It is with great relief and excitement that the Tour de Suisse Association announces today that the 84th edition of the Tour de Suisse will go ahead.
After compulsory cancellation in 2020, the 2021 Tour de Suisse promises exciting cycling at the highest level with a fast time trial, spectacular sprint finishes and a series of the most challenging mountain stages in recent memory, including a mountain time trial. The 84th Edition will attract top international stars, Swiss hopefuls, a selection from the Swiss national team (Team Swiss Cycling) and, for the first time in the history of the Tour de Suisse, women (TdS Women) to Frauenfeld.
Following an active exchange with the Federal Office of Public Health and leading experts, the Organising Committee of the Tour de Suisse developed a multi-layered protection concept and recently received the green light from all 14 Cantons concerned to proceed with the TdS and TdS Women 2021. The protection concept is based on a Bubble and Testing strategy for the entire organisation including the participating cycling teams. Everything is based on the current state of the pandemic and will be adapted should the situation deteriorate.
Of course the current pandemic requires major adaptations and measures for the event to proceed. The strict protocols of the Tour de Suisse stipulate that the TdS 2021 will be restricted to the cycling races alone. This means that the popular advertising caravan, the Tour de Suisse Village, VIP hospitality and all other entertainment programs will not be held. The start and finish areas of each stage location will be closed to spectators and only accessible to accredited personnel, who will be tested for COVID-19 by the organisers.
Special classification areas for KOM’s and Sprints will also be closed off to the public.
“These measures are restricting for us as organisers, as they are for our partners, the stage locations and their associated sponsors. However it is only in this slimmed-down version without spectators that it is possible to hold the race at all in times of COVID-19,” says Olivier Senn, Director of the Tour de Suisse.
All cycling fans are urged to watch safely from home this year and follow the exciting races of the Tour de Suisse on TV or online. Live action broadcasts are extended to 120 minutes, 30 minutes longer per day than in previous years, and the digital channels of the Tour de Suisse will provide a wealth of information for fans this year.
For all on lookers who find themselves en route during the event, the Swiss-wide Covid-19 rules apply: Keep your distance, do not form groups, observe hygiene measures. In addition, we ask to wear a mask to protect the riders and others.
The Tour de Suisse organisers would like to thank all sponsors, stage locations and other partners who support the implementation of this traditional event under difficult conditions and with reduced opportunities. It is a great challenge for everyone involved to arrange a worthy Tour de Suisse under the given circumstances.
