Switzerland 15 Jun – 22 Jun 2025 Class 2.UWT – Stages – UCI WorldTour
Website www.tds.ch
Email info@tds.ch
The Tour de Suisse is a prestigious annual professional road bicycle race held in Switzerland, widely considered one of the most important preparation races for the Tour de France.
Here’s a look at its rich history:
Early Beginnings (1933-1940s):
- First Edition: The Tour de Suisse was first held in 1933, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Swiss Cycling and Motorcycling Association. The inaugural winner was Austrian Max Bulla, who arrived in Zurich just an hour before the start and still managed to dominate the race.
- Wartime Interruptions: The race was impacted by World War II, only being held twice during the 1940s. A notable moment from this era was the 1941 edition where Sepp Wagner and Werner Buchwalder finished with identical times, requiring a track sprint in the Zurich Hallenstadion to decide the winner (Wagner won).
Post-War and Growth:
- The Tour de Suisse continued to grow in prominence after the war, attracting top riders and becoming a key event on the international cycling calendar.
- Most Wins: The record for the most overall victories in the men’s race belongs to Italian Pasquale Fornara, who won four times (1952, 1954, 1957, and 1958). Other notable multiple winners include Swiss legends Ferdinand Kübler and Hugo Koblet (three wins each), and more recently, Rui Costa (three consecutive wins from 2012-2014).
- Swiss and Italian Dominance: Historically, Swiss riders have secured the most overall victories, followed closely by Italian cyclists.
Modern Era and Key Developments:
- UCI Pro Tour (2005): In 2005, the Tour de Suisse was included in the inaugural UCI Pro Tour (now UCI WorldTour), solidifying its status as a top-tier event. This also led to the race being moved to earlier in June, further positioning it as a crucial tune-up for the Tour de France.
- Women’s Race: From 2021, a women’s race has been held concurrently with the men’s event, joining the UCI Women’s World Tour from 2023, showcasing a commitment to gender equality in cycling.
- Course Challenges: The race is known for its challenging mountainous terrain, featuring iconic Swiss passes and often unpredictable weather conditions, which can lead to dramatic shifts in the general classification.
The Tour de Suisse continues to be a highlight of the cycling season, offering thrilling racing and serving as a vital indicator of form for many of the sport’s biggest stars.
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Bob Jungels – INEOS Grenadiers, Luxembourg, 32 years
https://www.instagram.com/bobjungels
Luc Wirtgen – Tudor Pro Cycling Team
https://www.instagram.com/luc_wirtgen
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