The 2026 Tour de Suisse will officially start in Sondrio, Italy, on June 17. As the final key UCI WorldTour stage race before the Tour de France, it has long served as a vital platform for riders to fine-tune form, test team lineups and prepare for their Tour de France goals. The 2026 edition features a revamped format: the men’s race has been shortened from the traditional 8 stages to 5, running concurrently with the women’s event. This creates a tighter race schedule and fiercer competition. 
Held from June 17 to 21, the race covers a total distance of approximately 634.5 kilometres across 5 stages, including three hilly stages, one individual time trial and a decisive mountain stage for the overall classification. The race departs from Sondrio in Italy and crowns the overall winner at the iconic mountain finish of Villars-sur-Ollon in Switzerland. 

The Ultimate Pre-Tour de France Trial 
Alongside the Critérium du Dauphiné, the Tour de Suisse ranks as one of the most important warm-up races ahead of the Tour de France. Taking place less than three weeks before the Grand Départ, the event draws full rosters from all WorldTeams, who use it to assess climbing strength, team coordination and individual race readiness. 
Unlike the Critérium du Dauphiné, which leans heavily on high mountain terrain, the 2026 Tour de Suisse boasts a more balanced route. Organisers have designed the condensed schedule to maintain high competitiveness while enhancing spectator appeal and long-term operational sustainability. 
Many leading overall contenders for the Tour de France will use this race as their final major tune-up. French rising star Paul Seixas, who has been in excellent form recently, and other general classification (GC) riders will draw widespread attention. 

Stage 1: Sondrio – Sondrio (144 km) 
Mountainous Opening Stage: Early Battle for the Yellow Jersey 
For the first time ever, the race kicks off in Sondrio, Italy.
The opening stage stretches 144 kilometres with a total elevation gain of 2,455 metres. Classified as a hilly stage, it is rated 4 out of 5 in difficulty. Though it does not end with a summit finish, the rolling terrain will prompt tentative attacks from GC riders right from day one. 
Located in the Valtellina mountain region, Sondrio is a long-standing hub for cycling in the Alps. The course winds through local valleys and undulating roads, suiting climbers and powerful all-round riders alike. 
A bunch sprint is highly unlikely on this stage, and a select main group is expected to contest the finish. While time gaps between top GC riders will remain narrow, the first yellow jersey is very likely to be awarded on opening day. 

Full Stage Route Overview

The individual time trial on Stage 4 is set to become a major turning point in the overall standings. Meanwhile, the summit finish in Villars-sur-Ollon on the final Stage 5 will likely decide the final winner. Race organisers have confirmed that the overall title will largely be determined by the time trial in Aarburg and the tough climb of Col de la Croix on the closing day. 

Favourites for Overall Victory 
While official start lists are yet to be finalised, the Tour de Suisse always attracts top GC hopefuls targeting the Tour de France. 
Based on performances so far this season, defending Tour de France contenders will use this event to complete their final form check. Meanwhile, a new generation of young talents aims to prove they have what it takes to compete for overall honours in the three Grand Tours. For riders chasing a podium spot at the Tour de France, the Tour de Suisse is far more than just a race — it is a comprehensive test of form, recovery and teamwork. 
In addition, Mikel Landa, who has recently recovered from injury, plans to make his comeback here. His performance in the Tour de Suisse will be a key factor in deciding whether he will line up for the Tour de France.

Outlook 
With the Tour de France fast approaching, the 2026 Tour de Suisse carries greater significance than ever before. Though reduced to five stages compared with previous editions, it features a compact schedule, frequent climbs, a time trial and a mountain finish, covering nearly all the key abilities required for the Tour de France. 
The opening stage in Sondrio on June 17 will mark the official start of this year’s Tour de Suisse. Who will claim the first yellow jersey? Who will lift the overall winner’s trophy in Villars-sur-Ollon? All answers will be revealed over the next five days.