Lidl Tour of Austria | Grand Départ in Graz

The Lidl Tour of Austria begins with a special kick-off in the Styrian capital. On July 7, the Mariahilfer Platz will be all about international cycling: With the ceremonial team presentation, the starting signal for Austria's most significant tour will be given. Graz continues a long tour history – the city was already a stage location in the first edition in 1949, and most recently hosted a Grand Départ in 2017.

The program starts at 6:30 p.m. with the opening, before the teams are officially presented from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.. Fans will have the opportunity to experience the riders and teams up close before the race starts.

On July 8, the start of the 188-kilometer opening stage to Gamlitz on the South Styrian Wine Road will also take place from Mariahilfer Platz. The route initially leads through West Styria and ends with challenging climbs in the vineyard area, where the decision for the first stage victory is expected.

Along the route through the Graz Region, cycling will also be made tangible: In the tourism communities of St. Bartholomä, Voitsberg, and Ligist, spectator areas with live broadcasts on large screens will be set up. This provides the region with numerous opportunities to experience the atmosphere of the tour both at the start in Graz and along the route up close.

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