The riders clip into their pedals in Cavalese, at the base of the last climb of the prior stage. They enter the same climb, only to continue further north after almost 7 kilometres of climbing. This is the Passo Lavazè, an ascent totalling 9.6 kilometres and averaging 8.3%. While the climb leveled out in the 4th stage, this time the last 2 kilometres go up at almost 12%.
The summit of the Lavazè is situated at an elevation of 1,808 metres, making it the highest peak of this year’s Tour of the Alps. The riders then enter a fast and very long descent on a wide and smooth road.
After reaching the lowest point of the day in Cardano – at 290 metres – the route follows the Valle Isarco and the Val Pusteria upstream, so slightly uphill. Several sections are somewhat steeper until the first crossing of the finish line happens with 37.4 kilometres.
The last ascent of the Tour of the Alps begins 10 kilometres later. The climb to Riomolino kicks in hard with 6 kilometes at more than 10%, while the entire ascent totals 7.8 kilometres and averages 8.2%, mainly because of a small downhill in the penultimate kilometre.
The riders plunge down to the last 5 kilometres on the flat, while the home straight runs false flat uphill.
The first three riders on the line gain time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds, while the intermediate sprints come with 3, 2 and 1 seconds.
Ride the route yourself? Download GPX stage 5 2023 Tour of the Alps.
Another interesting read: results 5th stage + final GC 2023 Tour of the Alps.
Tour of the Alps 2023 stage 5: route, profile, more
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