Stage 2 of the 2025 Alpentour Trophy featured the legendary Queen Stage – 70 kilometers and 2,760 vertical meters across Ramsau and the Rittisberg demanded everything from the 400+ starters. While Colombian serial winner Héctor Paez and European champion Adelheid Morath secured stage victories, Austria’s Hermann Pernsteiner and Sabine Sommer delivered national highlights, both finishing second in the elite categories.

On this decisive stage, the top favorites proved their strength. Héctor Leonardo Paez Leon, a two-time marathon world champion and four-time Alpentour overall winner, used the technical descent from Türlwandhütte to break away from the front group. The Colombian expertly handled the terrain and built a steady lead over the final 15 kilometers. At the finish line in the Planai Stadium, Paez clocked in at 3:09:55 – his first stage win of this year’s edition, propelling him into the overall lead.

“Chapeau to Paez – he was just stronger today. I had no chance to follow him on the descent. But I’m not giving up – anything can happen before the time trial up to the Schafalm,” said Hermann Pernsteiner, who crossed the line in 3:11:56 to take second. The 34-year-old from Lower Austria matched Paez for large parts of the race and showed his top form once again. Despite the gap, he confidently defended his second place in the general classification – remaining the closest contender in the fight for yellow.

In the women’s field, the outcome was just as clear. Germany’s Adelheid Morath, reigning European MTB champion, took control early and set the pace from the start. The tough mix of long climbs and hot conditions didn’t faze her – she claimed a dominant victory in 3:58:07.

“It was a brutal stage – especially the heat. But I was able to find my rhythm and extend my lead,” said the 39-year-old post-race.

Austria’s Sabine Sommer also delivered a standout performance. The Upper Austrian gained momentum in the second half and secured a well-deserved third place with a time of 4:06:56. “I was able to accelerate again after the Rittisberg climb. I’m really happy with the third place – it gives me confidence for tomorrow.”

The strong Austrian showing was rounded out by Michael Holland, who finished 12th and remains among the top 15 overall.

Stage 2 – Elite Men (Top 5)

Héctor Paez (COL) – 3:09:55
2. Hermann Pernsteiner (AUT) – 3:11:56
3. Lorenzo Samparisi (ITA) – 3:14:15
4. Sascha Weber (GER) – 3:14:39
5. Marek Rauchfuss (CZE) – 3:14:54

Stage 2 – Elite Women (Top 5)

Adelheid Morath (GER) – 3:58:07
2. Milena Kalašová (CZE) – 4:06:35
3. Sabine Sommer (AUT) – 4:06:56
4. Tereza Tvarůžková (CZE) – 4:09:07
5. Daniela Höfler (GER) – 4:11:35

General Classification after 2 Stages

Elite Men:
1. Héctor Paez (COL) – 6:23:36
2. Hermann Pernsteiner (AUT) – +2:01
3. Lorenzo Samparisi (ITA) – +4:54

Elite Women:
1. Adelheid Morath (GER) – 7:52:43
2. Milena Kalašová (CZE) – +12:42
3. Sabine Sommer (AUT) – +13:24

Preview – Stage 3: Reiteralm Climb, One day Marathon & Youth Highlights

Tomorrow’s third stage covers 59 kilometers and 2,580 meters of elevation gain up to the Reiteralm. The race starts at 10:00 AM in Schladming’s main square and finishes once again in the Planai Stadium. The fight for yellow continues, with the showdown between Paez and Pernsteiner promising fireworks.

Meanwhile, the City Sprint event for children and youth takes place from 10:30 AM at the main square, offering exciting heats for ages three and up. Additionally, the second edition of the One Day Alpentour Marathon features three different distances (13 km, 31 km, 59 km) designed for amateur and hobby riders – bringing the Alpentour spirit to a broader audience.