Profiles. Right after the men's race, the female peloton also takes on racing in Swiss roads. The Tour de Suisse Women takes place from the 17th to the 20th of June and will have the riders in for a mixed route that features something for everyone.
The four stages present opportunities for the sprinters, time-trialists, puncheurs and climbers. All four stages have quite different profiles and allow different types of riders to succeed before a crucial moment of summer with the Giro Donne and Tour de France Femmes coming close.
Stage 1: Weinfelden - Weinfelden, 78.2 kilometers
Stage 1 is the shortest of the race - without counting the time-trial - only with 78 kilometers. In two hours the riders will get through this circuit in Weinfelden, where a sprint is expected despite the decently tough hilltop that will be climbed four times.
Stage 2 (ITT): St Gallen - Abtwill, 26 kilometers
Stage 2 will be a decisive one for the overall classification. Despite the short length of the race, the riders will take on 26 kilometers against the clock from St Gallen to Abtwill, where not only will the distance be high but the route will also include a few small climbs.
Stage 3: St Gallen - Ebnat-Kappel, 125.3 kilometers
Stage 3 from St Gallen to Ebnat-Kappel will be hilly, immediately kicking off with an ascent, but with an interesting finale. Summiting just a few kilometers before the finish, the climb to Ricken (7.1 kilometers at 3.9%) should see attacks and possibly the GC fight blowing up as many look to take back time lost on the time-trial.
Stage 4: Ebnat-Kappel - Ebnat-Kappel, 115 kilometers
Finally, the last day of racing will also be tough. It'll feature climbing throughout the whole 115 kilometers, lacking a true mountain ascent as Switzerland has plenty to offer, but featuring a tough final circuit. In Ebnat-Kappel the race will end, but the riders will tackle a 3 kilometer climb at 6% three times before arriving at the finish.