On paper, this should be the easiest of the four mountain stages due to the long run in to the finish. After 11.4 kilometres of racing the riders will crest the cat 2 Julierpass and then race over undulating roads to the start of the category one Lukmanierpass. The summit is 1940 metres in altitude and the riders will descent over 1700 metres from there until the line in Ascona, with one category four climb (Sementina) and three bonus sprints livening things up.
As the top of the Lukmanierpass is 90 kilometres from the end, this stage is unlikely to have anything like the same effect on the general classification as the previous two days. However a strong, motivated break could take some time if things are disorganised behind, so the favourites will have to be vigilant.
-
Human Powered Health to debut new 'tailwind' textured kits created by new partner Verge Sport at Tour Down Under
New York-based cycling apparel company makes a 'milestone' move to Women's WorldTour -
The UCI rules have changed for 2026 – Everything you need to know
From equipment restrictions to new additions to the anti-doping watchlist, here's what's changed in 2026 -
'Guys won't be able to live at this intensity for 10-15 years like it was in the past' – Former Giro d'Italia winner Jai Hindley on how cycling's continued need for speed could lead to shorter careers
'Everyone is doing everything to the absolute limit – you either adapt and do everything you can, or you're left in the dust' says Australian -
'I'm certainly not at my best yet' – Mathieu van der Poel heads to Spain after going nine from nine in cyclo-cross, but the big goals are still to come
Dutchman will likely return to racing on January 24 at Maasmechelen World Cup
