Manfred Moelgg to return to Dolomite Cycling Tour

Four years ago, South Tyrolean native and Italian star Manfred Moelgg surprised the field with a 12th-place finish in the Dolomite Cycling Tour. This year, the 35-year-old slalom World Cup winner will once again take part in the event, which will be held in Lienz, Austria, on June 11.

When Moelgg last competed, he showed that skiers can also hold their own on the bike during the tour of the Dolomites, which is one of the oldest cycling marathons in Europe. At that time, he completed the 112 kilometer long lap around the Lienz Dolomites in three hours.

“Twelfth in this strong field was not bad,” Moelgg said in 2013. “I ride a lot on the bike and had my problems on the first climb, but then it was always better and it was really fun.”

Come race day, more than 2,000 starters from all over Europe are expected to complete the classic lap. This year, Moelgg wants to deliver another strong performance.

“The atmosphere around the Dolomites is very special and also the enthusiasm with folk festivals in the places we go through,” he said. “The track is mine and I’m looking forward to my second start. Let’s see if an increase is possible this year!”

In addition to Moelgg and the reigning Race Across America champion Pierre Bischoff, a former professional cyclist has already signed up for the two week Dolomite Cycling Tour. 2008 Tour of Austria winner Thomas Rohregger is gracing the field with his participation.

“I’ve been riding the Dolomite Cycling Tour a lot, last year I supported junior world champion Felix Gall,” said Rohregger. “This year, I am going to enjoy the landscape.”

Rohrgger will also serve as an ambassador of the 2018 UCI World Cycling Championships in Innsbruck/Tirol, Austria.

Information from skiweltcup.tv