What Is 2017 Tour of the Alps

Overview

The 2017 Tour of the Alps was a professional road cycling stage race that took place from April 17 to 21, 2017, traversing mountainous terrain across northern Italy and western Austria. As a key preparatory event for the Giro d'Italia, it attracted top climbers and general classification contenders aiming to test form ahead of the Grand Tour.

The race, formerly known as the Giro del Trentino, was rebranded in 2017 to reflect its expanded international route and prestige. With challenging climbs and high-altitude finishes, it served as a crucial benchmark for riders targeting success in the mountains during the upcoming season.

• Five stages were contested over a total distance of 830 kilometers, with stages alternating between Italy and Austria.
• The opening stage began in Innsbruck, Austria, marking the first time the race started outside of Italy.
• Mikel Landa of Team Sky claimed the overall victory after a dominant performance on the final stage to Monte Zoncolan.
• The race featured four mountain finishes, including the legendary Monte Zoncolan, known for its extreme gradients.
• It was rated as a 2.HC event on the UCI Europe Tour, attracting UCI WorldTeams and Professional Continental squads.

How It Works

The Tour of the Alps operates as a multi-stage road race where cumulative time determines the overall winner, with classifications awarded for general, points, mountains, and youth standings.

• General Classification: Calculated by adding each rider’s stage times; the leader wears the yellow jersey. This classification determines the overall winner.
• Points Classification: Awarded to the most consistent finisher; the leader wears the green jersey. Points are earned at stage finishes and intermediate sprints.
• Mountains Classification: Given to the best climber, with points awarded at summits. The leader wears the blue jersey with polka-dot accents.
• Youth Classification: For riders under 23; the leader wears the white jersey. It highlights emerging talent in the peloton.
• Team Classification: Based on the cumulative time of the top three riders per team each day; awarded to the fastest squad.
• Stage Wins: Individual stages are won by the first rider across the finish line, with sprinters, climbers, or breakaway specialists excelling depending on terrain.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2017 Tour of the Alps with similar stage races in terms of classification, difficulty, and participation level.

While shorter than many WorldTour stage races, the 2017 Tour of the Alps stood out for its concentrated difficulty, with four mountain-top finishes in just five stages. Its rebranding signaled a broader geographic and competitive ambition, drawing more WorldTour teams despite its HC classification.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Tour of the Alps played a significant role in the cycling calendar, serving as a critical tune-up for Grand Tour contenders and a showcase for alpine terrain and international cooperation.

• The race provided essential high-altitude preparation for riders targeting the Giro d'Italia, which began just two weeks later.
• Mikel Landa’s victory solidified his status as a top climber, boosting Team Sky’s Grand Tour ambitions.
• The inclusion of Austrian stages expanded the event’s reach and highlighted cross-border sporting collaboration.
• It offered exposure for smaller teams competing against WorldTour squads in a high-stakes environment.
• The challenging route emphasized climbing prowess, influencing team strategies for upcoming mountainous races.
• The rebranding to Tour of the Alps reflected a strategic shift to modernize and internationalize a historic regional race.

By blending tradition with innovation, the 2017 edition set a new standard for regional stage races, demonstrating how alpine challenges can shape the trajectory of professional cycling seasons.