48th UNIQA Classic (Grestner) - 2.5

Austria, May 10-13, 2000

The Stages

• Stage 1 - May 10: Traismauer - Traismauer, 178 km
• Stage 2 - May 11: Traismauer - Rabenstein, 166 km
• Stage 3 - May 12: Rabenstein - Gresten, 173 km
• Stage 4 - May 13: Gresten - Hochkar, 144 km

Preview

This year, the oldest Austrian race has undergone a name change from the Grestner Classic to the UNIQA classic to reflect its new title sponsor. The 2.5 category race has an identical profile to last year, consisting of four stages around Traismauer, Rabenstein, Gresten and Hochkar, with a mountain finish on the last stage.

This race has seen a number of top riders win it before they became famous. Laurent Jalabert, Jan Ullrich and Mario Cipollini have all graced the podium and there will be no shortage of talent this year. Teams such as Mapei, with Max van Heeswijk and Luca Scinto are down to participate, as are the German Team Nürnberger who bring last year's Tour of Austria winner, Harald Morscher with them. In addition, the Swiss Phonak team will be present with their riders Matthias Buxhofer and Jochen Summer. Buxhofer was third in the overall GC in 1997 und 1998.

Defending champion is 35 year-old Italian, Maurizio Vandelli (Stabil Graz) who will ride once again this year but will not have an easy time of it.

Past winners

1995 Andreas Lebsanft (Ger) Elite
1996 Leon Van Bon (Ned) Rabobank
1997 Roberto Pistore (Ita) MG Technogym
1998 Niki Aebersold (Swi) Post Swiss Team
1999 Maurizio Vandelli (Ita) Stabil Graz