The Host Cities of the 87th Tour de Suisse, as well as the fourth edition of the Tour de Suisse Women, can now be revealed. Added to the list of stage finishes are Regensdorf (ZH) and a mountaintop finish on the Gotthard Pass. Steinmaur (ZH) and Locarno (TI) are the final start locations as well as Vevey (VD) for the Tour de Suisse Women.
“Without a doubt, the mountain finish of Stage 4 on the Gotthard Pass will be a highlight of this year’s Tour de Suisse,” says Sports Director David Loosli. The last time a stage ended on Switzerland’s most famous Alpine pass was in 2019 with Egan Bernal’s stage win. This time in contrast to five years ago, the Gotthard Pass will be approached from the north via the Schöllenen Gorge and Andermatt.
The most frequented pass in Tour de Suisse history promises to be spectacular as Airolo’s mayor Oscar Wolfisberg is well aware: “Hosting a stage of the Tour of Switzerland is a great honour which transcends sport: in every respect the Gotthard is an unparalleled example of the true nature of Switzerland”.
The municipality of Airolo, situated on one of Europe’s most important transit routes, is the northern gateway to the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. With numerous energy and soil remediation projects, Airolo is one of the most sustainable municipalities in the country. In 2030, the 22-hectare Parco San Gottardo, directly above the autobahn, will be inaugurated.
Added to the series of Ticino Host Cities – including Ambrì and the mountain village of Carì – is Locarno which hosts the start of Stage 6 on June 14th. Alain Scherrer, Mayor of Locarno, is delighted that the Tour de Suisse is paying a return visit: “It’s great that since 2022, the Tour de Suisse is once again visiting the canton of Ticino for several days. It will spark the emotions and passion in our community”.
Overlooking Lake Maggiore and framed by the Ticino mountains, Locarno features a picturesque and vibrant old town with its palaces, churches and narrow streets. The bustling Piazza Grande hosts various events throughout the year and will also be the starting point for the Tour de Suisse.
Zurich Host Cities in number
After the men’s race kicks off in Vaduz, the stage to Regensdorf, a first-time Host City, then follows on Monday June 10th. “We are extremely pleased to be a stage finish for the Tour de Suisse. It gives us the chance to showcase our municipality from its most hospitable and attractive side, with its rich mix of town and country”, says Mayor Stefan Marty. He added his gratitude to the Regensdorf Cycling Club, which is responsible for the professional organisation of the event.
Regensdorf, an urban centre with village charm, next to the city of Zurich and yet in the midst of nature, is located in the beautiful Furttal valley. A place to work, live, relax and enjoy an active community life!
On the following Tuesday Stage 3 departs a stone’s throw away – in Steinmaur. This cycling-mad village not only organizes one of the most famous cyclo-cross races in Switzerland. No, several pros like Johan Jacobs (Team Movistar), Mauro Schmid (Jayco Alula), Fabian Lienhard (Groupama – FDJ) and the young Noemi Rüegg (EF Education-Cannondale) also come from the talent factory of Veloclub Steinmaur, which will take over the organisation of the first Tour de Suisse visit to the municipality.
Mayor Andreas Schellenberg greatly appreciates this work: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Veloclub for its commitment. The Municipal Council is both pleased and proud that Stage 3 will start in our village”.
Tour de Suisse Women exclusively in western Switzerland
After the first two stages of the fourth Tour de Suisse Women in Villars-sur-Ollon, Stage 3 starts on Monday June 17th in Vevey on Lake Geneva. Vevey hosted the men’s race twice (1993 and 2002) and is now excited to welcome the female cycling pros for the first time. Joël Brönnimann, President of the Organising Committee and Vélo Club Vevey, explains that this stage start will be very special: “Hosting the women’s Tour de Suisse for the first time coincides with the 140th anniversary of our Club and therefore is particularly significant.”
The town of Vevey is nestled on the edge of Lavaux and reveals its charm between the lake and the mountains. With an extensive network of cycle paths in the town centre, along Lake Geneva and up to various peaks in the region, it is no surprise that cycling is very popular with locals and tourists alike.
Stage 3 starts in Vevey and heads to Champagne. The small village on Lake Neuchâtel is also the start and finish of the fourth and final Tour de Suisse Women stage on Tuesday June 18th. “After three years in Eastern Switzerland, we are delighted that the women’s races are taking place in the French-speaking region of the country where we are confident the route will be lined with fans,” says Tour Director Olivier Senn.
Route planning is now in its final stages so that the detailed route can be released at the end of March. Click here for an overview of all Host Cities.
