Switzerland’s largest recurring sporting event – the Tour de Suisse – starts on 17 June 2026 in Sondrio (Italy) and finishes on 21 June in Villars-sur-Ollon. This year marks the 89th edition of the race: a combination of tradition and forward-looking innovation. More information about the 2026 Tour de Suisse can be found here.
New Concept – High Expectations
The sports and entertainment industry has changed significantly in recent years. Pressure on traditional sporting events is increasing, and the Tour de Suisse must continue to evolve. The new race format (5 days, 5 circuits, women’s and men’s races on the same day) offers attractive courses, greater proximity between riders and spectators, and sends a strong signal for gender equality in professional cycling. “We are convinced that this new concept creates a product that meets the needs of all stakeholders today,” says CEO Gabriela Buchs. As this is the first edition under the new format, the primary objective is to gain experience together with partners and host cities. “Running two races on the same day will certainly present logistical and operational challenges, both for our staff and for the teams,” says Tour Director Olivier Senn.
New Concept – First Signs of Success
The adaptation of the Tour de Suisse also reflects developments in international cycling. Top riders are increasingly focusing on the major Grand Tours such as the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España. As part of their preparation, they are looking for shorter and more intensive race formats. The Tour de Suisse has responded to this trend and is already seeing positive results in the first year of the new concept. The men’s field includes world stars Tadej Pogačar, Mathieu van der Poel, Primož Roglič and Tom Pidcock. On the women’s side, leading riders such as Demi Vollering, Marlen Reusser, Elise Chabbey, Lotte Kopecky and World Champion Magdeleine Vallières Mill are expected to compete – making it the strongest start list in the history of the Tour de Suisse Women.
New Concept – Continuous Development
The decision to adapt the race format is primarily a sporting and strategic one. At the same time, the organisers are pursuing the long-term stability of the Tour de Suisse from a strategic, financial and organisational perspective. Long-term partnerships are crucial in this regard. Main Partner Primeo Energie has extended its commitment by a further two years, while Tissot has sent a strong signal of continuity with a six-year extension. Discussions with premium partners such as Lidl, Europcar and BYD, as well as with partners including Decathlon, Landquart Fashion Outlet, Kernser Pasta and Sirocco, will continue and be intensified after the Tour de Suisse. “Thanks to these strong partnerships, we are looking to the future with confidence, even though the overall conditions for the Tour de Suisse remain challenging,” explains CEO Gabriela Buchs.
Swiss Riders Confirmed
The Swiss National Team will compete in the women’s race, which is of great importance for the national tour and provides a valuable platform for young riders. Reigning Swiss National Champion Steffi Häberlin will also be on the start line. In the men’s race, Mauro Schmid (Team Jayco AlUla) has confirmed his participation. It is particularly encouraging that Marc Hirschi, one of several Swiss riders who suffered crashes earlier in the season, will return to racing at the Tour de Suisse. Other Swiss riders currently entered include Silvan Dillier, Fabian Weiss and Matteo Badilatti.
Entertainment Programme for Fans
A special feature of the new format is that the start and finish are located in the same place. This allows visitors to enjoy a varied entertainment programme throughout the entire day. Team presentations, Riders Sign-Ins and podium ceremonies offer fans unique opportunities to get close to the riders. The programme is further enhanced by partner activations, interactive experiences and appearances by local personalities and sporting legends. In Locarno, visitors can meet swimming world champion and world-record holder Noè Ponti, as well as ski star Wendy Holdener. In Aarburg, multiple Ironman World Champion Natascha Badmann and representatives of SC Bern will be present. For children, the daily Kids Races offer cycling fun for the youngest fans. Adults looking to test themselves against the professionals can take part in the Primeo Energie Sprint before and after the official race. Over a 3.8-kilometre course, participants can compare their time-trial performance directly with that of the pros.
Tour de Suisse 2026 Routes
The five routes for both the men’s and women’s races were announced previously. More information about the key features and decisive moments of each stage can be found here.
For further information:
Tour de Suisse Media Office | Ueli Anken | [email protected] | Tel. +41 79 638 18 18
