The Tour de Suisse field is growing. Italian team Corratec – Vini Fantini is the 24th team to be invited. The UCI ProTeam has a number of Swiss riders under contract and previously took part in this year’s Tour de Romandie.
With just a month until the start of the Tour de Suisse the Italian Team Corratec – Vini Fantini is a late inclusion. Tour Director Olivier Senn is sure they are not just coming to make up the numbers in the Tour: “As a second division team they are keen to perform strongly in WorldTour races, such as the Tour de Suisse, and will no doubt ride aggressively”. In addition with the likes of Antoine Debons, Valentin Darbellay, Jan Stöckli and, as of a few days ago, Alexandre Balmer, four Swiss riders will wear the Corratec – Vini Fantini jersey. “One of the main reasons for the invitation was of course the Swiss riders in the team,” Olivier Senn continues.
The Italian team participated in the two stage races of Tirreno-Adriatico and Tour de Romandie already this year. Now they are looking to make their mark at the Tour de Suisse. The Swiss members of the team are particularly motivated, including Alexandre Balmer: “It’s a dream for every Swiss cyclist to participate in the Tour de Suisse. I am really looking forward to taking part in the Tour for the first time. I will try to ride aggressively and hope for good individual results”.