stage began in Mezzolombardo, led via Neumarkt to Petersberg, before the top cyclists reached Blumau. There, the climb to Castelrotto began. Finally, the peloton moved on to Chiusa, Brixen, and Franzensfeste. Shortly before the finish, there were two climbs to Obertelfes. In this climb – and the subsequent descent – ​​Storer made the decisive difference. He crossed the finish line in Sterzing with a 41-second lead over the peloton led by Ciccone.

The Italian, who had won the first stage the day before and then an amusing anecdote about Jannik Sinner , had to relinquish his leader's jersey. Before the start of the second stage, Storer was only ten seconds behind Ciccone. With the win, the 28-year-old also snagged ten bonus seconds. Frenchmen Paul Seixas and Romain Bardet finished second and third in Sterzing.

The second stage led through South Tyrol. © Sprint Cycling Agency

The third stage continues on Wednesday, starting in Vipiteno and ending in San Candido. In between, Ciccone and his team will cross the Pustertal Valley before heading to Val Badia. From Marebbe, the peloton must tackle the Furkel Pass. Afterward, the long descent to San Candido begins. The Tour of the Alps concludes on Friday in Lienz.