Commentary by David Loosli
The classification will be starting to show its true colours following the mountain finish yesterday. The teams of the best climbers from the previous day will no doubt try to win the stage today as well, or make up lost ground in the general classification.
The stage opens with a good 24 kilometre-long start lap. The topography of the first 80 kilometres is hardly worth mentioning, as it is completely flat. However, this is by no means a rest day. The first elimination will take place on the ascent to Crans-Montana. The final climb up to the finish line in Leukerbad shows no mercy. In the climb via Erschmatt and Albinen, the cyclists will face many metres of altitude.
Stage results
Stage Highlights
Monthey
The main town and economic capital of the region, Monthey is a Valais municipality with 18,000 residents where cultural, sporting and festive activities are highly valued.
Crans-Montana
Skiing? Golf? Biking? The Crans-Montana tourist region offers absolutely everything.
Sierre
Situated in the heart of the Valais, the town of Sierre is considered the Swiss wine capital.
Leukerbad
Leukerbad is the largest thermal spa area in the Alps. An incredible 3.9 million litres of warm water bubble into the pools here every day.