Stage 1 of this year’s anniversary edition takes us to the Passo delle Erbe (Würzjoch) in the National Parc Puez-Geisler. This stage has been designed for the first time for two fitness groups: the “racers” who start in Bolzano and cycle across the Ritten high plateau to Chiusa/Klausen. There they meet the “sportive group” and together they ride to St. Peter in the Villnöss Valley. This is where the race to Passo Rodella/Halsjoch begins. At the finish line for the timed section plenty of refreshments and rest will be available. The “racers” then continue over moderate rolling terrain to Passo delle Erbe. After a quick photo stop, they turn back and meet up with the “sportive group” at the junction to Lüsen/Luson. Both groups ride together to Bressanone/Brixen for their first lunch break on the historic Cathedral Square (Domplatz). Afterwards, both groups pedal together through the Eisack Valley to Chiusa/Klausen, where the “sportive group” finishes their ride and the “racers” cycle back to the stage finish in Bolzano/Bozen.