The route of the 87th Tour de Suisse will definitely put all riders to the test. Mountain riders in particular will get their money’s worth with four mountain finishes and a mountain time trial. The route of the women’s race is no less challenging, as it doesn’t skimp on altitude in hilly French-speaking Switzerland.
The riders have to complete 950 kilometers and almost 19,000 meters of altitude this year. While most of the elevation gain is concentrated in the second half of the week, the time trialists, sprinters and classic specialists can still shine in the spotlight at the beginning. Tour director Olivier Senn says of this year’s route: “Only the best mountain riders will be able to compete for overall victory. However, different types of riders will be considered for stage victories.”
From Vaduz to Villars-sur-Ollon
The final weekend will take place in Villars-sur-Ollon. On Saturday there is a mountainous circuit on the program that leads over the Col de la Croix. This round with the tough final climb to Villars-sur-Ollon will be ridden twice and marks the fourth mountain finish in a row. “The Tour de Suisse 2024 will probably only be decided in the mountain time trial from Aigle to Villars-sur-Ollon,” says David Loosli. Almost 900 meters of altitude in just 15 kilometers are a steep final bouquet.
Tour de Suisse Women entirely in French-speaking Switzerland
The 4th edition of the Tour de Suisse Women covers 330 kilometers and just over 6,600 meters of altitude. The last two stages for the men mark the start for the women. The circuit around Villars-sur-Ollon is ridden once, but is a tough test at around 60 kilometers and over 1,500 meters in altitude. The next day is the mountain time trial from Aigle to Villars-sur-Ollon, which is identical to the men’s stage. “This year the Tour de Suisse Women will be tougher than ever before,” says Olivier Senn with certainty. “The overall riders are under pressure from the first kilometer and have to deliver,” Senn continued.
On Monday, June 17th, the 3rd stage leads from Vevey on Lake Geneva to Champagne on Lake Neuchâtel. What sounds like a picturesque ride is, however, hard work with almost 2,000 meters of altitude and ends in a very selective final loop around Champagne. The last stage of the women’s race could be the prey of the sprinters, as most of the elevation gain is in the first half of the route. It remains to be seen whether there will be any final attacks in the overall classification on the 128 kilometer long lap, which starts and ends in Champagne. “The entire route of the Tour de Suisse Women promises animated races and allows for different stage winners,” says David Loosli.