The trip into Saanenland for the 84th edition promises excitement yet again.
The TdS will make another visit to Gstaad in June 2021.
«Following our participation in 2018 it is once again an honour for Gstaad to be part of the Tour de Suisse as a stage destination to showcase both the arrival at the finish as well as the roll out on the following day». says Flurin Riedi, Tourism Director Destination Gstaad, looking forward to his renewed commitment to the Tour de Suisse
«Bringing the Tour de Suisse back to Gstaad after 24 long years was a huge achievement for our Organising Committee in 2018. We were thoroughly prepared, and everything worked out perfectly. Unfortunately, however, it only rained once at the finish line and that was real rain. Therefore the motivation to hold this event in sunshine is great», explains Mario Cairoli, President of the Organising Committee in Gstaad.
The arrival of the stage at the airport, where Danish cyclist Christopher Juul-Jensen was able to save himself with his last ounce of strength from the approaching field, is unforgettable.
Tour de Suisse Sports Director, David Loosli, also fondly recalls the stage in Gstaad: «Arriving at the finish in 2018 showed just how exciting the stage arrival in Gstaad can be. From a sporting point of view it is bound to be entertaining again in 2021. The question remains whether the gradual ascent up the Simmental valley followed by the climb to Saanenmöser proves too difficult for the sprinters – anyone could win».
The fourth stage of the 84th edition of the National Tour will start in St. Urban (LU) and head to Gstaad via the Central Plateau and the Simmental valley.
The start of the fifth stage will take place in the picturesque centre of Gstaad. The international field of cyclists will then leave the Bernese Oberland for Leukerbad (VS).
«The start in the middle of the village of Gstaad attracted a crowd of spectators, which resulted in unbelievable pictures,» delights Mario Cairoli. «We are of course very honoured that the Saanenland was approached again for 2021 as a finish and start location.
We are motivated and confident that we will be able to organise a great event for the competitors and the region again next year».
And Flurin Riedi is keen to point out: «The event will take place at an attractive time of year, just before the start of summer. We are certain that we will be able to build on the successful organisation of three years ago».
We are already looking forward to the trip to Gstaad and hope that as well as witnessing an unparalleled sporting spectacle the weather will be kind and not rain on our parade!
The Tour de Suisse 2021 will take place from Sunday 6 June (start in Frauenfeld) to Sunday 13 June (Andermatt). The Tour de Suisse association continues to monitor the development of the Corona pandemic and is in contact with experts from the cantons and the Federal Office of Public Health.
