Finally the top favourite of the Tour de Suisse 2025 delivered the goods. After sprinting to second place yesterday, Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates XRG) pulled away from the competition on the Splügen Pass today, winning the fourth stage solo.
It was the first stage of this year’s Tour de Suisse to really head for the hills. From Heiden via Chur over the Splügen Pass to Piuro in Italy, over 3000 metres of altitude over 193 kilometres awaited the riders. UAE Team Emirates XRG set a fast pace on the climb, with Jan Christen in particular working hard for his team leader Almeida. When Christen’s job was done, the other breakaway riders also waned and it remained for Almeida alone to take the victory.
Yesterday’s stage winner, Quinn Simmons (Lidl-Trek), was voted the most combative rider once again. Despite the exhausting breakaway of yesterday he still had enough energy to ride an attacking race today. Jan Christen (UAE Team Emirates XRG) was the best Swiss rider in 23rd place, moving up eight places to 17th in the General Classification after today’s stage.
Showdown between Almeida and O’Connor looming
Overall leader Romain Gregoire (Groupama-FDJ) controlled the gap to the winner today and will wear the yellow jersey tomorrow. However, Almeida gained a total of 1:09 minutes on the leader, including bonus seconds. The Portuguese rider is still 2:07 minutes behind Gregoire. Ben O’Connor (Team Jayco AlUla) has improved his position. The Australian, who is also one of the favourites, is only 56 seconds behind the leader. Between them are the two Frenchmen Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) in second place and Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor Pro Cycling Team), completing the provisional Tour podium.
Tomorrow the Queen Stage is on the agenda. A good 4000 metres of climbing over the Julier and San Bernardino Passes will reveal if one of the favourites can claim the yellow jersey and with it take a great leap towards winning the Tour.
