VIPITENO – The second stage of the Tour of the Alps bears the signature of Michael Storer, the Australian of the Tudor Pro Cycling who has long since embraced Italy, where he trains and lives. The relationship with our country is so strong that Storer has learned to speak the language, albeit with the shyness that those close to him have always recognized. The Australian left home at nineteen to become a professional rider, moving first to Varese and then to San Marino.
The arrival in Vipiteno also coincides with the withdrawal of Antonio Tiberi The Bahrain Victorious rider is withdrawing from the race due to a health issue. It's best to take a step back now, recover, and focus on future goals. The race continues and the day heats up early, with a finale that should have been simple but instead opened up to Storer's dig.Stage and leader's jersey, with an uphill action that came after the long work by the Decathlon AG2R La MondialeThe French work, the Australian makes things happen.
«The idea was to attack on the second part of the climb – he told the microphones in the press room – but first I had to understand how I was. At the first of the two passes I understood that I was fine, at the second the others attacked, but I still had energy. So I decided to give it a try and this beautiful victory came about."
Solidity
Il Tour of the Alps 2025 for now gathers the ambitions and hopes of the athletes who have worked towards it Tour of ItalyIt's always been like this, the route that will take the group from Garda to Austria is suitable for climbers, in fact it really smiles at usStorer's dreams passed through here last year too, when he achieved an excellent tenth place finish at the Giro with a solidity that should not be underestimated.
«I have a strong connection with this race – continues Storer – because in 2022 I finished second in the overall standings, while in 2024 I came close to winning. For this year I told myself that I could do something more and I would say that I started well by making myself seenThere are many factors that have helped me make the next step, winning two races already this season. I have to thank the team for their support and faith in me. I'm happy to work with them and to have a coach like Sebastian DeckertEven more important to me is the support of my wife and family in Australia, who, despite the time difference, never miss a race.
Last season was positive but 2025 started off on a different note. What could be better?
The first goal, my dream is the Giro d'Italia: this season I want to do even better.
You're proving to be a great climber, where do you stack up against others?
With form and condition I am getting closer and closer to the best, there are some athletes out of my reach at the moment like pogacar e vingegaardBut I'm fine, I feel I have the right confidence in myself and I believe I can follow the strongest uphill and why not beat them, as happened today or at Paris-Nice.
What did you work on during preparation, did you focus on anything in particular?
It was a great winter, which allowed me to start the season well and for this I have to thank my coach again. We have known each other for a long time, we were together for three years at Team DSMHe knows me perfectly and I believe this is the key to my growth.
You've got the overall classification in your sights at the Giro. Do you feel ready for three weeks of racing?
The first attempt to get a result in a major stage race dates back to 2018 and with more conviction to 2022, both times I was at the Return.It hasn't always gone well, but I can say that these attempts related to my experience can be useful to meEverything I've done has come with consistency and gradual growth, and with the support of the team, I'm managing to make this role even more mine.
You've talked a lot about the team. What has Tudor given you to improve and give you this confidence in your abilities?
It is the sum of all things, from companions to staff. Everyone is a great person who gives me confidence and sometimes you just need someone to believe in you.Let's say that if that someone is your coach then all the better because the support becomes total, even mental. With Tudor it seems easier to get results, because I know I'm never alone.
What does it take to wear this jersey to the end?
Be careful. Anyone in the top 10 is a dangerous and fearsome opponent. All the teams will want to attack us and take the symbol of primacy, this will make the race very interesting. I'm ready to tackle it, and it's always better to do it with a forty-one-second advantage. For me it would already be a great result to fight to win this race.
