Pernsteiner pushes clear on Hauser Kaibling
About 20 kilometers into the race, following the mass start at Schladming’s main square, Pernsteiner upped the pace on the long climb to Hauser Kaibling. The 34-year-old – who last competed at the Alpentour in 2017, finishing second overall – attacked decisively at the intermediate station and managed to build a gap.
“The first part of the race was relatively steady. I picked up the pace on the climb and pushed hard just before the mid-point – that’s where I managed to get away,” said Pernsteiner at the finish. “My teammate Filip Rydval caught back up on the descent. It was brutally hot out there, and everyone was at their limit. I attacked again on the final climb, and Filip stayed behind to control Paez on the descent. It worked out perfectly. First and second on day one – a dream start for our team.”
Despite still feeling the effects of a recent altitude training camp, Pernsteiner held off his rivals to claim the stage win by eight seconds. Rydval (CZE) followed in second, with four-time Alpentour winner Leonardo Paez (COL) rounding out the podium in third.
Morath dominant – Sommer shines for Austria
Germany’s Adelheid Morath, a former Olympian, delivered a commanding performance in the elite women’s category. She set the tone early and maintained her lead throughout the 60 km course, finishing in 2:51:01 – nearly seven minutes ahead of her nearest rival.
Second place went to Milena Kalašová (CZE), while Austria’s Sabine Sommer (RC ARBÖ SK Voest) took third. The five-time national champion rode a smart race and positioned herself well for the overall standings. “That was a good start – the pace was high, but I’m feeling strong and ready for the days ahead,” Sommer commented.
Preview: Queen Stage to Türlwandhütte
Stage 2 brings the queen stage of the Alpentour Trophy – 70 kilometers and 2,760 meters of climbing await. Riders will face several major ascents, including the Rittisberg and the climb to Türlwandhütte in Ramsau am Dachstein, where the prestigious King and Queen of the Mountain titles will be awarded.
It’s a brutal day in the saddle: long climbs, demanding trails, and technical downhills will test every aspect of the riders’ form and deliver a key early shake-up in the general classification.
Stage 1 Results: Schladming – Hauser Kaibling (60 km / 2,130 m)
Top 5 Elite Men
1. Hermann Pernsteiner (AUT | D2mont Merida Cycling Team) – 2:21:29
2. Filip Rydval (CZE | D2mont Merida Cycling Team) – +0:08
3. Leonardo Paez (COL) – +0:11
4. Marek Rauchfuss (CZE) – +0:22
5. Lorenzo Samparisi (ITA) – +1:32
Top 5 Elite Women
1. Adelheid Morath (GER) – 2:51:01
2. Milena Kalašová (CZE | K3 PERFORMANCE) – +6:48
3. Sabine Sommer (AUT | RC ARBÖ SK Voest) – +7:04
4. Tanja Priller (GER | HUMANPWR Racing) – +11:13
5. Daniela Höfler (GER | MTB Ladies by R-SUSPENSION) – +11:47