Mühlberger confirms last-minute participation in Tour of Austria, targets Glocknerkönig title

Tour director Thomas Pupp is also delighted with the confirmation. "Gregor is a fantastic addition to the Lidl Tour of Austria and makes the national team even stronger," Pupp is quoted as saying in a press release. "For the fans, his participation is of course a highlight."

A look back at 2014

Mühlberger has special memories of the Tour of Austria. In 2014, the then 20-year-old, riding in the colors of Team Tirol, crowned himself the youngest Glocknerkönig in the 77-year history of the race. "I still remember well my debut in 2014, at the time in the colors of Team Tirol," the pro cyclist recalled. "I generally have good memories of the Tour of Austria, even though it was a long time ago."

As early as the second day of the race, Mühlberger will have the chance for a repeat. The second stage on Thursday ends with a summit finish at the Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Höhe on the Großglockner – the very climb that earned Mühlberger his first major triumph twelve years ago. "Above all, the summit finish at the Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Höhe on the Großglockner should suit me very well," Mühlberger said.

The second stage at the Großglockner

Despite his history on Austria's highest mountain, Mühlberger remains modest. "That would be the goal, but there are good climbers on the other teams. It won't be a walk in the park." With that, he also has his eye on the strong competition he could encounter on stage two.

Mühlberger will be supported on the national team by Alexander Hajek (Red Bull Bora), the two Bahrain pros Valentin Hofer and Rainer Kepplinger, as well as Sebastian Putz (Red Bull U23) and former Olympic ski mountaineer Paul Verbnjak, who is taking on his second Tour of Austria. "We are a good team and I'm already looking forward to the race," Mühlberger said.

The national team and the Giro highlight

This year's edition of the Lidl Tour of Austria comprises five stages and ends on Sunday in Vienna. After the opening in Graz and the queen stage at the Großglockner, further stages will take the peloton through different regions of Austria.

For Mühlberger, who most recently shone as a super-domestique at the Giro, the home tour is also an opportunity to re-establish himself as an independent contender for a stage win. In view of Felix Gall's second place at the Giro and Mühlberger's strong performance as his teammate, the domestic cycling scene is currently showing an encouraging level of form.

Mühlberger's last-minute decision underscores the sporting significance of the Tour of Austria for domestic riders who want to measure themselves in front of a home crowd. With the summit finish at the Großglockner on the second day, both he and the fans are presented with a sporting highlight right at the start of the race.

Outlook on the race

Overall, the signing of Mühlberger shows that the domestic tour remains attractive even for internationally experienced professionals. Attention now turns to Thursday, when it will be decided at the Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Höhe whether the former Glocknerkönig can reclaim his title.

The Tour of Austria, held this year as the Lidl Tour of Austria, is regarded as one of the most important domestic cycling events. With Mühlberger's participation, the race receives additional media attention and sporting class.