Switzerland has some of the most dramatic climbs in the world but despite their jaw dropping curves the gradients tend to be at the more manageable end of the scale. Two time trials break up the week so expect the GC to be a controlled affair with the main favourites trying to make the difference in the time trials.
Stage 1 – Sat 14th June – Bellinzona
Short, 9.4 km individual time trial with a small but sharp climb at the end finishing with a twisty descent.
Stage 2 – Sun 15th June – Bellinzona → Sarnen
Straight in there with two HC climbs in the first half of the stage finishing off with 2, 2nd Cat climbs. The scenery will be truly stunning (see top image of Grimselpass and Furkapass).
Gotthardpass
Furkapass
Grimselpass
Brünigpass
Stage 3 – Mon 16th June – Sarnen → Heiden
A day of near constant climbing and descending but with just 3 categorised climbs, all 2nd Cat.
Sattel from Arth
Lichtensteig – Wasserfluh
Speicher
Stage 6 – Thur 19th June – Buren a. Aare → Delémont
A 1st, 2nd then 3rd Cat climb might not be the toughest of tests but with the two final climbs close to the finish there is a chance for some action.
Le Landeron to Lignieres
Les Rangiers
Stage 8 – Sat 21st June – Delémont → Verbier
The first of two big mountain days, this one is the longest stage of the race at 219 km and saves everything for the final ascent from Martigny to Verbier.
Verbier
Stage 9 – Sun 22nd June – Martigny → Saas-Fee
The final day with a 1st and 2nd Cat climbs to warm up on in the first half followed by another 1st Cat and finish up the HC climb to Saas-Fee.