Four jerseys, four stories: the Tour de Suisse 2026 is not only about the overall victory, but about four coveted classifications for both men and women. A look at the riders who will shape the race.
Leader’s Jersey (Primeo Energie) – the battle for the general classification
In the men’s race, there is no way past Tadej Pogačar. The four-time Tour de France winner and two-time road World Champion has already dominated his 2026 season with wins at Strade Bianche, Milan-Sanremo and the Tour of Flanders. His most dangerous rival is likely to be veteran Primož Roglič, a multiple Grand Tour winner and Olympic time trial champion. Behind them lurk emerging GC riders such as Antonio Tiberi and the versatile Thomas Pidcock, who already won Milano-Torino this season.
In the women’s race, Swiss hopes rest on Marlen Reusser, defending Tour de Suisse champion and reigning time trial World Champion – the home favourite by some distance. Her strongest rival is Demi Vollering: Tour de France Femmes winner, two-time Vuelta champion and already in strong form in 2026 with her win at the Tour of Flanders. The lead group is rounded out by Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, the 2024 Tour de France Femmes winner, and the versatile Elisa Longo-Borghini.
Points Jersey (LIDL) – the fast finishers
In the sprints and intermediate sprints, the all-rounders and fastest riders collect the points. In the men’s race, Michael Matthews brings all his experience, while Mathieu van der Poel, a multiple Monument winner and cyclo-cross World Champion, is dangerous in any scenario. The powerful Arnaud De Lie and young talent Matthew Brennan are also in the mix.
In the women’s race, Lotte Kopecky is the benchmark: a multiple World Champion and one of the most consistent points scorers in the peloton. Her teammate Mischa Bredewold, European Champion and Amstel Gold Race winner, can strike at any moment too.
King of the Mountains Jersey (Europcar) – the climbing specialists
When the road heads uphill, it is the hour of the pure climbers. In the men’s race, Lenny Martinez is the top favourite for the mountains jersey, a proven specialist on the steep ascents. With Richard Carapaz, a Giro winner and Olympic champion, as well as the experienced Nairo Quintana in his farewell season, two Grand Tour champions are ready to add lustre to any breakaway.
In the women’s race, Elise Chabbey promises spectacle in front of a home crowd as an attacking Swiss climber. Also not to be underestimated is Justine Ghekiere, who has already won the mountains classification at the Tour de France Femmes and the Giro, along with the in-form Maeva Squiban.
Young Rider Jersey (LEND) – the future of cycling
The white jersey crowns the best young riders. In the men’s race, Lenny Martinez is doubly dangerous, as he can also feature at the front of both the mountains and young rider classifications. In the women’s race, the key figures are Ricarda Bauernfeind, already a stage winner at the Tour de France Femmes, and the rising Australian Mackenzie Coupland, who won the Vuelta a Extremadura in 2026.
From the dominant favourite to the wide-open young rider classification, the Tour de Suisse 2026 promises four thrilling contests within the race. 5 days of action, 5 days of cycling at the highest level – for men and women.
