12 UCI Women’s WorldTeams will line up at the 4th Tour de Suisse Women on June 15th in Villars-sur-Ollon. Joining them are seven UCI Women’s Continental Teams representing the second-highest level and, as with the men, the Swiss Cycling National Team.
Growing number of Women’s WorldTeams at the start
From 10 teams last year there are two more UCI Women’s WorldTeams at the start this year. “Thanks to sound organisation and appealing routes, we have been able to solidify our presence in the women’s racing calendar,” says Tour Director Olivier Senn. “With 12 of the 15 world’s best female teams, we can expect a top-class field of riders,” continues Senn.
The teams include the likes of Lidl-Trek, the team of TdS Women 2021 winner Lizzy Deignan, as well as Canyon//SRAM Racing and SD Worx-Protime, the two teams that boast the two strongest Swiss riders in Elise Chabbey and Marlen Reusser respectively.
At Continental Team level, EF Education-Cannondale should not be underestimated. The team led by young Swiss rider Noemi Rüegg has already secured a number of victories this season. Speaking about her participation in the Tour de Suisse Women, Rüegg says: “I’m all the more excited to be competing in my home race this year after not being able to take part last year.” Her ambition is to fight for a stage win. “With our team including strong climbers however, we are aiming for a top ranking in the overall classification,” Rüegg continues.
National Team rounds out the women’s peloton
As in the men’s Tour de Suisse, Swiss Cycling will field a young National Team in the women’s race. Mathias Frank, responsible for selecting the teams says: “We saw at the Tour de Romandie Féminin how the Swiss National Team can inspire cycling fans in Western Switzerland. It is therefore particularly pleasing to have them back at the start of the Tour de Suisse Women, which is being held entirely in this region.”
“It’s great for us to be able to participate in this fantastic race with a Swiss squad. Of course it is not yet known which athletes will be at the start. One thing is for sure though and that is we won’t just be along for the ride but will try to make our mark and challenge the big teams,” says women’s National Coach Edi Telser.
Also flying the Swiss flag alongside the National Team is Team Roland. For them the final two stages will be more or less home races. This is because the headquarters of the Cornu Group, to which the Roland brand belongs, is located in Champagne on Lake Neuchâtel.
