Switzerland 15 Jun – 22 Jun 2025 Class 2.UWT – Stages – UCI WorldTour
Today is April 19, 2025 and Saturday
Website www.tds.ch https://www.tourdesuisse.ch/en/ https://www.instagram.com/tourdesuisse_official/
The Tour de Suisse, also known as the Tour of Switzerland, is a prestigious stage race in professional road cycling, held annually in Switzerland. Its history dates back to 1933, when it was organized to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Swiss Cycling and Motorcycling Federation.
Early Years and Evolution:
- First Edition (1933): The inaugural Tour de Suisse was a five-stage race starting and finishing in Zurich. Austrian Max Bulla emerged as the first winner.
- Wartime Interruptions: Due to World War II, the race could only be held twice in the 1940s (1941 and 1942).
- Post-War Growth: After the war, the Tour de Suisse gradually grew in prominence, attracting top international cyclists.
- Timing and Duration: Over the years, the timing and duration of the race have evolved. It is traditionally held in June, serving as a crucial preparation race for the Tour de France in July. The number of stages has also varied, typically ranging from eight to eleven in recent editions.
- UCI WorldTour: Since 2011, the Tour de Suisse has been part of the UCI WorldTour, the highest level of professional cycling races, ensuring the participation of the world’s top teams and riders.
Key Characteristics of the Race:
- Mountainous Terrain: True to its Swiss location, the race features numerous stages with significant climbs in the Swiss Alps. These mountain stages are often decisive for the overall classification.
- Individual Time Trials: The Tour de Suisse typically includes at least one individual time trial, testing the riders’ solo speed and against-the-clock abilities.
- Varied Stages: The route often incorporates a mix of flat, hilly, and mountainous stages, providing opportunities for different types of riders to excel.
Memorable Moments and Winners:
- Close Finishes: The 1941 edition saw Josef Wagner and Werner Buchwalder finish with the same overall time, requiring a special track sprint in Zurich’s Hallenstadion to decide the winner (Wagner).
- Domination by Legends: Cycling legends like Gino Bartali and Ferdi Kübler have multiple victories in the race, highlighting its significance in the sport.
- Italian Success: Italian riders have a strong history in the Tour de Suisse, with Pasquale Fornara holding the record for the most overall wins (4).
- Swiss Victories: Swiss riders have also enjoyed considerable success in their home tour, having won the overall classification 23 times as of 2009.
- Recent Winners: In recent years, the race has been won by a diverse group of international riders, including Adam Yates (2024), Mattias Skjelmose (2023), Geraint Thomas (2022), and Richard Carapaz (2021).
Women’s Tour de Suisse:
- Early Edition: A women’s Tour de Suisse was held in 2001.
- Revival: The women’s race was reintroduced in 2021 and has been growing in prominence. It became part of the UCI Women’s WorldTour in 2023.
- Format: The women’s Tour de Suisse typically consists of four stages and is held concurrently with or just before the men’s race.
The Tour de Suisse has established itself as a crucial event on the international cycling calendar, offering challenging terrain and attracting top talent as they prepare for the Grand Tours. Its rich history is filled with memorable battles and legendary winners, contributing to its esteemed status in the world of cycling.
