Groupama - FDJ came into the Tour de Suisse with goals for the overall classification, however it was unlikely that they expected Stefan Küng to be their best weapon into the final mountain stage, and also that the Swiss time-trialist would be placed so high in the overall classification.
“After the first stages, on which I felt good, I told myself that I was going to try to follow in the mountains," Küng said at the summit of Moosalp where he finished in 19th place, however remained in a strong seventh spot only 49 seconds away from race leader Jakob Fuglsang.
Kung finished in the front group in the opening stage which in itself was already a remarkable performance, however his consistency over the week saw him remain a possibility. Today's stage in the swelling heat, high altitude and long ascents was a big challenge for the rider who weights 83Kg - according to ProCyclingStats - however the losses were minimal, as he shed only 39 seconds to his rivals.
The Swiss has substantially developed his climbing skills over the past year and that work is showing. He is in a position where both Jakob Fuglsang and Geraint Thomas will be under pressure to distance Küng. Although tomorrow's stage to Malbun will be very complicated, he has been riding a very strong race and may have the support of Thibaut Pinot and Sebastien Reichenbach.
"I don't have any suitable preparation to make a general classification, but I'm progressing, and this year, I passed a milestone that allowed me to race in front. I was dropped just before the more rolling part, it's a shame, but I gave it my all and I can't blame myself for anything," Küng concluded. Today will be a critical day for his aspirations, however nothing can take away the success he's had so far in the race already.
Au classement général du Tour de Suisse après cette première étape de montagne : ▪️ Stefan Küng est 7e à 49 sec de Jakob Fuglsang ▪️ Sébastien Reichenbach est 10e à 1'29 ▪️ Thibaut Pinot entre dans le top 20 : 18e ▪️ Quentin Pacher est 21e suite à son échappée
