2022 Tour of the Alps Race Preview
The details of this year's 2022 Tour of the Alps are falling into place. Find the latest route profiles and maps below, followed by our strategic preview of the race.
The 2022 Tour of the Alps arrives as one of the most eagerly anticipated warm-up races ahead of the Giro d'Italia, offering five demanding stages through the mountains of Austria and northern Italy that will test the ambitions of some of cycling's finest climbers. The race has established itself as a genuine indicator of form for those targeting the Italian grand tour, and this year's edition promises to be no different, with a strong field assembling in Innsbruck for the opening stage.
The course is characteristically brutal, threading through the Tyrolean Alps and Trentino with barely a flat kilometre to be found across the entire week. Riders will face relentless gradients, unpredictable weather, and the kind of cold, raw conditions that can shatter even the most carefully laid preparation plans. Snow remains a genuine possibility on the higher passes, adding an element of uncertainty that will keep team directors anxious throughout the race.
Simon Yates arrives as one of the favourites, looking to demonstrate that his preparation for the Giro is on track after a difficult period. The British climber has the pure climbing ability to dominate a race like this and will be eager to stamp his authority early. Geraint Thomas is another prominent name, using the week to sharpen his condition ahead of what could be a significant grand tour campaign.
Richard Carapaz will draw considerable attention given his status as a genuine grand tour contender, and the Ecuadorian climber tends to thrive on exactly this kind of punishing terrain. His Ineos Grenadiers team will look to control proceedings when the roads rise sharply.
The race should produce several fascinating days of racing before concluding in Riva del Garda.
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