The first uphill road stage finish of the race should provide another shake up in the overall standings with a third category climb up to Chalmazel-Jeansagnière. The preceding 155km are rolling throughout with the Col de Durbize coming inside the opening 15km, and the Col de la Croix Nicelle after 52km. However, it's the final slog to up Chalmazel-Jeansagnière and the all-important Côte de Saint-Georges-en-Couzan that comes just before that should set the race alight. Teams such as Sky and Tinkoff will have to measure their approaches in order to control the field but with so many fresh legs, the attacks will be constant. If this stage came later in the race it would be ideal for a break but with the race so tightly contested, there's little chance in the peloton being so relaxed.
Cyclingnews' top tip: Simon Gerrans (Orica-GreenEdge): A breakaway could be a threat but if not – or if in there – the Australian has the characteristics to be aggressive on the long, gentle ascent to the line, along with the requisite punch to finish it off.
-
‘After the surgery I feel so much stronger’ – Sarah Gigante goes on the attack on return to the Women’s WorldTour at Tour de Suisse
Australian captures mountains jersey on stage 1 after a powerful performance on Juanpass -
Unbound Gravel 200 live coverage draws more than 300,000 views in 50 countries
Sean Christian takes first leader's jersey at Tour de Beauce with Oscar Sevilla in the hunt, Marlies Mejías earns double titles at Cuban Nationals - North American Roundup -
Tour de Suisse 2025 start list
Official start list for 2025 Tour de Suisse -
'I think she could give a bit extra' - Vollering out-matched by Reusser in Tour de Suisse Women stage 1
Reusser explains how 'second group syndrome' played a crucial role in her stage-winning tactics
